Which is best for you for creative writing:- Vocal or Medium
A broad comparison of Vocal and Medium features

Hey there! In today's digital world, writers have so many options for sharing their work and connecting with readers. Two popular platforms, Vocal and Medium, offer some great opportunities for writers. Vocal has cool dedicated communities for different genres, which is awesome if you write within a specific genre like fantasy, science fiction, or poetry. Medium, on the other hand, is a diverse platform that welcomes all kinds of writing, from personal stories to investigative journalism, to creative fiction and poetry. It's known for its clean and simple design, perfect for writers who value aesthetic presentation and a diverse audience. Both platforms have their own unique advantages, so it's really about finding the best fit for your creative writing style.
When it comes to audience, the two platforms offer very different experiences.
Vocal: If your creative writing is genre-specific, Vocal’s community-based structure could be a huge advantage. By publishing within a specific community, your work is more likely to be seen by readers who are genuinely interested in that genre. This targeted approach can lead to a more engaged readership, which is ideal for niche creative writing.
Medium: Medium’s strength lies in its broad and diverse audience. If your writing spans multiple genres or if you’re experimenting with different forms of creative expression, Medium allows you to reach a wider audience. The platform’s algorithm can help your work find readers across the globe, regardless of genre, making it a great choice if you’re looking to expand your reach.
Both platforms offer monetization options, but they cater to different types of writers.
Vocal: Vocal pays writers based on the number of reads their stories receive. For those looking to earn money directly from their creative writing, this can be a straightforward and rewarding system. Additionally, Vocal+ members can earn higher rates and gain access to exclusive challenges with cash prizes, providing an extra incentive for consistent writers.
Medium: Medium’s Partner Program allows writers to earn money based on the engagement their stories receive. The program rewards depth of engagement, meaning that if your creative writing captivates readers and keeps them on the page, you can potentially earn more. This system favors writers who are good at hooking readers and keeping them invested in the story.
How you present your writing can be just as important as the writing itself. Here’s how the platforms stack up:
Vocal: Vocal’s editor is user-friendly but somewhat rigid. It’s designed to help you structure your content for optimal exposure within the platform’s communities. This can be useful for beginners or those who prefer a more guided approach to publishing their work. However, it offers less flexibility in terms of formatting and design.
Medium: Medium’s editor is known for its clean, minimalist interface that allows for greater creative freedom. Writers have more control over formatting, and the platform’s design puts a strong emphasis on the visual presentation of your work. This can be particularly appealing if your creative writing benefits from stylistic choices that enhance the reading experience.
Okay, so you're trying to figure out which platform to go with, right? Let's break it down in a way that actually makes sense.
Vocal might be your jam if you're the type who gets a kick out of writing competitions and loves diving into niche communities. You know, if you're all about specific genres and want to connect with readers who are just as obsessed as you are. It's got this cool community vibe going on. Oh, and if you're hoping to make some cash from your writing? Vocal's got you covered with their Vocal+ thing and those writing challenges. Could be a nice little side hustle.
Now, Medium's a whole different ballgame. If you're looking to cast a wider net and reach all sorts of readers, this might be more your speed. It's great if you're the type who likes to play around with different styles or if your writing doesn't fit neatly into one box. You've got way more freedom in how you present your work here. And hey, if you manage to hook readers with your stories, you could make some decent money through their engagement-based system.
So, ask yourself: Do you want a cozy community of like-minded writers, or are you aiming to reach a broader audience? Are you all about specific genres, or do you like to mix it up? That should help you figure out which one feels right for you.


Comments (1)
I use both platforms, but I do perform better on Medium. However, Vocal is still my baby, because this was the first platform I started writing online on.