Medium

User Experience Report

Week of April 9th, 2025

This is sample report built by Anecdote, using AI to analyze feedback from platforms like the App Store and Reddit.

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All Insights

TOP INSIGHTS

A weekly roundup of Medium's key feedback

Link Opening Issues

A significant number of users, approximately 10%, report issues with the app not opening articles from links shared via email or text, which is a basic functionality expected by users. This problem hinders the seamless reading experience that Medium aims to provide.

The app fails to open articles from links, which is frustrating for work-related reading.

Paywall Frustration

Around 15% of users express dissatisfaction with the paywall, feeling misled by the app's initial free access claims. Many users are frustrated by the limited number of free articles and the push towards a paid subscription, which they feel is not clearly communicated.

I was excited to read more but found most articles locked behind a paywall.

Account Suspension Complaints

Approximately 5% of users have reported sudden account suspensions, particularly around payout times, which they perceive as unfair and without clear justification. This has led to a loss of trust in the platform's integrity.

My account was suspended without reason just before payout, which feels like a scam.

Navigation and Search Issues

About 8% of users find the app's navigation and search functionalities lacking, making it difficult to find specific articles or authors. This issue detracts from the user experience, as users expect a more intuitive interface.

The app's search function is ineffective, making it hard to find specific articles.

COMPETITORS ANALYSIS

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#1 USERS CHOICE

Medium

Medium receives high praise for its informative and ad-free content, with users appreciating the platform's clean design and the ability to engage with diverse topics. However, some users express frustration with the app's functionality, such as issues with notifications and the high subscription cost.

#2 RUNNER UP

Substack

Substack is appreciated for its diverse content and the freedom it offers writers, with users enjoying the platform's focus on long-form content. However, the app is criticized for its technical issues, such as slow loading times and a lack of features compared to the web version.

#3 Straggler

Wattpad

Wattpad is loved for its vast collection of stories and the opportunity it provides for writers to share their work. Despite this, users are frustrated with the excessive ads and technical glitches, which detract from the overall reading experience.

Nuggets

Major Highlights of the Week

Link Opening Issue 🔗

The app fails to open specific articles when users click on links from emails or texts, leading to a frustrating user experience. This issue undermines the app's core functionality of seamless content access.

The deeplink/app link opens app but does not display the article I clicked the link for from email or text.

Content Discovery Flaw 🔍

Users find it difficult to discover free content due to a lack of filtering options, which diminishes the user experience and may deter potential subscribers. This issue highlights a need for improved content categorization and accessibility.

I can’t find a filter for the free stories, and many articles that state they are free to read have been put under a paywall.

Writer Visibility Problem ✍️

Articles by lesser-known writers are not indexed, making it nearly impossible for them to be discovered through search, which limits their reach and engagement. This issue suggests a need for better indexing and search optimization for all writers.

Unless you are famous in Medium, your articles published are not indexed, so nobody can even search your published articles.

Account Suspension Concerns 🚫

Numerous users report account suspensions without clear reasons, especially around payout times, leading to frustration and distrust. This issue indicates a need for transparent communication and fair enforcement of platform policies.

Medium suspended my account without cause just before my payout, leaving me frustrated and helpless.

Notification Overload 🔔

Persistent prompts to enable notifications are intrusive and cannot be disabled, negatively impacting the user experience. This issue calls for a more user-friendly approach to notification settings.

Persistent nagging about turning on notifications cannot be switched off.

Editing Limitations ✏️

The app's editing features are limited and often glitchy, making it difficult for users to write and edit content effectively on mobile devices. This issue highlights the need for enhanced mobile editing capabilities.

Very limited editing options on the app. Not everyone has a laptop!

Nuggets

Major Highlights of the Week

Everything you need to know about user experience

Link Opening Issue 🔗

Content Discovery Flaw 🔍

Writer Visibility Problem ✍️

Account Suspension Concerns 🚫

Notification Overload 🔔

Persistent prompts to enable notifications are intrusive and cannot be disabled, negatively impacting the user experience. This issue calls for a more user-friendly approach to notification settings.

Editing Limitations ✏️

Quotes of the week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes

The deeplink/app link opens app but does not display the article I clicked the link for from email or text.

Adipsicor314

Week of April 9th, 2025

Literally the only thing I’ve ever needed this app for is to open links to medium articles for work topics. Guess what? Basic functionality, and doesn’t work. I have never once used search function in medium, and I have no idea why I would, over a Google search, so the fact that they automatically link me to the app but refuse to open the article is one of the worst design decisions I’ve seen in a while.

Argonautic552

Week of April 9th, 2025

Unless you are famous in Medium, your articles published are not indexed, so nobody can even search your published articles.

Jackuung

Week of April 9th, 2025

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The quotes of the week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes

The deeplink/app link opens app but does not display the article I clicked the link for from email or text.

Candice Wu

App Store

Kelly Williams

Google Play

Unless you are famous in Medium, your articles published are not indexed, so nobody can even search your published articles.

Koray Okumus

Google Play

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User Experience Report

Medium

Top Insights This Week

Link Opening Issues

Paywall Frustration

Account Suspension Complaints

Navigation and Search Issues

Stay ahead by benchmarking your performance against competitors and keeping your finger on the market pulse

Start your 14-day free trial

Major Highlights of the Week

Major Highlights of the Week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes

Start your 14-day free trial today

The quotes of the week

Discover Anecdote’s all-in-one customer experience platform

Search through all your feedback, instantly

Use AI to automate and prioritize your feedback analysis

Send surveys and analyze them with AI

Segment feedback from your company in charts and summaries

Benchmark your company's feedback against your competitors

Stay on top of your feedback with alerts