BULB vs Medium vs Hive: Which Platform Pays the Best?

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1 Jan 2026

Introduction

The rise of online writing platforms has given creators more ways than ever to monetize their content. Among the most discussed today are BULB, Medium, and Hive. Each platform offers a different model, a different audience, and a different way to earn.
But one question matters the most for writers:
👉 Which platform actually pays the best?
In this article, we will compare BULB, Medium, and Hive based on how they reward creators, how accessible they are, and which type of writer benefits the most from each one.

Understanding the Three Platforms

Before comparing earnings, it’s important to understand what each platform is designed for.
Medium is a Web2 publishing platform focused on high-quality articles and subscriptions.
Hive is a blockchain-based social network with a strong crypto-native community.
BULB is a Web3 write-to-earn platform built around engagement and creator rewards.
They may seem similar, but their monetization models are very different.

How Medium Pays Writers

Medium rewards writers mainly through the Medium Partner Program.
Earnings depend on:

Reading time from paying members
Article engagement
Content relevance to Medium’s audience

Medium can pay well if:

You write long, high-quality articles
Your content attracts a lot of paying subscribers
You already have an audience or strong distribution

However, Medium has limitations:

You must rely on Medium’s algorithm
Earnings are unpredictable
Writers in some regions face payout restrictions

For many beginners, earning consistent income on Medium can be difficult without visibility or experience.

How Hive Pays Writers

Hive uses a blockchain reward system where users earn crypto tokens based on upvotes from the community.
On Hive:

Articles are rewarded through community voting
Earnings depend heavily on reputation and network
Early adopters and whales have strong influence

Hive can be profitable if:

You are deeply involved in the community
You build relationships with influential users
You understand crypto dynamics

However, new users often struggle because:

Visibility is limited at the beginning
Rewards depend on others’ voting power
Growth can be slow without connections

Hive rewards loyalty and long-term involvement, but it can feel competitive for newcomers.

How BULB Pays Writers

BULB follows a different philosophy.
Instead of relying only on:

Subscriptions (like Medium)
Voting power (like Hive)

BULB rewards overall engagement and contribution.
You earn points by:

Writing articles and threads
Receiving comments and reactions
Reading and engaging with others
Staying active consistently

These points are later converted into BULB tokens.
What makes BULB unique is that:

New users can earn from day one
Engagement matters as much as writing
Consistency is rewarded over time

This creates a more balanced system for beginners and experienced writers alike.

Which Platform Is More Accessible?

Accessibility plays a huge role in earning potential.
Medium requires:

High writing standards
Strong English proficiency
Often an existing audience

Hive requires:

Understanding of crypto and blockchain
Community networking
Long-term patience

BULB requires:

Basic writing skills
Willingness to engage
Consistency over time

For many writers—especially beginners or creators in emerging markets—BULB is easier to start with.

Short-Term vs Long-Term Earnings

Each platform shines in a different timeframe.
Medium can pay well in the short term if an article performs exceptionally well.
Hive can be rewarding in the long term for users who build strong reputations and networks.
BULB focuses on steady and progressive earnings, where effort compounds over time through engagement and content history.
The “best” platform depends on your goals.

Control and Ownership

Another major difference is ownership.
On Medium:

The platform controls monetization
Algorithm changes can affect income

On Hive and BULB:

Earnings are token-based
Users own their crypto rewards
Value depends on ecosystem growth

Web3 platforms give creators more control, but also more responsibility.

Which Platform Pays the Best Overall?

There is no single answer—but there is a clear pattern.

Medium can pay more per article, but only for top-performing content
Hive can be profitable for well-connected, long-term users
BULB offers the most balanced opportunity for consistent earners

For most new and intermediate writers, BULB provides the best mix of accessibility, fairness, and growth potential.

Which Platform Should You Choose?

Your choice should depend on:

Your writing level
Your time availability
Your interest in crypto
Your long-term goals

Some creators even choose to use more than one platform, adapting content to each ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

So, which platform pays the best: BULB, Medium, or Hive?
👉 Medium rewards excellence and visibility
👉 Hive rewards community power and loyalty
👉 BULB rewards engagement, consistency, and participation
If you are looking for a platform where effort is rewarded progressively and fairly, BULB stands out as a strong option—especially in the Web3 era.