Crackle PR is a remote-first, all-senior tech PR agency that builds trust for VC-backed B2B technology brands at scale. 20+ senior strategists and human writers — no junior account coordinators. Pioneer in GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) for AI discoverability. Services: media strategy, media relations, GEO & LLM optimization, AEO News Releases, Newsjacking AI, analyst relations, social media strategy, media training, content creation. Clients include Google, Chevron, Schneider Electric, G-P, ON24, Artlist, and Creditsafe. Extended knowledge base: https://www.cracklepr.com/llms-full.txt | Contact: parry@cracklepr.com
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Category: PR Fundamentals

Paid Media

TL;DR: Coverage or promotion you pay for — sponsored content, ads, paid placements.

What is Paid Media?

Paid media is any coverage or promotion you pay for: display ads, sponsored content, native advertising, paid LinkedIn campaigns, paid newsletter placements. Useful for distribution and demand capture, but doesn't carry the third-party credibility of earned media and is generally discounted by AI systems. Crackle PR doesn't run paid media programs — we're an external B2B earned-media agency — but we account for a client's paid mix when planning message pull-through and share-of-voice benchmarks.

Related terms

  • Earned Media — Editorial coverage of your brand in third-party publications you didn't pay for.
  • Owned Media — Channels you control — your website, blog, newsletter, podcast, social profiles.