Wattpad has been a go-to platform for writers to share their stories and build a fan base. However, many writers struggle to earn money from their work on Wattpad, as its monetization options are limited and highly competitive. This has led many authors to explore apps like Wattpad that provide better earning opportunities.

If you are a writer looking to turn your passion into a source of income, you will be glad to know that several Wattpad alternatives offer ways to monetize your content. These platforms provide options such as ad revenue sharing, pay-per-chapter models, direct reader support, and even publishing deals.

In this blog, we will discuss how different apps like Wattpad help writers earn money and how you can choose the best platform for your writing career.

Why Look for Monetization Options Beyond Wattpad?

While Wattpad is a fantastic platform for gaining exposure, making a steady income from writing is not easy. Here are some reasons why many writers explore other platforms:

• Wattpad's monetization programs, such as Wattpad Paid Stories, are limited to a select group of writers.
   
• Earnings from ad revenue on Wattpad are often low compared to other platforms.
   
• Some apps like Wattpad provide better financial rewards through direct reader support or premium content options.
   
• Alternative platforms may have fewer writers, giving your content a better chance to stand out.
   
• Many alternatives offer contracts or publishing deals, giving writers more opportunities to turn their work into a professional career.
   

Now, let's explore the top ways writers can make money through apps like Wattpad.

Best Monetization Features in Apps Like Wattpad

1. Pay-Per-Chapter Model

Some platforms allow writers to lock specific chapters behind a paywall. Readers pay a small fee to access these chapters, giving writers direct income from their stories.

Best platforms with this model:

• Radish Fiction – One of the most popular pay-per-chapter platforms, especially for romance and thriller writers.
   
• Webnovel – Offers a coin-based system where readers pay per chapter.
   
• Tapas – Supports serialized storytelling with a pay-to-unlock model.
   

This model is great for writers who create engaging, ongoing series that keep readers coming back.

2. Subscription-Based Earnings

Some writing apps allow authors to set up subscriptions where readers pay a monthly fee to access exclusive content. This can be a steady income stream for writers who publish frequently.

Best platforms with this model:

• Patreon – Not strictly a writing platform, but many authors use it to offer exclusive chapters, early access, and special rewards.
   
• Substack – Great for authors who write serialized stories or newsletters.
   
• Tapas – Offers a subscription-based model for premium authors.
   

If you have a loyal reader base, a subscription model can provide a stable income.

3. Ad Revenue Sharing

Some apps like Wattpad generate income through ads and share a portion of the revenue with writers. This is similar to how YouTube pays creators for ad views.

Best platforms with this model:

• Medium – Writers earn money based on reader engagement and the number of paid subscribers who read their stories.
   
• Vocal Media – Writers get paid based on the number of views their stories receive.
   
• HubPages – A good option for writers who publish longer, article-style content.
   

This method works best for writers who can attract a large number of readers consistently.

4. Reader Donations and Tips

Many platforms allow readers to support their favorite writers by giving tips or donations. This method gives writers flexibility, as they can earn money without locking their content behind a paywall.

Best platforms with this model:

• Ko-fi – Allows writers to receive one-time donations or set up monthly supporter options.
   
• Buy Me a Coffee – Similar to Ko-fi, but also offers memberships for exclusive content.
   
• Tapas – Supports tipping with in-app currency that readers can buy and gift to writers.
   

This model is ideal for writers who have an engaged audience that enjoys supporting their work.

5. Publishing Deals and Traditional Publishing Opportunities

Some apps like Wattpad offer publishing deals to top-performing authors. These deals can include book contracts, marketing support, and even movie adaptation opportunities.

Best platforms with this model:

• Inkitt – Uses AI to find high-performing stories and offers publishing deals to top authors.
   
• Sweek – Runs contests where winners get publishing opportunities.
   
• Dreame – Offers contracts to successful writers, including financial advances.
   

For writers looking to break into the publishing industry, these platforms can provide a stepping stone.

6. Self-Publishing Opportunities

Some platforms help writers self-publish their books and distribute them on marketplaces like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.

Best platforms for self-publishing:

• Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) – The most well-known self-publishing platform, allowing writers to earn royalties.
   
• Draft2Digital – Helps writers distribute their books to multiple online bookstores.
   
• Smashwords – Offers self-publishing and distribution services.
   

If you want full control over your book sales, self-publishing is a great way to monetize your content.

How to Choose the Best Monetization Platform

When deciding which platform to use, consider these factors:

• Your genre – Some platforms work better for specific genres. For example, Radish Fiction is great for romance, while Royal Road is ideal for fantasy and sci-fi.
   
• Your writing style – If you write long-form stories, platforms with pay-per-chapter models might be a good fit. If you write short stories or articles, ad revenue-sharing platforms could work better.
   
• Your audience size – Platforms with tipping and donations work best if you have an engaged reader base.
   
• Your financial goals – If you want a steady income, subscription models and publishing deals might be better than ad revenue.
   

By exploring different platforms, you can find the best way to earn money from your writing.

Conclusion

Writers no longer have to rely solely on Wattpad to share their stories. Many apps like Wattpad provide better monetization options, allowing authors to earn money through pay-per-chapter models, subscriptions, ad revenue, reader donations, and publishing deals.

Choosing the right platform depends on your writing goals, audience engagement, and preferred income model. Whether you want to earn passive income through ad revenue or build a dedicated fan base through subscriptions, there is an alternative platform that suits your needs.

For writers or businesses looking to create their own writing app, investing in on demand app development services can be a great way to build a platform that provides better monetization options and a strong community for writers and readers.