Ev Williams on Tech’s Exodus, Twitter’s Labels, and Medium’s Future
In a recent interview, Twitter and Medium co-founder Ev Williams shared insights on the tech industry’s migration trends, Twitter’s handling of misinformation, and Medium’s evolving subscription model. Joined by James Joaquin of Obvious Ventures, Williams discussed pressing topics shaping the digital landscape.
The Tech Exodus: Is San Francisco Losing Its Appeal?
TechCrunch (TC): Many tech CEOs are leaving San Francisco. Is this trend overhyped or underreported?
Ev Williams (EW): I relocated to New York over a year ago but returned to California during COVID. Remote work has reshaped hiring dynamics—companies no longer need to compete intensely for local talent. Tools enabling remote collaboration have leveled the playing field, making geographic flexibility a strategic advantage.
- Key Takeaway: Remote work reduces reliance on Silicon Valley, opening doors for distributed teams.
Twitter’s Role in Political Discourse
TC: As Twitter’s co-founder, how do you assess its handling of Donald Trump’s misinformation?
EW: Twitter’s recent approach—labeling and contextualizing misleading tweets—strikes a balance between free speech and accountability. Complete removal isn’t the answer; transparency is critical. Users benefit from seeing leaders’ unfiltered thoughts, even when flawed.
- Notable Quote: “Visibility into the president’s thinking, however ludicrous, is valuable.”
- Challenge Ahead: Platforms must refine policies to combat future autocratic abuses.
Medium’s Subscription Model and Growth
TC: Medium’s $50/year subscription model—how successful is it?
EW: We’ve reached “high hundreds of thousands” of subscribers. The paywall fosters quality by rewarding creators based on engagement, not clicks. Unlike ad-driven models, this aligns incentives with value.
- Why It Works: Hybrid approach (free + paid content) maximizes reach while monetizing premium work.
- Competition: Substack’s rise reflects a broader “creator renaissance,” but Medium’s scale offers unique advantages.
What’s Next for Medium?
TC: Will Medium raise more funds? What’s the long-term vision?
EW: Yes, we’ll likely seek additional funding. The goal is to build a multi-billion-dollar business by aggregating high-quality content under one subscription—similar to Netflix or Spotify.
- Market Potential: As consumers increasingly pay for content, bundled offerings will dominate.
- Key Metric: Achieving critical mass in subscriptions is pivotal.
Final Thoughts
Williams remains optimistic about digital media’s evolution, emphasizing that transparency, creator empowerment, and adaptable business models will define the next era of online content.
