7 Best Vocal Media Alternatives for Article Writers to Earn Money

Vocal Media has become a popular option for article writers to get paid per read, but it's far from the only platform out there. Whether you write personal stories, opinion pieces, lifestyle content, or digital essays, you don’t need to rely on one site—or get stuck in one revenue model.

If you're an article writer looking to get paid for your work, here are the best alternative platforms to consider in 2025.

1. Medium Partner Program

Best for: Opinion pieces, how-tos, life lessons, and tech writing

How you earn: Based on member reading time

Medium remains one of the best platforms for monetizing articles. Writers in the Medium Partner Program earn money when Medium members spend time reading their work. The more engaging and valuable your writing, the more you'll earn.

👉 Tip: Submit to high-traffic publications like Better Humans, Start It Up, or Post-Grad Survival Guide to boost your exposure.

2. Substack

Best for: Essays, personal reflections, niche topics

How you earn: Paid newsletter subscriptions

Substack isn’t just for newsletters—it’s a powerful platform for article writers. You can write regular posts (essays, stories, commentary), grow your audience, and convert your most loyal readers into paying subscribers.

👉 You decide how much of your content is free vs. paid, giving you full creative control.

3. Simily

Best for: Short stories, creative nonfiction, and personal essays

How you earn: Per read (similar to Vocal)

Simily is a direct alternative to Vocal Media with a very similar business model. You publish short pieces and get paid based on reads. It’s newer and smaller, but growing. For article writers who prefer storytelling or creative nonfiction, it’s a great option to explore.

4. NewsBreak Contributor Program

Best for: Local news, lifestyle, and trending topics

How you earn: Performance-based bonuses and traffic payments

NewsBreak pays article writers for posting trending content, including local news, health, and entertainment. Writers earn based on engagement and page views. It’s especially good if you’re good at headline writing and covering real-world issues quickly.

5. Medium Alternatives with Built-In Audiences

If you want platforms with high exposure and monetization potential, try:

HubPages – Pays writers through ad revenue sharing. Great for how-to articles and lifestyle content.

Tealfeed – Indian-based content platform that shares revenue and lets writers build niche audiences.

Steemit – A blockchain-based platform where you earn crypto for upvoted content.

These aren’t as sleek as Medium or Vocal, but they offer real earning potential if you write consistently and build readership.

6. Ko-fi or Buy Me a Coffee (for Article Creators)

Best for: Independent writers with loyal followers

How you earn: Tips, memberships, and paywalled content

You don’t need a formal platform to monetize your articles. Create a Ko-fi or Buy Me a Coffee page and share your work directly through your website, social media, or email. Many writers post free articles and add donation links—or offer exclusive articles to members.

7. Freelance Writing Sites (Optional for Pitch-Ready Writers)

Best for: Writers who don’t mind client work

How you earn: Per article or project

While not passive like Medium or Vocal, platforms like ProBlogger Jobs, ClearVoice, and Contently allow you to pitch articles and get paid for your expertise. You’ll need to apply or pitch, but payouts can be $100+ per article, depending on the niche.

Final Takeaway: Write Smart, Publish Wide

If you’re relying solely on Vocal Media to make money as an article writer, you’re leaving income—and audience—on the table.

Start with Medium and Substack if you're focused on writing essays and blogs. Try Simily or NewsBreak if you want a Vocal-like payout model. And use Ko-fi or Buy Me a Coffee to collect direct support from your readers.

No matter which route you take, remember: your words are valuable. Publish widely, promote wisely, and let your writing work for you.