The phrase “platform or medium” can refer to two entirely different concepts: the distinct technical definitions used in information architecture, or the popular online writing and social journalism website, Medium.
Because your intent could span either conceptual frameworks or a specific digital product, both explanations are outlined below. Concept 1: The Distinction in Information Architecture
In media studies, tech, and digital design, a “medium” and a “platform” serve fundamentally different roles in how information is packaged and delivered.
Medium (Plural: Media): This is the physical or sensory material used to manifest, express, or hold information. It defines how a human consumes the content (e.g., text, video, audio, oil paint, or voice).
Platform: This is the underlying framework, system, or environment on which things run. It is governed by specific technical rules and code to support certain types of media (e.g., iOS, WordPress, or YouTube). Primary Definition Medium The format or sensory material holding the message. Written text, spoken audio, video, photography. Platform The technical environment or software hosting the medium.
YouTube (hosts video), Spotify (hosts audio), WordPress (hosts text). Concept 2: The Website “Medium”
If you are referring to the specific digital product, Medium is an American online publishing platform designed for social journalism, blogging, and long-form written content. It was launched in August 2012 by Evan Williams, a co-founder of Twitter, as a way to encourage deeper, more extensive articles that couldn’t fit into a tweet. Key Features of the Website The Medium is Not the Platform | (Re)Structuring Journalism
Leave a Reply