# Understanding Medium Earnings Algorithms: Insights Needed
Written on
Chapter 1: The Mystery of Medium Earnings
Recently, I found myself perplexed by the fluctuations in my Medium earnings. Although I realize it might seem trivial to obsess over these metrics, it’s challenging not to get caught up in them from time to time. Initially, I expected to make a couple of dollars at best.
To my surprise, when I checked my earnings the next morning, I had made $13, which felt like a significant achievement for me. However, a closer examination of the statistics revealed something puzzling. One article garnered $10 from just 22 views and 32 minutes of “member reading time.” This struck me as peculiar, especially considering that the same article had previously received 540 views and accumulated 15 hours of “member reading time,” earning only $20. How can 36 minutes of reading time yield half of what 15 hours brought in?
Another piece I posted had 27 minutes of reading time and earned a mere 64 cents, while yet another had zero reading time and still made 30 cents. What on earth is happening here?
Half of 900 equals 36, carry the 27, divide by 30, multiply by zero, and maybe you’ll hit the target. At this rate, I’m unsure how we’ll ever make it to Mars.
Somebody once mentioned that the earnings depend on how many stories your audience is engaging with. If they are consuming a variety of articles, the earnings from your work might dwindle compared to when they read only your pieces. While this explanation has some merit, the inconsistencies in earnings can be hard to believe.
If anyone has insights into this conundrum, I would be eager to hear them.
Section 1.1: Insights into Earnings Calculations
Understanding the intricacies of how platforms like Medium calculate earnings can be baffling. The data points often seem disconnected, leading creators to question the reliability of their analytics.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Role of Reader Engagement
Photo by Dan-Cristian Pădureț on Unsplash
Section 1.2: The Community's Perspective
It's interesting to note how creators often share their experiences with earnings. The community's collective knowledge could shed light on these perplexing metrics.
Chapter 2: Seeking Clarity in Earnings
In this video, Elon Musk discusses the intricacies of algorithms, providing insights that may apply to understanding platforms like Medium.
This video features Elon Musk emphasizing the importance of dedication and hard work, concepts that resonate with content creators navigating the challenges of online earnings.