Go to vocal.media/signup and create your account with an email address and password, or continue with Apple or Google if you'd prefer not to use a password.

Once your account exists, your Action Center on the homepage walks you through the rest. Here's what's in it:

Complete your profile Add a display name, bio (up to 240 characters), profile photo, and banner image. Readers who click through to your profile are deciding whether to follow you - a complete profile makes a real difference. Edit it from your Settings page or by clicking "Edit Profile" on your public profile.

Connect your Stripe account This step is required before you can publish. Stripe is how all earnings move on Vocal - tips, bonuses, and read payments all flow through it to your bank. Go to your Wallet and follow the prompts to connect. It takes about three minutes and only needs to be done once.

You'll be asked to choose between Stripe Express (simpler, recommended for most creators) and Stripe Standard (more control, better for creators already managing a Stripe business account). Express is the right choice for most people.

Write and submit your first story With Stripe connected, you're cleared to publish. Open the editor, write something you care about, pick a community, and hit Submit. Our moderation team reviews it within 24 hours.

Your story goes live on its community page and is searchable on Vocal. Share the link anywhere - your social media, a newsletter, your personal site. The more traffic you send, the faster your audience grows.

Earnings accumulate in your Wallet as readers tip you, as bonuses come in, and (if you're a Vocal+ member) as reads add up. Once you hit the minimum withdrawal balance, you can cash out to your bank.

Everything else is in our Creator 101 guides.