Substack vs Medium: Difference and Comparison

There exist several platforms where one can portray their different skills like acting, dancing, singing, writing etc. There are several platforms where people can showcase their talents, and it is also possible to earn money by doing so.

About article writing and publishing, there exist two such useful and renowned platforms, namely, 1. Substack, and 2. Medium.

Key Takeaways

  1. Substack and Medium are online publishing platforms allowing users to create and share content, but they serve different audiences and purposes.
  2. Independent writers and journalists primarily use Substack to publish newsletters and other types of content for subscribers. At the same time, Medium is a platform for publishing longer-form articles and essays on various topics.
  3. While Substack focuses on building direct relationships with subscribers, Medium is more of a social platform emphasizing community engagement and discovery.

Substack vs Medium

The difference between substack and medium is their founders and the years in which they were launched or introduced to the world. Substack was founded and created by Chris Best, Hamish McKenzie, and Jairaj Sethi in the year 2017. On the other hand, Medium was founded and created by Evan Williams on 15 August 2012.

Substack vs Medium

Substack is an online platform that enables users to publish, write, and analyze articles on various topics. It was created and founded by Jairaj Sethi, Hamish McKenzie and Chris Best in the year 2017.

Medium is an online platform where people can read and write various articles on different topics and express their opinions and views.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonSubstackMedium
Founders/ CreatorsJairaj Sethi, Hamish McKenzie and Chris BestEvan Williams
Founded on/ in201715 August 2012
Type ofEmail newsletter platformSocial publishing platform
Advantages1. Advanced features are available to people.
2. Subscription can be changed according to the user’s convenience.
3. Free tools for writing are provided.
4. Simple interface.
1. Import tools of high quality are provided.
2. Social engagement is easy. Reach to a new audience is easily carried out.
3. Higher chances of getting acknowledged and noticed by professional publishers.
4. New Social media audience can be achieved.
5. Minimum efforts are required.
6. Own publication can be carried out by the respective user.
Disadvantages 1. Integration with third-party applications is limited.
2. Data analysis is constrained.
3. Less discovery of content selection.
1. Less control is given.
2. Lack of analysis.
3. Search engine optimization can not be leveraged.

What is Substack?

Substack is an online platform that enables users to publish, write, and analyze articles on various topics. It was created and founded by Jairaj Sethi, Hamish McKenzie and Chris Best in the year 2017.

Substack is an online email newsletter platform. Many people find it useful to publish their articles and writings on substack. Substack has evolved and has introduced various features ever since it was introduced to the people. In the year 2019, a feature of adding podcasts was introduced among the newsletter subscribers.

Several advantages of the substack include advanced features available to people, and the subscription can be changed according to the user’s convenience, free tools for writing are provided, a simpler interface etc.

Although substack has some disadvantages too, including limited integration with third-party applications, data analysis is constrained, less discovery of content selection, etc.

What is Medium?

Medium is an online platform where people can read and write various articles on different topics and express their opinions and views.

Medium is a type of online publishing platform for all people around the world. Various bloggers also participate and publish blogs on Medium.

Several advantages of using Medium include importing tools of high quality are provided, and social engagement is easy, reach to a new audience easily carried out, higher chances of getting acknowledged and noticed by professional publishers, a new social media audience can be achieved, minimum efforts are required, own publication can be carried out by the respective user etc.

Some disadvantages of using Medium, too, include less control given, lack of analysis, search engine optimization can not be leveraged, etc.

Main Differences Between Substack and Medium

  1. Substack was founded in the year 2017. On the other hand, Medium was founded on 15 August 2012.
  2. The disadvantages of using Substack include limited integration with third-party applications, constraint data analysis etc.
References
  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0262407921006515

Last Updated : 03 July, 2023

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11 thoughts on “Substack vs Medium: Difference and Comparison”

  1. The article provides a clear understanding of the features and purpose of both Substack and Medium. It’s a valuable resource for writers looking for a suitable platform.

    Reply
  2. The historical background and key differences between Substack and Medium are well presented. This article is an excellent resource for anyone looking to use these platforms.

    Reply
  3. The comparison table is quite useful in understanding the differences between Substack and Medium. I appreciate the clear explanation provided.

    Reply
  4. The article effectively highlights the differences in the founding and types of Substack and Medium. It provides valuable insights into the platforms’ functionalities.

    Reply
  5. The detailed comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of Substack and Medium offers a well-rounded understanding of both platforms. Kudos to the writer for the insightful analysis.

    Reply
  6. I appreciate the detailed descriptions of Substack and Medium. The advantages and disadvantages are well articulated and help in making an informed decision.

    Reply
  7. I didn’t know that Substack primarily serves independent writers and journalists to publish newsletters. This was insightful.

    Reply
  8. The article gives comprehensive information about the Substack and Medium platforms, including their key features and advantages. It’s very informative.

    Reply
  9. The advantages and disadvantages of both platforms are compellingly detailed. I appreciate the comprehensive analysis provided.

    Reply
  10. The main differences between Substack and Medium are clearly outlined, making it easier for readers to distinguish between the two platforms. This article is very well researched.

    Reply

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