Why These Guidelines Matter
USA Today is one of the most trusted and widely read publications in the United States, and it enforces strict editorial standards for press releases. Submissions that violate these rules may be rejected without refund, so it's essential to review and follow these guidelines carefully before selecting USA Today as a distribution channel in Search Atlas.
Content Restrictions
USA Today does not accept press releases that contain any of the following:
- No advertorials: Content must be newsworthy, not sales-driven copy disguised as news.
- No promotional claims: Avoid superlatives like "best," "#1," "leading," or other unverifiable marketing language.
- No misleading statements: All claims must be accurate, verifiable, and supported by facts.
- No medical claims: Health, treatment, or medical efficacy claims are not permitted.
- No adult content: Any sexually explicit or adult-oriented material is prohibited.
- No crypto promotions: Cryptocurrency promotional content is not accepted.
Format Requirements
USA Today requires content to follow a strict press-release format. This means:
- Third-person voice throughout the release
- A clear, factual headline
- A dateline and lead paragraph summarizing the news
- Supporting paragraphs with quotes, context, and details
- Boilerplate company information at the end
- Contact information for media inquiries
Best Practices Before Submitting
- Review your content carefully against each restriction listed above.
- Remove promotional language and replace it with factual, newsworthy statements.
- Verify all claims with sources or data where possible.
- Confirm proper press-release structure before submitting.
- Consider alternative channels if your content cannot meet these standards.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Press releases that do not meet USA Today's editorial standards may be rejected during their review process. Because editorial review fees apply, rejections do not result in refunds. Taking time to align your content with these guidelines protects your investment and increases the likelihood of successful placement.