How Thomas Smith Earned $5K/Month Writing on Medium

Introduction

Thomas Smith started writing on Medium in 2019 simply to share ideas about AI and photography. What began as a spare-time outlet soon became a dependable source of extra income. In this case study, we'll walk through his journey: from his first $7 payout to a peak month of $19,199, and a steady $2,000–$5,000 thereafter.

Why Medium Stands Out

Medium is a reader-paid platform. Subscribers pay about $5 a month, and writers earn based on how long members spend reading their work. There are no ads, so the focus stays on content quality. As a writer, the built-in audience removes most marketing hassles—you simply publish and let the platform connect you with readers.

Thomas’s Background

Thomas studied AI and photography in college. He runs an AI photography company as his main job. That mix of tech know-how and visual flair gave him topics that many readers crave. Before Medium, he wrote for newspapers and magazines, honing clear, engaging prose.

Getting Started on Medium

His first article earned just $7. He kept writing, focusing on subjects he knew well. He learned to usepublications—sub-magazines on Medium—to extend his reach. When a popular publication accepted his work, readership jumped, and so did earnings.

Earnings Growth Over Time

By May 2024, he pulled in $4,350; in June, $2,306. His best month ever was $19,199 in 2020, a clear sign of what's possible when a post goes viral. Today he averages $2,000–$5,000 monthly, treating it as reliable side income.

Multiple Ways to Monetize

Beyond partner payouts, Thomas uses affiliate links, builds a newsletter of 3,000 subscribers, and gains photography/AI clients who reach out after reading his articles. The partner program pays by read time, affiliate links add extra commissions, and his visibility drives consulting gigs.

Key Strategies for Success

• Write on topics you know.
• Be conversational and share personal stories.
• Craft clear titles and strong intros.
• Submit to niche publications.
• Engage with comments and other writers.

Lessons Learned

Consistency pays off. It took months before income rose. Early low payouts can feel discouraging, but regular posting and refinement yield steady growth. Also, don’t depend on one viral hit—build an archive of helpful posts.

Conclusion

Thomas Smith’s path shows that focused, well-structured articles can translate into thousands of dollars each month. With zero ad stress, you can focus on giving readers helpful content and watch your side project turn into a meaningful income stream.