Press releases once ruled the PR world. They were formal, structured, and sent out to every journalist in town. But here’s the truth: today, most press releases end up unopened, unread, or ignored.
In 2025, storytelling has become the new PR currency.
The Problem With Press Releases
Press releases are formulaic. They follow a template that often feels more corporate than human. Audiences don’t connect with jargon-filled announcements like:
“Company X announces groundbreaking product Y to revolutionize industry Z.”
Journalists get hundreds of these every day. Unless it’s big breaking news, your release blends into the noise.
Why Storytelling Wins
Stories do what press releases can’t they spark emotion, curiosity, and connection.
- They’re relatable – People remember how you made them feel, not the features you listed.
- They travel faster – A good story is shared, reposted, and retold.
- They build brand love – Instead of just knowing what you do, your audience understands why you do it.
In fact, studies show people are 22x more likely to remember a story than a fact. That’s the power of narrative.
What Storytelling in PR Looks Like
Instead of saying:
“Startup raises $1M funding.”
Tell the story:
“From a small rented apartment to securing $1M in backing, this startup’s journey proves how grit and vision can rewrite the rules of the fitness industry.”
Instead of announcing:
“Company launches eco-friendly packaging.”
Tell the story:
“After seeing how much plastic was wasted at her daughter’s school, the founder decided to create packaging that’s good for business and the planet.”
The difference? One feels like the news. The other feels like a movement.
How to Shift From Releases to Stories
Find the human angle – Focus on the founder’s journey, customer impact, or mission.
Use visuals – Pair your story with images, short videos, or infographics for more reach.
Pitch, don’t blast – Send personalized story pitches to journalists, not mass press releases.
Leverage social storytelling – Share behind-the-scenes reels, threads, and LinkedIn posts that humanize your brand.
Measure engagement, not just mentions – Track shares, saves, and conversations sparked by your story.
Why It Matters in 2025
Attention spans are shorter than ever. Journalists and audiences don’t want robotic announcements; they want narratives that feel alive.
Press releases inform. Stories inspire.
And in PR, inspiration always wins.
Final Takeaway
In 2025, press releases alone won’t cut it. If you want your brand to stand out, you need to tell stories that people want to hear, share, and remember.
At Level Up PR, we help brands turn ordinary announcements into extraordinary narratives that resonate across media and platforms. Because the future of PR isn’t about sending releases, it’s about telling stories that last.
