Estonian startup drives $3.3M media payouts in 2024

In 2024, PRNEWS.IO, a startup connecting brands with publications to place branded content in a cost-effective and predictable way, recorded an important milestone by paying $3.3 million to publishers worldwide throughout the year.

The amount paid highlights the platform's growing impact in helping media outlets diversify their revenue streams, and reinforces branded content as an effective alternative to traditional advertising formats.

Between 2019 and 2024, total payouts to publishers through the platform exceeded $9 million, reflecting the increasing popularity of sponsored content as a win-win solution for both brands and publishers.

2024 growth: a reflection of shifts in the advertising landscape

Compared to previous years, 2024 saw a significant increase in revenue generated through the platform. The growth reached 40%, reflecting a change in consumer behaviours and the evolving needs of brands and publishers. The US, India, the UK, Spain, and Ukraine led the list of countries receiving the highest payouts through PRNEWS.IO. This result demonstrates a global initiative by companies to adopt branded content in their strategies to win over audiences in different markets, increasing engagement and exploring new sources of revenue efficiently.

"While traditional formats like banners and pop-ups are showing signs of saturation, sponsored content is gaining momentum for its more organic and engaging approach," says PRNEWS.IO’s Founder, Alexander Storozhuk. "Our unique approach allows media outlets of all sizes to benefit from consistent revenue without compromising editorial integrity," the startup's CMO, Alex Nigmatulin, added.

Throughout 2024, PRNEWS.IO demonstrated that the future of digital content monetisation lies in more integrated and organic advertising experiences. With over 30,000 sponsored articles published across 10,000 news sites worldwide via its platform, the startup strengthened the financial sustainability of media outlets and set a new standard for sponsored content as a low-impact, high-return form of advertising.

By leveraging branded content, media outlets are diversifying their revenue streams and building a more resilient business model – one that aligns with evolving audience preferences and ensures long-term sustainability in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

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