Earned Media

earned media: /ɜrnd ˈmiːdiə/

Broken down:

  • earned = /ɜrnd/ — sounds like "urnd"

  • media = /ˈmiːdiə/ — sounds like "MEE-dee-uh"

So together, it sounds like: urnd MEE-dee-uh.

refers to publicity or exposure that a brand, company, or individual gains organically—that is, without paying for it—through word-of-mouth, media coverage, customer reviews, shares, mentions, or reposts on social media and other third-party platforms.

It contrasts with:

  • Paid media (advertising you pay for)

  • Owned media (content you control, like your website or social media channels)

Examples of earned media include:

  • A news article about your product in a major publication

  • A viral TikTok or Instagram Reel made by a fan

  • A blogger or influencer mentioning your brand without being paid

  • Positive Yelp or Google reviews

In short, earned media is free exposure that you earn through quality, relationships, or relevance.

 
 

The Social Duck

Earned media from 13WMAZ for The Social Duck; answered media inquiries through social media; coordinated media interviews with management; stayed in touch with reporter after to make sure story aired and was shared to social media.

 

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