A new industry analysis is raising red flags about the quality and credibility of crypto press releases circulating across popular news platforms. According to research cited by crypto communications firm Chainstory, more than 60% of press releases published in the crypto space are connected to projects flagged as high-risk or even potential scams.
The study looked at 2,893 crypto press releases shared over a four-month period through major online distribution networks. These services allow blockchain and Web3 projects to place their announcements on well-known crypto news websites for a fee. While this model gives startups and smaller teams a way to get visibility, the findings suggest it may also be opening the door to low-quality or misleading content.
One of the biggest concerns highlighted in the report is how little real news is coming through these channels. Out of nearly 2,900 releases, just 58 — around 2% — were linked to major, meaningful developments such as funding rounds, mergers and acquisitions, or original research. The vast majority focused on minor updates, token promotions, or loosely defined partnerships that offer limited real value to readers.
Some sectors appear to be especially problematic. The cloud mining niche stood out, with around 90% of issuers in that category falling into high-risk or scam classifications. This suggests that certain parts of the crypto industry may be using press release platforms more aggressively to promote questionable products or services.
The language used in these press releases also points to a culture of hype. According to the analysis, about 54% of the content was labeled as “overstated,” while another 19% was categorized as “promotional.” Only 10% of the releases were written in neutral, factual terms. This means that for most readers, separating genuine progress from marketing spin has become increasingly difficult.
At the heart of the issue is how crypto press release distribution works. Unlike traditional journalism, where editors decide what is newsworthy, these platforms operate more like paid newswires. Projects can buy placement across dozens of crypto media sites, effectively turning exposure into a paid service. Chainstory notes that on these platforms, high publication volume often matters more than the actual importance of the news being shared.
This trend raises broader questions about trust in crypto media and public relations practices. For newcomers to the space, seeing the same announcement appear on multiple “news” websites can create a false sense of legitimacy. Meanwhile, more credible projects risk being drowned out by a flood of promotional content.
As the crypto industry continues to mature, the report highlights the need for readers to stay cautious and for media platforms to rethink how they handle paid press releases. Without stronger standards, the line between real news and paid promotion may continue to blur — and that’s not great for an industry already struggling with credibility.
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