Medium, the popular online publishing platform, has been the subject of speculation in recent years. Critics argue that it’s losing its relevance and vitality, while supporters maintain that it remains a robust and vibrant space for writers and readers alike. But what do the numbers actually say? Is Medium truly dead, or is this just another case of internet hyperbole?

To answer this question, we need to examine Medium’s user statistics. According to data from SimilarWeb, as of 2021, Medium attracts over 200 million visitors every month. This figure represents a significant increase compared to previous years; in fact, between 2017 and 2018 alone, traffic on the site doubled. Moreover, these aren’t passive visitors who merely skim content — they are highly engaged users who spend an average time of four minutes per visit.

Another important metric is the number of articles published on Medium. Although precise figures are hard to come by due to Medium’s decentralized nature (anyone can publish at any time), estimates suggest that tens of thousands of new posts appear daily. This volume indicates not only a thriving community but also an ongoing demand for diverse content.

However, despite these impressive numbers, there’s no denying that some aspects of Medium have changed over time — changes which have prompted concerns about its future viability.

For instance, in early 2019 Medium introduced a paywall system where only paying members could access certain premium articles. This decision sparked controversy among both writers and readers; many feared it would limit access to quality content and discourage participation.

Yet despite initial backlash against the paywall system — with some predicting it would be “the death” of Medium — such fears seem largely unfounded when viewed through numerical lens: membership reportedly grew by nearly three times after introducing paid subscriptions.

Moreover, while there was indeed a drop in engagement immediately following the paywall introduction (with total claps decreasing by around 50%), this trend reversed in the following months. By late 2019, Medium had already recovered its pre-paywall engagement levels and continued to grow.

In conclusion, while Medium has certainly undergone significant changes — some of which have been controversial — it’s far from “dead.” The numbers show a platform that continues to attract millions of engaged users and host a vast array of content. It’s clear that as long as there are people interested in reading and writing thought-provoking articles, Medium will continue to serve as a vital space for them. Rather than focusing on whether or not Medium is dying, perhaps we should be asking how it’s evolving and adapting in the ever-changing landscape of online publishing.