Member-only story
Medium’s Read Ratio: A Double-Edged Sword
Right goal, wrong metrics: The cost of flawed read-time calculations
There are many discussions about Medium’s mysterious algorithm. I love mysteries. So I decided to go deeper.
Medium never show their exact formula for writer earnings. But they do share the principal of their algorithm. Thanks for that transparency.
As Medium’s Help Center, earnings are based on four key factors:
1. Reading/Listening Time
This measures reader activity on your story. Medium’s algorithm tracks scrolling behavior. They can identify normal and unusual reading patterns, unusual pauses, bot-like reading behaviors, and even when you’ve likely left to make coffee!
The 30-second read metric isn’t simply time spent on the page. It’s the sum of “real” reading periods of time.
I have no issues with this. Their platform, their rules.
2. Engagement Points
These are calculated based on member reading/listening time, the number of people who clapped, highlighted, and responded to your story.
3. Boost Bonus
