Earned media is a type of marketing communication, as classified by the PESO model, which also includes paid, social (or shared), and owned media. It refers to any publicity[4] gained through promotional efforts other than paid advertising[2]. This type of media coverage is voluntarily given by third parties, which could include mentions in traditional media, guest appearances, and social media[3] interactions. Despite the lack of control over the message, earned media is highly valued due to its credibility. Consumers tend to trust voluntary recommendations over paid advertisements. Measuring the effectiveness of earned media can be complex, but it’s considered a crucial aspect of marketing strategy[1] because of its potential to drive consumer[5] action and engagement.
Earned media (or free media) is content relating to a person or organization, which is published by a third party without any form of payment to the publisher. It includes articles by media outlets, interviews with the person or representatives of the organization, or bylined editorials in trade press and other publications. It may also include social media sharing, unpaid mentions by podcast hosts and guests, or word-of-mouth marketing.
Earned media excludes advertising (paid media) and company branding (owned media).