# Medium's Paywall Changes: What You Need to Know in 2024
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Chapter 1: The Shift in Medium's Paywall System
Recent changes to Medium's paywall system are creating significant shifts for writers and readers alike. While three free reads per non-member will no longer be available, the Friend Link will remain an option for authors to share their work without a paywall.
"Authors can always distribute a link that allows access to their stories without charge. This means you can choose precisely who gets to read your work for free—whether it's a single individual or thousands on platforms like Reddit. The choice is yours." — Alex Betzer, on empowering writers regarding the paywall.
The system has officially removed the automatic allowance for three free reads per non-member, as noted in the September 2023 Medium Writers Support email, emphasizing that control is now entirely in the hands of the writers.
Section 1.1: Understanding the New Paywall
Previously, Medium offered a "metered paywall," allowing readers to enjoy three free articles before requiring payment. While some readers found value in this model, it often led to confusion about access.
"The feedback indicated that the metered system was not straightforward, and readers were uncertain whether the content they were clicking on would be free or behind a paywall." — Medium Writers Support, September 2023.
The recent adjustments mean that the paywall is now more definitive, eliminating the guesswork for readers and authors.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Advantages of the Change
One significant advantage of this new approach is that it prevents automated programs, such as bots and scrapers, from easily accessing and exploiting the metered stories, thereby protecting writers' content and revenue potential.
Section 1.2: The Drawbacks of the New System
However, this change isn't without its drawbacks. The new system requires stories to make a strong impact right from the beginning, as a more extended preview will now be shown to readers before they hit the paywall.
"We've introduced a longer preview, allowing readers a deeper glimpse into the beginning of your paywalled story, encouraging them to become members to access the remainder." — Alex Betzer, on the preview update.
This adjustment means that writers may need to rethink their narrative structure, placing more engaging content upfront to capture reader interest.