Press release templates
Press release templates, examples and format
Every template here is free to copy. Start with the standard format, then pick the template that matches your announcement, from product launches and events to acquisitions, music releases and crisis statements.
The standard press release format
Almost every press release follows the same structure, known as the inverted pyramid: the most important information first, then supporting detail, then background. Editors cut from the bottom, so anything essential belongs at the top.
- Release line: "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE", or "EMBARGOED UNTIL" with a time and date.
- Headline: the news in under 12 words, in plain language.
- Subheadline: one supporting detail.
- Dateline: city and date, in AP style such as "NEW YORK, March 4, 2026 —".
- Lead paragraph: who, what, when, where and why.
- Body: details, evidence and context.
- Quote: one or two, from named people, adding opinion rather than more facts.
- Boilerplate: a short, standard description of the organisation.
- Media contact and the end mark "###".
Free press release template
Copy this general template, or pick a template for your exact announcement below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Headline: the news in under 12 words] [Subheadline: the most important supporting detail] [CITY], [Date] — [Lead paragraph: who, what, when, where and why, in two or three sentences.] [Second paragraph: the details and the evidence, such as numbers, customers or results.] "[Quote from a named person that adds opinion or emotion, not more facts]," said [Name], [Title] at [Organisation]. [Third paragraph: background and context.] [Call to action: where to find out more, buy, register or get in touch.] About [Organisation] [Boilerplate: two or three sentences describing the organisation.] Media contact [Name] | [Email] | [Phone] ###
How to write a press release journalists will read
- Keep it to 300 to 500 words on a single page.
- Write the headline last, once you know what the story really is.
- Use numbers wherever you can. They make the news concrete.
- Cut adjectives such as "innovative", "leading" and "revolutionary".
- Link to images and assets instead of attaching large files.
- Send it as part of a personal pitch to reporters who cover your beat, not to a mass list.
Press release templates by type
- Event press release
- Product launch press release
- Acquisition press release
- Partnership press release
- Music release press release
- Book launch press release
- New business or startup press release
- Funding announcement press release
- Embargoed release press release
- Joint release press release
- New hire press release
- Award press release
- Crisis statement press release
- Rebrand press release
- Grand opening press release
- Website launch press release
- Webinar press release
- Political press release
- Sports press release
- Fashion press release
- Restaurant and food press release
- Government press release
- Social media release press release
- Video news release press release
- Media advisory press release
- Amazon-style (working backwards) press release
- Post-event press release
Frequently asked questions
What is a press release?
A press release is a short, factual announcement written in news style and sent to journalists, so they can report on it. It covers who, what, when, where and why, with quotes and contact details.
How long should a press release be?
Between 300 and 500 words, on a single page. Put the essential facts in the first two paragraphs.
What is the correct press release format?
Release line, headline, subheadline, dateline, lead paragraph, body, quotes, boilerplate, media contact and the end mark "###".
Where do I send a press release?
To a targeted list of journalists who cover your beat, as a personal email with the news in the first line. Wire distribution services add reach but rarely earn coverage on their own.
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