Alright, listen up. If you're looking to get followers on Medium, here's the lowdown: It's not just about some random number on your profile. Medium's got over a billion visitors monthly, so yeah, it’s the real deal for writers.
But followers? They're not just a vanity metric. They're the ones who make you seem credible, share your stuff, and, wait for it, actually pay you.
Followers aren't just sitting there doing nothing. They’re pushing your voice out, giving your work some social clout, and influencing your paychecks through the Medium Partner Program. You know, the one that pays based on how long people read your stuff? Yeah, that’s a thing.
First, understand why they're important. They're not just numbers; they help you get noticed, build social proof, and rake in cash. You want your content to get eyes? You want that sweet engagement? Then start getting those followers. It’s simple: More followers = more visibility = more money in your pocket.
So if you’re ready to make Medium work for you, let’s stop messing around and start growing that following, one follower at a time.
How to Get Followers on Medium? - 3 Easy Steps to Start with
Growing organically on Medium can be tough, especially in this age of fast-paced, short content. Since Medium is mostly for slow reads and descriptive essays, it is important to strategize to be in favour of the algorithm.
1. Be Consistent and Engaging
Building a follower base on Medium starts with consistency and engagement.
Here's how to do it :
Consistency means you’re posting regularly with content your audience actually wants. Don’t just throw random stuff out there; stick to what works.
Engagement? It’s not just about getting reads. It’s about building a real connection with your readers and fellow writers. That’s what keeps the ball rolling long-term.
Follow people in your niche. Read their stuff. Learn their style. It’ll help you get the right followers and stay in the loop. And let’s not forget your first impression, spend some time on your thumbnails and titles. They’re the first thing people see, so make it count.
Keep posting regularly, get involved, and make your content pop. That’s the magic formula for building and keeping followers.
2. Using Publications for Growth
If you are writing solo on Medium, Great!
You’ve got all the freedom to spill your thoughts however you want.
But let’s face it. When you're just starting, getting noticed on that crowded platform can be tough. So yeah, publications? They’ll make your life a whole lot easier.
What are Medium Publications?
Medium publications are like digital magazines or hubs where articles are gathered around one topic, not unlike a magazine, but way cooler. They curate content from a bunch of writers and roll it all up into regular "issues." Kind of like a group project, except it’s not a nightmare.
These publications bring together different voices under one theme. That means instead of trying to attract readers on your own, you get to ride on the coattails of a bigger, niche-specific audience. More eyeballs, less effort. Win-win.
So, how do they actually work?
Well, any Medium member can start a publication by creating a page with a clear focus, a bio, and a fancy logo. Simple, right?
Publications have editors who are like gatekeepers. They decide who gets published. So, when you finally get your story accepted, it’s not just your audience reading it; it’s the whole publication’s. Talk about fast-tracking your growth.
The process to get into a publication is pretty straightforward:
- Get added as an author by an editor.
- Submit your stories for their approval.
To get in, you need to pitch high-quality, relevant content that fits the publication’s vibe. Simple as that. Editorial approval is just their way of making sure you’re not posting random ramblings.
Joining publications? Smart move. You tap into already established networks and content distribution channels. Plus, you get to ride the coattails of bigger names, making your content more visible to people who actually care about your niche.
Here are some top publications to consider:
So, get in there, join some publications, and let the traffic roll in.
Solo Posting vs Publication Posting
When it comes to posting on Medium, you’ve got two ways to go: fly solo or get cozy with a publication. Both have their perks, depending on what you’re aiming for.
Flying solo means your articles live on your personal Medium page and mostly show up for your followers. You get to call all the shots on what and when to post.
If you're hoping for your reach to skyrocket, think again. It's all up to the algorithm and how many people already follow you. So, unless you've got a killer following or Medium’s feeling generous, it’s a bit of a gamble.
On the flip side, publications are like the VIP lounges of Medium. They already have an audience, and if you get in, you’re tapping into that ready-made crowd.
Plus, some publications will even help you tighten up your writing with editorial feedback. But here’s the catch: you've got to play by their rules. If you're cool with that, though, this route is perfect for getting more eyes on your stuff.
So, if you’re about personal brand-building and direct connection with readers, go solo. But if you want to widen your reach and don’t mind fitting in with someone else’s vibe, consider going the publication route.
Solo publishing is all about owning your vibe, your brand, and your space. You control the narrative, no editors messing with your flow.
Publications? They’re the fast track to getting eyes on your work. More reach, less hustle.
Most writers start by jumping into publications to get noticed, then switch gears and build their own personal profile (or even a publication) for that long-term impact.
Pitch top publications first, grab that audience, then start flexing your personal brand. Boom.
3. External Promotion for More Followers
Want to get followers on Medium? Stop hiding in your little corner and start showing off your work on other platforms.
People who love a good, slow read aren’t just lurking on Medium—they’re scrolling Twitter, LinkedIn, and everywhere else. So, get your stuff in front of them where they already are. That's how you bring them back to Medium.
Driving Traffic from Social Media
One of the most effective ways to grow your Medium audience is by distributing your posts across multiple platforms. Medium’s algorithm rewards external traffic, and social media channels like Twitter and LinkedIn are excellent choices here.
To promote Medium posts on Twitter:
- Share the article with a neat, interesting hook instead of just the title.
- Use 1–2 relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
- Tag thought leaders or impactful communities related to your post’s topic.
- Repurpose quotes or insights from your article into standalone tweets, linking back to the full post.
To promote your authored pieces on LinkedIn:
- Write a short, purposeful summary of your article as a post and add the Medium link at the end.
- Share in relevant LinkedIn groups where your niche is prevalent.
- Engage with commenters to encourage more reach.
- Consider posting a carousel or infographic that explains your article’s key takeaways better, then invite readers to read the full piece on Medium.
While you do this, it is important to remember to treat each platform as a funnel to your Medium profile. Regularly repackage content in ways that fit into the platform’s atmosphere - buzzing threads for Twitter, motivational posts for LinkedIn, and visual storytelling for Instagram or TikTok.
Don't forget to always link your Medium profile when sharing individual posts.
End with a subtle call-to-action statement like “Follow me on Medium for discussions like this.”
This helps convert casual scrollers into dedicated followers.
Email Lists & Newsletters
Medium readers? They love a slow read, which means they’re more likely to stick around and sign up.
Smart writers drop irresistible calls-to-action in their articles. Offer something juicy—like exclusive content or a free starter kit, and watch the sign-ups roll in.
Do you own an email list? That’s your personal hotline to your audience. No algorithm to mess with. No policies to dance around. Just you, straight to their inbox.
And let’s talk about Medium’s audience. These people don’t skim, they dive deep into content. Perfect for growing a solid newsletter.
Don’t forget to keep that list in check. Clean it, segment it, and automate it. Your open rates and engagement will thank you.
Oh, and automate those welcome emails and drip campaigns. Set it and forget it. Keep subscribers hooked with fresh, timely content.
SEO for Medium Posts
Medium posts can rank well on Google thanks to Medium.com’s high domain authority and established trust.
Medium already has a built-in audience and covers a wide range of niches, giving quality content a better chance to get discovered.
To optimize your posts for search engines, focus on:
The key is creating content that answers real questions people are searching for, rather than only chasing viral appeal within Medium’s feed.
Keyword research, structured posts, and internal linking all improve visibility and user experience. Medium SEO shares the same principles as traditional blog SEO. Keyword optimization, quality content, and internal linking are all included, but it benefits from an authoritative domain.
Blogs give more control over branding and technical SEO, while Medium allows faster discovery. Still, capturing emails or other ways to engage readers off-platform is essential for long-term audience growth.
3 Content Strategies That Work On Medium to Get Followers
The following techniques would help you make getting more followers on Medium easier.
1. Choosing the Right Niche
Niche selection guides your audience growth. In 2025, top-performing niches on Medium are:
2. Writing for Engagement
On Medium, the sweet spot for the length of articles that perform well usually falls in the 600 to 1,500-word range. This length strikes the right balance of better content relevance and retention. It is long enough to provide depth and value, but concise enough to hold attention.
Shorter posts often lack substance and struggle with SEO, while overly long pieces can lose the interest of readers unless crafted with exceptional storytelling.
For stronger readability and engagement, authors should :
3. Publishing Frequency & Timing
Consistency matters more than content volume on Medium. Authors who maintain a steady publishing rhythm tend to build stronger reader trust and retention.
Posting one to three times per week is often ideal. This level of posting is frequent enough to stay visible and relevant without overwhelming readers or sacrificing quality.
Timing can also influence performance. Articles published during weekday mornings (EST) often see higher engagement, as that’s when Medium’s audience is most active.
However, results will vary depending on niche and readership, so experimenting with different days and times helps identify the optimum balance for a particular audience that each writer is seeking to attain.
The priority should remain on quality and regularity. A mindful, well-crafted piece of story once a week will, most times, outperform rushed content posted daily.
So if you're an author trying to gain traction early on in your career, post consistently and try giving your pieces a small boost with every post.
Monetization & Follower Growth
More followers mean more readers & eventually more income from the Medium platform. Consistent, good-quality written pieces are key to gaining and keeping a loyal following.
Medium Partner Program & Followers
One of the most common questions writers ask is, "Does having more followers increase Medium Partner Program earnings?" The short answer is yes.
But that doesn't happen directly.
Since the 2023 update to the Medium Partner Program, payouts now depend on reading time and engagement.
Medium claps, highlights, comments, and even new followers gained from a story are the metrics that are the determinants.
The old requirement of 100 followers to qualify for the program is not necessary now, but it doesn't mean followers no longer matter.
Still, followers act as a built-in amplifier. Publishing in publications with large follower bases also helps, since their audience can increase your overall reach and earnings potential.
So while the number of followers is not directly paying you by any unit-per-follower count, it impacts the engagement and reading time, which will in turn determine the earnings paycheck.
Writers who steadily grow followers while delivering quality stories usually see their Medium earnings trend upward over time.
Building Authority Through Followers
Followers are a key indicator of credibility and influence on Medium. A substantial follower base provides social proof, portraying to new readers that your content is trusted and valued.
This perception of Medium users can enhance your content reach, increase readership, and open doors to professional opportunities within your niche.
From a platform perspective, a larger following widens your reach. Articles are more likely to be read, recommended, and shared, which strengthens your reputation as a popular and reliable author.
Over time, this contributes to both visibility and monetization potential and would quite literally translate into a bigger paycheck through the Medium Partner Program.
Understand Medium Followers in Detail
Medium followers are your built-in audience. They actively boost reach and give credibility to your writing.
Medium Followers vs Readers
On Medium, readers are the users who come across your articles, often via search, tags, or the platform’s recommendations. Many of these readers are casual visitors who may view a single story without engaging further.
Followers, on the other hand, are users who actively subscribe to your profile, expressing a genuine interest in your work. Followers receive notifications whenever you publish, making them far more likely to engage loyally through claps, comments, and shares.
While both readers and followers are valuable, followers are the essentials of long-term growth. Readers may push initial discovery of new authors, but followers provide a loyal base that ensures sustained engagement.
This loyalty is particularly important for nurturing author loyalty and boosting earnings in the Medium Partner Program, as followers tend to generate higher reading time, more claps, and recurring interaction.
Focusing on growing followers rather than chasing fleeting views creates a more sustainable, more interested audience, one that supports both credit and monetization over time.
How Does the Medium Algorithm Work?
Medium recommends content based on engagement signals:
Tags, Claps & Highlights Explained
Tags, claps, and highlights are essential tools for increasing the visibility and impact of your content on Medium. Understanding how each works helps you reach the right audience and measure your success on Medium effectively.
Tags categorize your articles and ensure they appear on the feeds of interested readers. Selecting relevant, specific tags improves author visibility and helps your content reach an active audience.
Claps act as reader endorsements. A higher number of claps means that your story is popular or likable, both to the algorithm and to potential readers, increasing its likelihood of being recommended.
Highlights are excerpts chosen by readers from your article. They provide credibility, showing that portions of your content are particularly valuable, making it easier to attract more readers while portraying your content quality to the platform.
4 Common Challenges & Mistakes
Addressing these challenges with a consistent, strategic approach is essential for building a sustainable and engaged audience. If your followers aren’t growing, it usually comes down to a few key issues.
1. Inconsistent Posting
When articles appear irregularly, both readers and Medium’s algorithm struggle to recognize your work, which slows audience growth.
2. Ineffective Use of Tags
Tags help the right readers find your content. Using irrelevant, overly broad, or generic tags reduces your chances of being discovered and limits engagement.
3. Skipping Medium Publications
Publishing within established publications gives your articles access to built-in audiences. Skipping this step can significantly limit your reach.
4. Lack of External Promotion
Sharing your work on social media, niche communities, or other platforms drives traffic from outside Medium and helps convert casual readers into loyal followers.
Ready to grow your Medium followers and get more claps?
Frequently Asked Questions
While you can’t buy authentic followers directly on Medium, Socialplug provides a safe, effective way to grow your audience. It helps you reach the right readers, increase engagement, and build genuine followers organically—without violating Medium’s rules or risking your credibility.
Claps show appreciation, but they don’t automatically convert into followers. They can increase visibility, but followers come from repeated value and meaningful interaction.
Yes. The platform is beginner-friendly. It gives you tools to reach an audience, test your writing, and gradually build authority in your niche. How long does it take to grow followers? It takes time. Consistently posting well-written articles and engaging with your audience usually leads to noticeable growth over weeks or months. Patience is essential.
Start by engaging authentically. Comment on other writers’ posts, share insights, and connect with readers. Publish consistently, focus on quality, join active publications, and promote your work on social media or other channels. These steps help build an initial loyal following.
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0 Comments
Great tips! I never realized how much engagement impacts growth more than just posting frequently. I've been focusing only on content, but now I see how interacting with my audience can make a difference. Time to step up my strategy!
Super helpful article! I always thought Facebook Groups were just for discussions and never really considered them as a tool for growing followers. The idea of actively engaging and sharing valuable content in relevant groups makes so much sense. I'll definitely start participating more and see how it impacts my page. Thanks for the great advice!