Core Difference {#difference}
Substack = newsletter + publishing platform where you own the email list. Medium = publishing platform where Medium owns the distribution.
That one difference - who owns the relationship - decides almost everything else.
Choose Substack When {#substack}
- You want a list you can export and take anywhere
- Paid subscriptions are your monetization plan (Substack takes 10%)
- You're building a newsletter-first business
- You already have (or can build) an audience channel - SEO, social, YouTube
- You want free hosting with no monthly fee on the free tier
Choose Medium When {#medium}
- You want instant distribution to Medium's existing readership
- Partner Program income (per member reading time) is acceptable
- You're testing topics before committing to a newsletter
- You value Boost and editorial distribution
- Audience ownership isn't your priority right now
Using Both {#both}
The common pro pattern:
- Substack/beehiiv/Ghost = home base, where subscribers live
- Medium = syndication channel for reach and links
- Medium supports canonical links so republishing doesn't create duplicate-content SEO problems
Verdict {#verdict}
- Building a writing business / owned asset → Substack (or beehiiv for more growth tools)
- Want reach without building an audience first → Medium
- Serious about it → own home base + Medium as a distribution channel
More options: Substack vs Ghost | beehiiv alternatives.
