Publishing platform Medium is launching a $5 monthly premium service.
The paid layer will give members access to exclusive stories, new features and an updated version of the reading list.
Medium, which has hosted 7m articles since launching in 2012, hopes the paid service will lead to an ad-free version of the site and help to engender “the right type of content”, which it describes as content that reaps rewards for publishers based on value, rather than number of clicks.
The platform also said that revenue generated will be used to pay writers and publishers.
Medium explained in a post: “We invite you to join us as a paid member and to help support an ad-free platform that delivers the right type of content: the type that can only be created when independent writers and publishers are rewarded based on value rather than clicks.
“Medium will remain free and open for anyone who wants to share ideas with the world. And now, as a reader, you can upgrade to become a member and experience a new layer of Medium.”
While it is still keeping its freemium service, this premium option will cost $5 per month, and give access to new reading features, exclusive stories from top writers, and an offline reading list this isn’t reliant on WiFi.
The premium version of Medium is currently being rolled out to a handful of users and you can sign up for further updates on the site.
To find out more please click here.