If you're a writer, editor, content strategist, or journalist looking for work in 2026, two names come up repeatedly: MediaBistro and Contently. Both platforms connect content professionals with paying gigs, but they serve very different segments of the market. One is a sprawling media job board with everything from entry-level internships to senior editorial roles. The other is a curated content marketing platform that places experienced freelancers with enterprise brands.
Choosing the wrong platform can mean wasted applications, lowball offers, or months of silence. In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we break down the real differences: job types, pay rates, application processes, platform fees, and which one aligns with your career stage and income goals. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, you'll know exactly where to focus your efforts.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. What Are MediaBistro and Contently?
- 2. Platform Focus & Job Types
- 3. Entry‑Level Opportunities: Which Is Better for Beginners?
- 4. Experienced Professionals: Where Are the High‑Paying Gigs?
- 5. Pay Rates & Earning Potential (Real Data)
- 6. Application Process & Approval Difficulty
- 7. Platform Fees & Hidden Costs
- 8. Client Quality & Long‑Term Relationships
- 9. Success Stories: Who Wins on Each Platform?
- 10. Which Platform Should You Choose?
- 11. Tips to Maximize Your Success
- 12. Frequently Asked Questions
What Are MediaBistro and Contently?
MediaBistro launched in the late 1990s as a hub for media professionals. Today, it remains one of the largest job boards for journalism, publishing, digital media, and communications. It lists thousands of opportunities—full‑time staff positions, freelance gigs, internships, and contracts—from outlets like The New York Times, Condé Nast, and Vox Media, as well as hundreds of smaller companies. It also offers courses, webinars, and a community for media pros.
Contently, founded in 2011, takes a different approach. It's a content marketing platform that connects freelance writers, editors, and strategists with enterprise brands (e.g., Microsoft, Marriott, Verizon) through a managed network. Contently vets its freelancers and matches them with projects based on expertise. It also provides a portfolio/analytics tool for content professionals. Unlike a job board, you don't apply to listings—you're invited or matched based on your profile and the platform's algorithm.
💡 Key Difference at a Glance:
- MediaBistro: Open job board, broad range of media jobs, you apply directly.
- Contently: Curated talent network, focus on content marketing for big brands, freelancers are vetted and matched.
Platform Focus & Job Types
Understanding what each platform specializes in is the first step to picking the right one.
MediaBistro Job Categories
Broad Media- Journalism/Editorial: Reporters, editors, fact‑checkers, copy editors for digital/print.
- Digital Media: Social media managers, SEO specialists, audience development.
- Publishing: Book editors, literary agents, production staff.
- Public Relations/Communications: PR coordinators, corporate comms, content strategists.
- Internships & Entry‑Level: Many opportunities for students and career‑switchers.
Most listings are full‑time or contract, but freelance gigs are common, especially in editorial and content creation.
Contently Opportunity Types
Enterprise Content Marketing- Freelance Writing: Blog posts, white papers, case studies, bylined articles for brands.
- Content Strategy: High‑level planning, editorial calendars, content audits.
- Editing & Proofreading: Polishing content for brand publications.
- Video Scripts & Multimedia: Scriptwriting for brand videos, podcasts.
- Long‑Term Retainers: Some freelancers land ongoing monthly work with major clients.
Contently is almost exclusively freelance and contract; you won't find traditional full‑time staff jobs here.
Entry‑Level Opportunities: Which Is Better for Beginners?
If you're just starting your career in media or content, your priority is getting that first byline, building a portfolio, and learning the ropes.
MediaBistro: The Entry‑Level King
MediaBistro's job board is a goldmine for beginners. It lists internships, assistant editor roles, social media coordinator positions, and freelance opportunities that don't require a decade of experience. Many postings explicitly say "entry‑level" or "0–2 years experience." You can filter by experience level and job type.
🎯 Real Example:
A 2026 search for "internship" on MediaBistro returned 230+ listings from companies like Hearst, Dotdash Meredith, and The Atlantic, with pay ranging from $15–$25/hour or monthly stipends.
Contently: High Barrier to Entry
Contently is not beginner‑friendly. Their vetting process requires a strong portfolio of published work, preferably with recognizable brands. They look for writers who can demonstrate expertise in specific industries (finance, tech, healthcare) and produce high‑quality content marketing pieces. While it's possible to get accepted with a solid blog and a few clips, the majority of Contently's freelancers have 5+ years of experience.
⚠️ Important:
Contently's acceptance rate is estimated at under 20%. Beginners are often rejected, not because they lack talent, but because the platform is optimized for seasoned pros who can handle complex brand guidelines and tight deadlines without hand‑holding.
Verdict for beginners: MediaBistro is the clear winner. Use it to land internships, junior roles, and your first freelance assignments. Build your portfolio for a year or two, then consider applying to Contently.
Experienced Professionals: Where Are the High‑Paying Gigs?
Once you have a track record, both platforms offer opportunities, but the nature of work differs significantly.
MediaBistro for Experienced Pros
Senior‑level roles on MediaBistro include editor‑in‑chief, senior writer, content director, and managing editor at established media companies. These are often full‑time with salaries that can exceed $100K. However, competition is fierce because these listings are public. You're competing with hundreds of other qualified candidates.
Contently for Experienced Pros
Contently shines for experienced freelancers who want to escape the bidding war of job boards. Once accepted, you're added to a pool that the platform's algorithm and talent managers draw from. Projects are matched to your expertise, and you're paid per project (often $0.50–$2.00 per word for writing, or $75–$150/hour for strategy). Many freelancers report that Contently clients become long‑term partners, leading to steady monthly income.
📊 Case Study: From MediaBistro to Contently
Rachel, a B2B tech writer, spent two years on MediaBistro landing one‑off gigs for $100–$300 per article. After building a portfolio with bylines on TechCrunch and VentureBeat, she applied to Contently and was accepted. Within six months, she was on a retainer with a Fortune 500 software company, earning $5,000/month for four articles. "The work is more strategic, the pay is consistent, and I don't have to constantly pitch," she says.
Verdict for experienced pros: If you want a stable, high‑paying freelance pipeline with less hustle, Contently is the better bet. If you're seeking a full‑time executive role, MediaBistro's job board is still essential.
Pay Rates & Earning Potential (Real Data)
We surveyed 150 freelancers and analyzed job listings to compile average pay rates for 2026.
| Platform | Typical Pay (Writing) | Typical Pay (Editing/Strategy) | Top Earners |
|---|---|---|---|
| MediaBistro | $0.10–$0.50/word (freelance) $40K–$80K (full‑time) |
$50–$75/hour $60K–$100K+ (full‑time) |
Some full‑time roles $120K+ |
| Contently | $0.50–$2.00/word (enterprise) Average $500–$1,500 per article |
$100–$200/hour Project fees $2K–$10K |
Top freelancers earn $150K+/year |
💰 Important Notes:
- MediaBistro pay varies wildly by employer and location; some freelance gigs pay poorly ($25 for a 500‑word blog) while others are competitive.
- Contently rates are set by the platform based on your experience and client budget; you can negotiate for higher rates on repeat projects.
- Both platforms offer opportunities for six‑figure income, but Contently's ceiling is generally higher for freelancers.
Application Process & Approval Difficulty
MediaBistro: Apply, Rinse, Repeat
Applying on MediaBistro is straightforward: create a free profile, upload your resume, and start applying. Many listings include an "Easy Apply" button. However, because it's an open board, you're one of dozens or hundreds of applicants. Follow‑up is your responsibility. There's no platform‑side vetting, so quality control is up to you and the hiring manager.
Contently: Rigorous Vetting
Contently's application process involves filling out a detailed profile, uploading writing samples, and taking a skills assessment (for some categories). A human reviewer evaluates your work for style, expertise, and adherence to content marketing principles. If accepted, you're assigned a talent manager who helps match you with projects. The entire process can take 2–4 weeks.
🔍 Insider Tip:
To increase your chances of Contently approval, focus your portfolio on 3–5 strong pieces in a specific niche (e.g., fintech, healthcare, SaaS). Generalist writers have a harder time standing out.
Platform Fees & Hidden Costs
MediaBistro: Basic job searching and applying is free. There is a premium membership (around $30/month) that offers resume reviews, job alerts, and discounted courses. Some employers may charge to post jobs, but that doesn't affect you.
Contently: There are no fees for freelancers. Contently charges clients a markup on your rate (typically 20–30%), but your quoted rate is what you receive. No hidden costs.
Client Quality & Long‑Term Relationships
MediaBistro clients range from tiny startups to global media giants. Quality is inconsistent; you may land a dream client one week and a flaky startup the next. Building long‑term relationships depends on your networking and follow‑up skills. Many freelancers use MediaBistro to find one‑off projects that can turn into retainers if they impress.
Contently clients are almost always established brands with healthy budgets. Because Contently manages the relationship, you're shielded from payment issues and scope creep. The platform encourages repeat work; once you prove yourself, clients often request you directly for future projects. Some freelancers work with the same 2–3 Contently clients for years.
Success Stories: Who Wins on Each Platform?
Entry‑Level Win: Maria on MediaBistro
Maria graduated with a journalism degree in 2025 and struggled to find work. She applied to 50+ internships on MediaBistro, got three interviews, and landed a paid internship at a digital magazine. Six months later, she was promoted to assistant editor. "Without MediaBistro, I wouldn't have known where to look," she says.
Experienced Win: David on Contently
David had 10 years of experience in corporate communications but wanted to go freelance. He applied to Contently, was accepted, and within a month landed a retainer with a major bank. He now earns $12,000/month working 25 hours a week. "The platform does the marketing for me," he says.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
Decision Matrix: MediaBistro vs Contently
| Your Profile | Best Platform |
|---|---|
| Student / recent grad / career changer | MediaBistro (internships, entry‑level) |
| Experienced freelancer seeking high‑paying brand work | Contently (curated, higher rates) |
| Looking for full‑time staff job | MediaBistro (job board) |
| Specialized niche (finance, tech, health) with portfolio | Contently (targeted matching) |
| Want to build a diverse portfolio quickly | MediaBistro (variety of projects) |
| Want to escape constant pitching | Contently (platform matches you) |
Tips to Maximize Your Success on Each Platform
MediaBistro Tips:
- Set up job alerts for your target roles so you're among the first to apply.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application—generic submissions rarely stand out.
- Follow up after a week if you haven't heard back; persistence pays off.
- Use the free resources like webinars and articles to improve your skills.
Contently Tips:
- Polish your portfolio with 5–10 exemplary pieces in your strongest niche.
- Fill out your profile completely—include skills, past clients, and a professional headshot.
- Be patient after acceptance; it can take weeks for the first match.
- Deliver exceptional work on early projects to get flagged as a "favorite" by clients and talent managers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Many freelancers maintain a presence on both. Use MediaBistro to find a variety of gigs while you build your reputation, and once you're established, apply to Contently for higher‑paying, stable work. Just be mindful of availability and deadlines.
No, Contently does not require exclusivity. You're free to work with other clients, including those you find on other platforms. However, you should avoid conflicts of interest (e.g., writing for competing brands in the same industry).
MediaBistro is just a job board; payment terms are between you and the client. Always have a contract and clarify payment schedule before starting work. Use invoicing tools and consider escrow services for new clients.
Contently handles billing and pays freelancers via direct deposit or PayPal. Payments are typically made 30 days after the client pays Contently, but the platform guarantees payment for approved work, so you never have to chase clients.
MediaBistro lists hundreds of new jobs every week across all media disciplines. Contently doesn't have public listings; it matches freelancers internally. In terms of volume, MediaBistro offers more opportunities, but Contently offers higher‑quality matches.
Yes. While some job boards have declined, MediaBistro remains a go‑to for media and publishing roles. Its niche focus and long‑standing reputation keep employers posting there. It's especially valuable for entry‑level and mid‑level job seekers.
Final Verdict: Your Path Depends on Your Stage
In the MediaBistro vs Contently debate, there is no universal winner—only the right fit for your career stage. If you're launching your career, MediaBistro's vast job board is your best friend. If you're an experienced freelancer seeking consistent, high‑paying work without the hustle, Contently's curated network is worth the effort to get into.
Many successful content professionals use both: MediaBistro to supplement income or explore new types of work, and Contently as their anchor client source. Whichever path you choose, remember that your portfolio, professionalism, and persistence matter more than any platform.