Medium has long been the go-to platform for writers sharing insights, essays, and stories.
But as it expanded, many creators began looking elsewhere, frustrated by limited monetization, algorithmic visibility, and minimal control over design or audience ownership.
Today, a new generation of platforms offers what Medium can’t:
Let’s explore the top eight Medium alternatives in 2025 that empower modern writers to write, publish, and grow freely.

Writing Manager redefines how writers organize, publish, and monetize their craft.
It’s not just another blog platform; it’s a complete ecosystem for managing projects, tracking goals, and understanding your audience.

Who It’s Best For:
Freelance writers, content teams, and authors who want one central space for writing, publishing, and project tracking, without juggling multiple tools.
Now, let’s check out Substack, a platform for building a direct connection with readers!

By charging subscribers for to their email newsletters, writers may make money on Substack, a platform that has grown in popularity. Through direct email updates, authors engage with readers, creating a tight-knit community and generating revenue from devoted subscribers.
For anyone looking to interact with a targeted audience regularly, Substack is ideal.
We'll now move on to WordPress, a traditional platform that provides complete customization and control!

For many years, bloggers who desire total control over their blogs have turned to WordPress. It provides self-hosting choices, themes, and plugins for limitless customization. Because it offers writers access to SEO tools, ad money possibilities, and design freedom, it's perfect for anybody looking for a distinctive blog.
Next, we’ll dive into Ghost, known for its sleek, minimalistic design and professional feel.

A contemporary, open-source platform aimed at publishers and professional writers is called Ghost. It is recognized for its organized, distraction-free working space and strong publishing features, such as memberships, subscription models, and SEO aid. For creators who are interested in a classy look and feel along with several kinds of livelihood alternatives, Ghost is excellent.
Another possibility is Patreon, which is an unusual method to create a community through content!

With Patreon, authors can earn money from their work by providing unique content for various patron tiers through monthly memberships. This approach is ideal for authors who want to aid their customers with in-depth material or specific advantages. Additionally, Patreon offers authors to earn a steady income while cultivating a devoted readership.
Finding the right platform can transform your writing journey—let’s wrap up with some final thoughts!
Vocal Media pays writers based on reads and engagement time, similar to Medium but with clearer earning formulas.
It also hosts themed challenges and genre communities, a great starting point for beginner writers exploring monetization through storytelling.
Publishing on LinkedIn gives writers visibility among professionals and brands.
While not a traditional blog host, its algorithm favors insightful, authentic posts, helping experts grow authority and network reach.
If you write thought leadership, career advice, or B2B insights, LinkedIn can outperform Medium for engagement.
Although now part of the X ecosystem, Revue allows writers to merge social media audiences with email newsletters.
Writers with an active following can push content directly to subscribers without relying solely on algorithmic timelines, blending engagement and monetization effortlessly.
| Platform | Main Focus | Monetization Option | Best For | Distinct Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Writing Manager | Project & content management suite | Client invoicing, portfolio exposure | Freelancers, content teams | Combines writing tools, analytics & payments in one place |
| Substack | Paid newsletters | Reader subscriptions | Journalists, newsletter writers | Direct inbox delivery & recurring revenue |
| WordPress | Custom blogging & SEO | Ads, affiliates, memberships | Bloggers, brands | Total control over design & discoverability |
| Ghost | Publishing + memberships | Reader subscriptions | Professional writers | Clean interface & built-in paywall tools |
| Patreon | Creator community | Patron subscriptions | Authors & creators | Tier-based rewards & loyal fanbase building |
| Vocal Media | Story platform | Pay-per-read | Beginners, storytellers | Easy entry & themed challenges |
| LinkedIn Articles | Professional publishing | Brand visibility | Thought leaders, coaches | Massive organic reach & networking value |
| Revue / Beehiiv | Newsletter + social | Subscriptions, sponsorships | Influencers, creators | Combines social following with direct email list |
| Goal | Best Platform |
|---|---|
| All-in-one productivity + publishing | Writing Manager |
| Paid newsletter income | Substack |
| SEO-driven long-form control | WordPress |
| Elegant independence + memberships | Ghost |
| Community + recurring income | Patreon |
| Ad-free, easy story monetization | Vocal Media |
| Professional authority building | LinkedIn Articles |
| Social-driven content sharing | Revue / Beehiiv |
Every writer’s journey is different; some crave analytics and structure, others just want freedom to publish.
If you want an ecosystem that blends writing, client management, and audience growth, start with Writing Manager.
If you prefer simple publishing or monetized newsletters, Substack, Ghost, or WordPress remain top contenders.
The best alternative is the one that matches your workflow, goals, and creative rhythm.
So explore, test, and find the platform that lets your words and brand truly grow.
For all-in-one management and publishing, Writing Manager stands out.
It combines project tracking, analytics, and client invoicing — features missing on Medium or Substack.
Substack and Patreon generally offer the highest earning potential through direct subscriptions.
For per-read revenue, Vocal Media is also a solid option for beginner writers.
Yes, WordPress offers full control over design, SEO, and monetization, while Medium limits customization and ad revenue opportunities.
Writers seeking long-term brand growth prefer WordPress.
Vocal Media and Writing Manager are beginner-friendly.
Vocal makes publishing quick and accessible, while Writing Manager helps new writers stay organized and build a portfolio.
Ghost and Writing Manager both cater to professionals.
Ghost excels in minimalist publishing and memberships, while Writing Manager integrates workflow, portfolio, and client management — ideal for freelancers and agencies.
Absolutely. Platforms like Substack, Ghost, and Patreon allow direct monetization through subscriptions and memberships — no ads required.
Arina
Oct 28, 2025Really glad I came across this — fantastic roundup! 🙌 The way you covered each platform (Writing Manager, Substack, WordPress, Ghost, Patreon) shows a lot of balance: you point out their strengths, how they serve different kinds of writers, and what to watch out for. The section that resonated with me most was Ghost — clean, minimal, and professional. And I liked how you emphasized community-building through Substack and Patreon — too often that’s overlooked. Thanks for laying it all out so clearly — this helped me see which platform might suit me best.