Book a free call
← All PR questions

What is earned media?

Book a free 20-min call
Short answer

Earned media is publicity you don't pay for directly: news articles, interviews, reviews, podcast appearances, and mentions that a third party chooses to publish about you. Because an independent editor or creator decided you were worth covering, earned media is more credible than advertising.

What is earned media illustration by Classy Media

Examples of earned media

  • A journalist writes about your company or quotes your CEO.
  • You're interviewed on a podcast or TV segment.
  • Your product appears in a best-of list or roundup.
  • An industry publication covers your research.
  • Customers and creators share your brand on their own.

Earned vs. paid vs. owned

Paid media is advertising and sponsored content. Owned media is your website, blog, and social accounts. Earned media is coverage others create. The three work best together, but earned media is the hardest to get and the most trusted.

Why earned media matters more than ever

  • Trust: buyers and investors believe independent sources more than brands.
  • SEO: articles in respected outlets often link to your website, which helps you rank in Google.
  • AI search: ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews lean on trusted third-party sources when they recommend companies.

How to get earned media

Find stories journalists want, pitch the right reporter for each story, and stay consistent. That is the work of media relations.

Related guides

Get help from Classy Media

Classy Media is a PR agency that earns coverage for companies and leaders across every industry, with daily outreach to the journalists who cover your market. See our plans, which start at $4,000/month, or book a free 20-minute consultation.

Related

People also ask.

Is sponsored content earned media?

No. Sponsored or paid articles are paid media, even when they appear on a news site.

How do you measure earned media?

By the number and quality of placements, audience reach, backlinks, share of voice, and impact on search and AI visibility.

Let's talk

Our clients are changing the world. We make sure the world knows it.

Ready to elevate your story, sharpen your strategy, and get the attention you deserve?

Book a 20-minute consultation. We'll review your goals and map the stories and outlets that fit your business.

Book a free consultation

Prefer email? Send us a note.

So we can check which outlets fit your story before we reply.

We compile information about you when you request information from us about our services and products. The type of information that we save from you includes your name, your company, and your email address. The information compiled will be used to send you the advertising/marketing information you have requested from Classy Media PR and also to carry out informative communications of our current and future products and services and from third parties. Your data will be saved indefinitely until you express your desire to revoke our permission to use it. Your personal information will never be shared with external companies.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.