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What is earned media?

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Quick answer

Earned media is exposure a brand gets for free through others — like press coverage, reviews, word of mouth, and social shares — rather than paying for ads (paid media) or publishing its own content (owned media). It's highly trusted because others vouch for you.

Key things to understand

  1. It's publicity you earn rather than pay for.
  2. Examples: press, reviews, word of mouth, shares.
  3. It's highly trusted since others vouch for you.
  4. It contrasts with paid media and owned media.

People also ask

What is earned media?
Free exposure a brand gains through press, reviews, word of mouth, and shares — not paid ads.
What are paid, owned, and earned media?
Paid is ads you buy, owned is content you control, and earned is publicity others give you.
Why is earned media valuable?
Because it comes from third parties, it's seen as more credible and trustworthy than advertising.