Chapter 1 The Algorithm's Anomalies

Have you noticed that something seems off with the Medium algorithm? Even the most established writers are feeling the impact.

I’ve been experiencing my own frustrations with the algorithm. Since February 20th, I’ve been consistently publishing articles, even juggling my final semester exams for my Master’s degree. I vividly recall one late night in the library, around 9:25 PM, when I felt compelled to write. I had just finished studying and knew the library would close at 10:00 PM. Fueled by a burst of focus, I challenged myself to draft a basic article structure in under 15 minutes. It was rewarding; my follower count surged from approximately 150 to 230 by March.

I experimented with article titles, applied all the strategies available, and noticed my stats fluctuating between 250 and 350 claps per piece, generating an average of $2 each. While this amount is modest, my primary concern was tracking my growth rather than the monetary aspect. With time, I believed those $2 could transform into $20 and beyond—something every writer should aim for.

However, an unexpected turn of events occurred.

On Thursday and Friday, I published two insightful articles: "The Real Reward of Hard Work Is Not What You Think (Powerful Advice)" and "Why Do We Avoid Doing What's Best For Us? (Despite Knowing It)." I was accustomed to the algorithm quickly promoting my work, so it was disheartening to see both articles receive no engagement for about seven hours. They were quickly overshadowed by a flood of new content.

What was causing my articles to be overlooked by the algorithm during this critical window?

Moreover, I noticed that even top writers I follow, who typically receive around 1,000 claps per article, were now struggling to reach even 500 claps after two to three days of publication. There seems to be a common sentiment among Medium creators regarding diminishing earnings and algorithm inconsistencies.

This article serves as my personal expression of frustration. So far this month, I’ve only managed to earn $30—not an impressive sum, but I remain determined to persevere. If the algorithm stabilizes, I can refine my strategy. However, its unpredictable nature makes it challenging to gauge my progress.

The first video highlights the reasons why the algorithm might not be promoting your video in 2024, echoing the frustrations many writers feel.

Chapter 2 Engagement Challenges

I've reached out to see if anyone else feels similarly. Your insights in the comments would be greatly appreciated.

Medium isn’t solely about the algorithm; it’s also about connecting with others, supporting their work, and sharing valuable insights. While it’s important not to become overly fixated on algorithm performance, it ultimately influences what your audience sees and when.

The second video discusses the broken state of the YouTube algorithm, shedding light on broader issues that creators face across platforms.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts.