How Do I Read Member Only Stories on Medium for Free

Medium is a platform where users can read articles and stories on various topics ranging from politics and culture to technology and science. Some of these articles and stories are free for all to read, but there are also exclusive content categories known as "member-only" or "metered" stories that are accessible only through a paywall. In exchange for authors turning their expertise into stories you can read, Medium makes its best articles available for members only. This article will explore how to access these member-only stories on Medium for free.

1. Understanding Member-Only Stories on Medium
2. How to Access Member-Only Stories on Medium
3. 1. Open the article in incognito mode
4. 2. Sign out of your account
5. 3. Use a browser extension
6. 4. Look for republished stories
7. Medium Reading Limits for Free Users
8. Tips for Reading Member-Only Stories on Medium

Understanding Member-Only Stories on Medium

Before we dive into how to access these member-only stories, let's first understand what they are. Essentially, these are articles that are behind a paywall, meaning that readers have to pay a subscription fee to access them. For Medium, members can access these articles by paying a monthly or annual fee, while non-members can only access a few articles for free each month.

How to Access Member-Only Stories on Medium

Now, let's explore how to access these stories for free. There are several ways to do this, as outlined below:

1. Open the article in incognito mode

The simplest way to read a member-only article on Medium for free is by opening the article in incognito mode. You can do this by right-clicking on the link and selecting "Open link in incognito window." This way, you can bypass the paywall and read the article without having to subscribe to a membership.

2. Sign out of your account

Another way to access member-only stories on Medium for free is by signing out of your account and reading the article in a normal browser window. This way, you can again bypass the paywall and read the article without having to pay for a membership.

3. Use a browser extension

There are also browser extensions, such as "Medium Unlocked," that can help you bypass the paywall and read member-only stories for free. These extensions work by blocking the Medium paywall and allowing you to access the article without signing in or subscribing to a membership.

4. Look for republished stories

Finally, you can also look for republished stories on other websites or social media platforms. Sometimes, authors will republish their member-only stories on their personal websites or social media accounts, allowing readers to access them for free.

Medium Reading Limits for Free Users

While it is possible to access member-only stories on Medium for free, there are limits to how much you can read before hitting a paywall. Specifically, free users can read up to three metered stories per month without upgrading to a paid membership. After that, your profile will be locked down and you will only be able to read a few paragraphs of any locked story afterwards.

Tips for Reading Member-Only Stories on Medium

Here are some tips to keep in mind when accessing member-only stories on Medium for free:

• Use incognito mode or sign out of your account to access member-only stories for free.
• Look for republished stories on other websites or social media platforms.
• Try using a browser extension to bypass the paywall.
• Remember that you can only read up to three metered stories per month as a free user on Medium.
• Consider subscribing to a membership if you regularly read member-only stories on Medium.

In conclusion, accessing member-only stories on Medium for free is possible, but it requires some creativity and effort. By using incognito mode, signing out of your account, looking for republished stories, or using a browser extension, you can bypass the Medium paywall and read these exclusive articles for free. However, keep in mind that there are limits to how much you can read as a free user, and consider subscribing to a membership if you want to access more content on the platform.