A recent analysis by Chainstory has highlighted a troubling reality within the cryptocurrency press release landscape, revealing that a staggering 62% of all releases analyzed originated from projects identified as high-risk or confirmed scams. This assessment was based on a dataset comprising 2,893 press releases published between June 16 and November 1, 2025.
The study categorizes projects by examining various indicators, including team anonymity, unrealistic claims of returns, and cross-referencing with recognized legal and consumer scam databases. The findings point to significant vulnerabilities in the crypto press release distribution framework, raising alarms about the potential for manipulation and the spread of misleading information.
Moreover, the prevalent pay-to-play model of crypto press release distribution exacerbates this issue. Unlike traditional press services that prioritize editorial judgment, crypto-specific distribution channels often allow projects to pay for guaranteed placement across various media platforms. This creates an environment where authentic editorial oversight is circumvented, turning article placement into a commodity.
Further analysis into the content of these press releases revealed additional concerns. A considerable portion, comprising 49%, consisted of minor announcements typically deemed unworthy of attention by conventional newsrooms. Another 24% focused on trading promotions and exchange listings, while significant events like mergers or funding rounds represented merely 2% of the dataset.
The language used in these releases also reflected a promotional bias, with about 54% categorized as “overstated” and 19% using overtly promotional language. Only around 10% adhered to a neutral, factual tone, indicating a shift away from traditional journalistic standards.
The issuer risk profile further highlighted this trend, with high-risk projects accounting for 35.6% of releases and confirmed scams for 26.9%. In stark contrast, established low-risk projects represented just 27%. This disparity suggests that credible firms often seek organic media coverage based on the intrinsic value of their announcements rather than relying on paid placements.
This report serves as a crucial reminder for investors and media consumers alike, calling for increased scrutiny and transparency in the crypto space. As the landscape continues to evolve, a focus on the quality of projects over the quantity of marketing content will be essential to maintaining integrity within the industry.
