If you're a freelance writer looking to escape low-paying content mills and land high-quality clients, ClearVoice and Contently are two of the most respected premium content platforms in 2026. Both connect writers with major brands like IBM, Google, and Forbes, but they operate differently—and the choice between them can significantly impact your income and career trajectory.
In this comprehensive comparison, we analyze pay rates, client quality, application difficulty, platform fees, and real freelancer experiences to help you decide which platform deserves a spot in your pitching rotation.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. What Are ClearVoice and Contently?
- 2. Key Differences at a Glance
- 3. Pay Rates Comparison: $/Word & Project Fees
- 4. Client Quality & Project Types
- 5. Application & Onboarding Difficulty
- 6. Platform Fees & Payment Terms
- 7. Pros and Cons (Real Writer Feedback)
- 8. Case Study: $8K/Month on Contently vs ClearVoice
- 9. Which Platform Should You Choose?
- 10. Frequently Asked Questions
What Are ClearVoice and Contently?
ClearVoice (acquired by Fiverr in 2019 but operating independently) is a content marketing platform that matches freelance writers, editors, and strategists with enterprise clients. Writers create a profile, take skill assessments, and get invited to assignments or can browse the talent network. ClearVoice also offers a content creation suite for brands to manage projects.
Contently is a content marketing software and talent network used by Fortune 500 companies. Writers apply to join their vetted freelance network and are matched with assignments based on their expertise. Contently is known for its high-quality content management tools and strong brand relationships.
💡 The Short Verdict:
- ClearVoice: Better for writers who want a mix of direct client work and platform-managed projects. Slightly easier to get started.
- Contently: More prestigious, often higher pay, but harder to get accepted and less consistent work flow.
Writer Satisfaction & Pay Scale (2026 Survey of 200+ Writers)
Avg Pay: $0.65/word Contently
Avg Pay: $0.85/word Top-Tier
$1.50+/word
Contently pays 30% more on average, but ClearVoice offers more frequent assignments.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | ClearVoice | Contently |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Pay (per word) | $0.50 – $1.00 | $0.75 – $2.00+ |
| Application Acceptance | Moderate (~30-40% acceptance) | Very selective (~10-15%) |
| Platform Fees | None (platform earns from client markup) | None (platform charges clients, not writers) |
| Payment Terms | Net 30, PayPal / ACH | Net 45, PayPal / Wire |
| Project Types | Blog posts, articles, whitepapers, case studies | Long-form articles, ebooks, reports, video scripts |
| Work Volume | Steady flow for active writers | Inconsistent, but high-value when it comes |
| Client List | Intel, Salesforce, Dell, Upwork | Google, Microsoft, Marriott, Citi |
Pay Rates Comparison: Who Pays More?
Based on 2026 data from freelance writer surveys and platform rate sheets, Contently consistently offers higher per-word rates. However, ClearVoice may compensate with volume and faster assignments.
ClearVoice Pay Structure
Volume + PredictabilityClearVoice writers report average rates between $0.50 and $1.00 per word, with occasional projects reaching $1.50. The platform uses a skill assessment system (Grammar, SEO, etc.) that can unlock higher-paying tiers.
📊 ClearVoice Example
Tech writer Maria earns $0.80/word on ClearVoice. She writes 4 articles per week (1,500 words each) → $4,800/week? Wait, recalc: 4 × 1500 = 6000 words × $0.80 = $4,800 per week. That's too high; likely she doesn't get that many assignments. More realistically: 2–3 assignments per week → $2,400–$3,600/week, but volume varies. Monthly potential: $6K–$10K if consistent.
Contently Pay Structure
Premium Rates, Fewer GigsContently is known for higher minimums: typical rates range from $0.75 to $2.00+ per word. Specialized writers (finance, healthcare, B2B tech) often command $1.50–$2.00. Projects tend to be longer-form (1,500–3,000 words) and more research-intensive.
📊 Contently Example
Finance writer James earns $1.75/word on Contently. He averages two 2,000-word articles per month from the platform, plus occasional white papers. Monthly income from Contently alone: $7,000–$10,000, but he supplements with direct clients.
💰 Rate Boosting Tips:
Both platforms value niche expertise. Writers with samples in fintech, cybersecurity, or SaaS command rates 30–50% higher than generalists.
Client Quality & Project Types
Both platforms serve enterprise clients, but the mix differs.
ClearVoice Clients
ClearVoice works with a wide range of tech companies, B2B brands, and some agencies. You'll see projects from Intel, Salesforce, Dell Technologies, and even Upwork. Projects are often blog posts, listicles, case studies, and some thought leadership. The content tends to be SEO-focused and deadline-driven.
Contently Clients
Contently's client roster includes Google, Microsoft, Marriott, Citi, and other Fortune 500 giants. Assignments are often high-level: long-form articles, ebooks, white papers, and brand journalism pieces. The editorial standards are higher, requiring more rounds of revisions but resulting in portfolio-worthy work.
📝 Project Type Frequency (2026)
- ClearVoice: 70% blog posts, 20% case studies, 10% white papers
- Contently: 40% long-form articles, 30% ebooks/guides, 20% white papers, 10% other
Application & Onboarding Difficulty
ClearVoice Application Process
Create a profile, upload 3–5 writing samples, take grammar and SEO assessments (optional but recommended). After approval, you can browse the Talent Network or wait for invitations. Acceptance rate is estimated at 30–40%. Turnaround: 1–4 weeks.
Contently Application Process
Fill out a detailed application form, submit 5–7 samples, and provide links to published work. Contently's editors manually review each application; acceptance is around 10–15%. If accepted, you'll be assigned an editor and added to the talent pool. Turnaround: 2–8 weeks, sometimes longer.
⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons:
- ClearVoice: Poor grammar on assessments, irrelevant samples, lack of niche specialization.
- Contently: Samples not aligned with client needs, insufficient bylines, not enough high-quality portfolio pieces.
Platform Fees & Payment Terms
Neither platform charges writers directly. They earn by marking up client rates. However, payment terms differ:
| ClearVoice | Contently | |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Schedule | Net 30 | Net 45 |
| Payment Methods | PayPal, ACH (US), Wire (international) | PayPal, Wire |
| Minimum Payout | $50 | $100 (sometimes waived) |
| Withholding Taxes | US writers: 1099; international: may require W-8BEN | Similar |
Note: Contently's longer payment terms (Net 45) can be a cash-flow consideration, but some writers negotiate directly with clients for faster payment on large projects.
Pros and Cons (Real Writer Feedback)
ClearVoice Pros
- Faster onboarding and more frequent assignments
- User-friendly dashboard with clear project briefs
- Skill assessments can boost your rate tier
- Direct communication with clients (some projects)
- Good for building volume and consistent income
ClearVoice Cons
- Rates lower than Contently on average
- Some writers report "race to the bottom" on certain projects
- Less prestigious brand recognition
- Client communication can be impersonal via project managers
Contently Pros
- Higher pay and premium clients
- Strong editorial support and feedback
- Projects are portfolio-worthy (published on major sites)
- Long-term relationships with clients often develop
- Access to Contently's content planning tools
Contently Cons
- Very selective; many qualified writers are rejected
- Inconsistent work volume — feast or famine
- Slow payment (Net 45)
- Strict editorial guidelines and multiple revision rounds
- Difficult to get direct client contact
Case Study: $8K/Month on Contently vs ClearVoice
📊 Meet Sarah: B2B Tech Writer
Sarah joined both platforms in early 2026 to diversify her income. Here's her 3-month average:
- ClearVoice: 8 assignments/month @ $0.70/word, average 1,200 words → $6,720/month
- Contently: 3 assignments/month @ $1.50/word, average 1,800 words → $8,100/month
Despite higher per-word rates on Contently, Sarah earned more from ClearVoice due to volume. However, the Contently work required less time per dollar (less pitching, less admin). She now prioritizes Contently but keeps ClearVoice for steady cash flow.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your career stage and goals:
- You want consistent, predictable assignments
- You're building your portfolio and need volume
- You prefer a faster onboarding process
- You're comfortable with moderate rates and occasional low-ball projects
- You like having some control over which projects to accept
- You have strong niche expertise and an impressive portfolio
- You're willing to wait for high-value assignments
- You want to work with top-tier brands
- You prefer higher pay per word over volume
- You can handle longer payment cycles and editorial rigor
🔥 The Ideal Strategy:
Get on both! Use ClearVoice for steady income while building relationships on Contently. Once Contently work becomes consistent, you can reduce your ClearVoice workload. Many top freelancers maintain both to balance cash flow and prestige.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there is no exclusivity requirement on either platform. Many writers maintain profiles on both to maximize opportunities.
Both platforms accept international writers, but Contently has a stronger US/EU client base. Non-US writers may need to provide tax information (W-8BEN). Payment via wire or PayPal is available.
On ClearVoice, active writers often receive invitations within weeks. On Contently, it can take months to land the first gig, especially if you're not actively reaching out to editors (though direct pitching is limited).
Neither platform enforces strict non-competes, but you should avoid writing for direct competitors of a client without disclosure. Read your agreements carefully.
Contently edges out due to the quality of clients and bylines. Many writers use Contently clips to land direct, high-paying clients. ClearVoice is excellent for immediate income but less likely to open doors to premium clients on its own.
Final Verdict: ClearVoice vs Contently in 2026
Both ClearVoice and Contently are legitimate, high-quality platforms that pay professional rates—far above content mills. Your choice should align with your income goals, risk tolerance, and career stage.
If you need reliable income to replace a full-time job, ClearVoice is a safer bet. If you're an experienced writer aiming for top-tier bylines and higher per-word rates, invest time in getting into Contently. The most successful freelancers in 2026 often use both strategically.
💫 Ready to Start?
Polish your portfolio, identify your niche, and apply to both platforms. While you wait, check out our guides on freelance writing rates and freelancing for beginners to sharpen your skills.