Lorene Melone
How To Set Up a Medium Account: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you wanna jump into the world of writing or just reading on Medium, this gotcha-laden but straightforward guide should help. Here’s the lowdown on creating an account quick, whether you’re using email, Google, or Apple. Plus, some tips on setting up your profile and following topics or writers you actually care about. By the end, you’ll be pretty much ready to engage and scroll with confidence.
Step 1: Navigate to Medium’s Website
Open up whatever browser you use — Chrome, Firefox, Edge — and type medium.com into the address bar. Hit Enter. Usually, the first link is from Medium itself, so click on medium.com. Sometimes it’s a bit buried in the search results, but that’s the site you want.
Step 2: Start the Sign-Up Process
You’ll see the buttons in the top right corner: Sign In and Get Started. If this is your first rodeo, click on Get Started. Otherwise, if you’ve done it before, just go straight to Sign In. Keep in mind, Medium sometimes takes you through the welcome screens even if you’re already signed up, so just navigate accordingly.
Step 3: Choose Your Sign-Up Method
Options — multiple ways to do this. For a quick signup, go with Google or Facebook — one click, and you’re essentially done. If you despise linking your socials, go for Sign up with email. Click that and type in your email address. Sometimes, it feels like Medium is trying to make it easier, yet still somehow makes you jump through hoops.
Step 4: Verify Your Email Address
After punching in your email and hitting Create Account, check your email inbox for that dreaded Medium verification email. Usually, it lands pretty quick, but on some setups, it’s delayed or gets caught in spam. Open the email, click on the verification link — and voila, your email’s confirmed. This step is necessary if you want to do anything beyond just browsing, so don’t skip it.
Step 5: Complete Your Profile Setup
After verifying, Medium will ask for your full name. Not sure why it needs that, but whatever. Type it in, hit Create Account again. Then it kinda pushes you to select interests — categories like programming, data science, fiction, whatever you fancy. Picking interests helps Medium feed you better content, but if you’re just here to dabble, skip the detailed selections.
Step 6: Choose Your Membership Plan
Now, here comes the money talk — or rather, whether you wanna pay for premium stuff. Medium offers free access plus memberships that unlock more articles, features, whatever. Honestly, for starters, just go with the free plan. No point in coughing up cash unless you get hooked and want the extra perks.
Step 7: You’re Basically Done
After all that, congratulations! Your account is set up. Now it’s time to start reading, writing, following your favorite writers, and tweaking your profile. Honestly, it’s kinda surprising how quick it is once you get the ball rolling, but the devil’s in the details sometimes.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Definitely double-check your email if verification emails are being especially lazy — sometimes, they take a while or land in spam. Use a strong password when signing up with email, just in case, because Medium’s not really famed for top-tier security. Also, spend a minute exploring profile customization options — it makes your presence a lot more real and less ghostly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forgot my password?
Simple — hit on the Forgot Password? link on the sign-in screen, then follow the instructions. Usually involves getting a reset link in your email, click it, and set a new password.
Can I change my email later?
Yep. Head into your account settings after signing in, look for email options — it’s usually under profile or account info — and update there. Not super complicated, but Medium sometimes drags its heels with the UI.
Are there costs involved to use Medium?
Medium’s got both free and paid options. You can totally survive on the free plan, but if you find yourself reading a lot of premium content, a paid membership might make sense. No pressure, though. Start free and see if you really get hooked.
Basically, that’s it. Now you’re semi-qualified to hover around Medium like a pro.
Summary
- Visited medium.com and signed up via Google, Facebook, or email.
- Verified email and set up profile interests.
- Decided on free or paid plan — mostly start free.
- Logged in and ready to read/write/interact.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Medium’s not the hardest platform once you get past the initial sign-up hiccups — kinda weird how some steps are more convoluted than necessary, but that’s the internet for you.