In this blog post, we’ll cover several methods that allow you to read Medium articles for free. Medium is a fantastic platform for consuming high-quality content, but not everyone is keen on paying for a subscription. Fortunately, there are ways to bypass its paywall without compromising your reading experience. We’ll go through step-by-step installations for plugins and scripts, how to use them effectively, ways you can contribute to their development, and the legal aspects involved in using these tools. By the end of this post, you’ll be well-equipped to access Medium’s wealth of information without spending a dime.
Installation
Installing plugins or scripts to read Medium articles for free is relatively simple. One popular browser extension you can use is the Medium Unlimited Extension. To install this, open your Chrome browser and navigate to the Chrome Web Store. Search for “Medium Unlimited” and click “Add to Chrome.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Another option is using user scripts that can be run using extensions like Tampermonkey. First, install the Tampermonkey extension from your browser’s web store. Once installed, visit a repository like GitHub to find a script that bypasses Medium’s paywall. Copy the script’s code and create a new script in Tampermonkey, then paste and save it. The script will run automatically on Medium pages, granting you unrestricted access.
Usage
After you’ve installed your preferred tool, using it is straightforward. For the Medium Unlimited Extension, it automatically activates when you visit Medium. Open any Medium article, and you should be able to read it in full without encountering the paywall. For best results, ensure that the extension is enabled and up-to-date by checking its settings regularly.
If you opted for a user script via Tampermonkey, turn on Tampermonkey from your browser’s toolbar. Navigate to Medium, and the script should automatically bypass the paywall. It’s advisable to monitor the script’s performance and update it frequently, as Medium may update its code to counteract bypass methods occasionally.
Contributing
We encourage those who benefit from these tools to contribute to their development. Most browser extensions and user scripts are open-source projects hosted on platforms like GitHub. Here, you can report bugs, request features, or even submit your own code improvements. By contributing, you help maintain the tool’s efficacy and ensure that more people can benefit from it.
Before you start contributing, familiarize yourself with the project’s guidelines, which are usually detailed in a README file. Fork the repository, clone it locally, make your changes, and then submit a pull request for review. Active contributors often add significant value to these projects and improve the overall user experience.
License
It’s crucial to review the license terms of the tools you’re using. Most open-source projects on platforms like GitHub are distributed under licenses such as MIT, GPL, or Apache. These licenses permit you to use, modify, and distribute the software, often free of charge, but they come with specific terms that you must adhere to.
For instance, the MIT License allows for extensive freedom but requires you to include the original license and copyright notice in any distributed copies of the software. The GPL license is more restrictive, demanding that any modified code also be open-source. Always read and understand the licensing terms to stay compliant and respect the developers’ efforts.
Lessons Learned
| Section | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| Installation | Install browser extensions like Medium Unlimited or use user scripts with Tampermonkey for quick bypassing of the Medium paywall. |
| Usage | Ensure your chosen tool is enabled and up-to-date to effectively bypass Medium’s paywall. Monitor and update scripts regularly for optimal performance. |
| Contributing | Contribute to the development of these tools by reporting issues, requesting features, or submitting your code. Active participation helps maintain tool efficacy. |
| License | Review and adhere to the licensing terms of the tools you’re using. Understand whether they follow MIT, GPL, or other licenses and comply accordingly. |