Best AI for Writing Press Releases: Smart Tools for PR and Startups

The Press Release Revolution

Remember when writing a press release meant staring at a blank screen for hours? Those days are gone!

Imagine this: You’re launching a new product tomorrow. Your boss needs a press release in two hours. Your coffee is cold, your brain is foggy, and the cursor on your screen just keeps blinking at you. Sound familiar?

Welcome to the world of AI-powered press release writing, where that nightmare becomes a dream. Today, smart computer programs can help you write professional press releases faster than you can say “media coverage.”

But here’s the million-dollar question: Which AI tool is actually the best for writing press releases?

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about using AI to write press releases. Whether you’re a PR professional juggling ten clients, a startup founder wearing all the hats, or someone who just needs to write press releases in a specific format, this article is for you.

And don’t worry—we’re keeping things simple. No confusing tech jargon. Just straight talk about what works.

What Exactly Is a Press Release? (Let’s Start Simple)

Before we dive into AI tools, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page.

A press release is like a special announcement you send to newspapers, websites, and journalists. It tells them about something newsworthy happening in your business.

Think of it like this: If your company was a person at a party, a press release is how they’d announce exciting news to everyone in the room. “Hey everyone! We just launched something amazing!”

Press releases usually talk about things like:

• New products or services
• Company milestones (like hitting 1 million customers)
• New partnerships or deals
• Important company changes
• Events and conferences
• Awards and achievements

The special thing about press releases is they follow a specific format. They’re written in a particular way that journalists expect to see. It’s like how a recipe has ingredients listed in a certain order—press releases have their own “recipe” too.

Why PR Professionals and Startups Are Turning to AI

Let’s be honest: writing press releases takes time. A lot of time.

For PR Professionals:

If you’re working in PR, you know the drill. You might be managing five, ten, or even twenty clients at once. Each one needs press releases for different announcements. Each one has their own voice and style. Each one wants it yesterday.

AI becomes your secret weapon. It’s like having a junior writer who works 24/7, never complains, and can draft a press release in minutes instead of hours.

For Startups:

If you’re running a startup, you’re probably the CEO, marketer, customer service rep, and janitor all rolled into one. Finding time to write a polished press release? That’s tough.

Plus, let’s face it—not everyone went to journalism school. Writing in that formal press release style doesn’t come naturally to everyone. That’s where AI steps in as your helpful writing assistant.

The Real Benefits:

1. Speed: What takes hours now takes minutes
2. Consistency: Every press release follows the same professional format
3. Cost-effective: Much cheaper than hiring a PR agency for every announcement
4. Learning tool: See how professionals structure their writing
5. Idea generation: Beat writer’s block with AI suggestions
6. 24/7 availability: Write press releases at 3 AM if inspiration strikes

Understanding the Standard Press Release Format

Before we talk about which AI tools are best, you need to know what makes a good press release. After all, the AI tool you choose needs to understand this format too.

Here’s the basic structure every press release should follow:

1. The Header

This is the top section that includes:

• FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (or the release date)
• Your company logo
• Contact information (name, email, phone number)

2. The Headline

This is the most important part! Your headline should:

• Be attention-grabbing
• Summarize the news in 10-15 words
• Include important keywords
• Make journalists want to read more

Think of it like a movie trailer—it needs to hook people immediately.

3. The Subheadline (Optional)

This gives a bit more detail about your headline. Not every press release needs one, but it can be helpful for complex announcements.

4. The Dateline

This is simple: the city where the news originates and the date.

Example: “NEW YORK, October 5, 2025”

5. The Lead Paragraph

This is the first paragraph and it’s crucial. It should answer:

• Who?
• What?
• When?
• Where?
• Why?

Journalists call this the “5 Ws.” If someone only reads this paragraph, they should understand your entire announcement.

6. The Body Paragraphs

These expand on your announcement with:

• More details about the news
• Quotes from company leaders
• Statistics or data
• Background information
• How this affects customers or the industry

7. The Boilerplate

This is a standard paragraph about your company that appears at the end of every press release. It’s like your company’s “About Us” section—brief and informative.

8. The Close

End with three number signs (###) or “-30-” to show journalists the press release is finished.

9. Media Contact Information

Repeat your contact details at the bottom so journalists know who to reach out to.

The Best AI Tools for Writing Press Releases

Now for the main event! Let’s explore the best AI tools for writing press releases, what makes them special, and who should use them.

1. ChatGPT (by OpenAI)

What It Is:

ChatGPT is like having a conversation with a super-smart writing assistant. You type in what you want, and it writes it for you. Think of it as texting with someone who knows everything about writing.

Why PR Professionals Love It:

ChatGPT is incredibly flexible. You can give it specific instructions like “Write this in an excited tone” or “Make it more formal” and it adapts instantly. For PR pros managing different clients with different voices, this flexibility is gold.

Why Startups Love It:

It’s easy to use and there’s a free version! You can start using it right away without spending a penny. Plus, you can have a back-and-forth conversation with it, asking it to make changes until it’s perfect.

Strengths:

• Very conversational and easy to use
• Great at understanding complex instructions
• Can adapt to different tones and styles
• Excellent for brainstorming headlines
• Free version available
• Can handle multiple revisions quickly

Weaknesses:

• Doesn’t have built-in press release templates
• You need to know what to ask for
• Sometimes makes up facts (so always fact-check!)
• Can be wordy—you might need to trim things down

Best For:

• PR professionals who want customization
• People who like having control over every detail
• Those on a budget (free version works well)
• Writers who want a collaborative tool

How to Use It for Press Releases:

Simply type something like: “Write a press release announcing that [Your Company] is launching [New Product]. Include a quote from the CEO about how this solves [Problem]. Keep it under 400 words.”

Then refine it by asking: “Make the headline more exciting” or “Add more details about the product features.”

2. Jasper AI

What It Is:

Jasper is like ChatGPT’s professional older sibling who went to business school. It’s an AI writing tool built specifically for marketers and business professionals.

Why PR Professionals Love It:

Jasper has actual press release templates built in. You fill in some blanks about your announcement, and boom—you’ve got a professionally formatted press release. It’s like having training wheels that actually help you ride faster.

Why Startups Love It:

The templates mean you don’t need to be a PR expert. Just follow the prompts, and Jasper guides you through creating a press release that looks professional.

Strengths:

• Built-in press release templates
• Understands business and marketing language
• Creates professional-sounding copy
• Includes SEO optimization features
• Good for maintaining brand voice across releases
• Integrates with other marketing tools

Weaknesses:

• Costs money (no free version)
• Can be expensive for small startups
• Learning curve for all the features
• Sometimes too “corporate” in tone

Best For:

• PR agencies managing multiple clients
• Medium to large companies
• Those who want plug-and-play templates
• Marketers who need multiple content types beyond press releases

Pricing:

Plans start around $39-49 per month, with different tiers based on word count needs.

3. Copy.ai

What It Is:

Copy.ai is like a Swiss Army knife for writing. It does lots of different types of writing, including press releases, and it’s designed to be simple and fast.

Why PR Professionals Love It:

Speed is the name of the game. Copy.ai can generate multiple versions of a press release in seconds. Need three different angles for the same announcement? Done in under a minute.

Why Startups Love It:

It has a generous free plan and is super user-friendly. Even if you’ve never written a press release before, Copy.ai’s interface makes it feel like coloring inside the lines—easy and guided.

Strengths:

• Very fast generation
• Creates multiple versions to choose from
• Simple, clean interface
• Free plan available
• Good for short-form content
• Affordable paid plans

Weaknesses:

• Less customization than ChatGPT
• Shorter output length in free version
• May need more editing for longer releases
• Less “conversational” than ChatGPT

Best For:

• Quick turnarounds
• Testing different approaches
• Small teams or solo entrepreneurs
• Those who want simplicity over complexity

Pricing:

Free plan available. Paid plans start around $49 per month.

4. Writesonic

What It Is:

Writesonic is another AI writing assistant that focuses on marketing content. It’s like having a marketing copywriter on speed dial.

Why PR Professionals Love It:

It has features specifically for press releases and news articles. Plus, it can write in 25+ languages, which is perfect for international PR campaigns.

Why Startups Love It:

Writesonic offers a good balance between affordability and features. It’s not as expensive as Jasper but offers more structure than just using ChatGPT.

Strengths:

• Specific press release templates
• Multiple language support
• Affordable pricing
• Chrome extension available
• AI article writer for longer content
• Includes an AI art generator (good for press release images)

Weaknesses:

• Interface can feel cluttered
• Quality varies between different tools
• Learning curve for new users
• Some features feel underdeveloped

Best For:

• International companies
• Those needing multiple languages
• Mid-sized marketing teams
• People who want an all-in-one content platform

Pricing:

Free trial available. Paid plans start around $19-20 per month.

5. Rytr

What It Is:

Rytr is the budget-friendly option that still packs a punch. It’s like finding a great meal at a food truck—affordable but surprisingly good.

Why PR Professionals Love It:

If you’re a freelance PR consultant or small agency, Rytr gives you professional results without the professional price tag.

Why Startups Love It:

The pricing is startup-friendly. The free plan is actually usable (not just a teaser), and even the paid plans won’t break the bank.

Strengths:

• Very affordable
• Useful free plan
• Simple to use
• Good for short to medium-length releases
• Built-in plagiarism checker
• Tone adjustment options

Weaknesses:

• Less sophisticated than higher-priced options
• Limited features compared to Jasper
• Shorter output length
• Fewer customization options

Best For:

• Budget-conscious startups
• Freelance PR professionals
• Small businesses
• Those just starting with AI writing tools

Pricing:

Free plan available with 10,000 characters per month. Paid plans start at just $9 per month.

6. Claude (by Anthropic)

What It Is:

Claude is a newer AI assistant that’s thoughtful and detail-oriented. Think of it as the careful, precise colleague who always double-checks their work.

Why PR Professionals Love It:

Claude is excellent at maintaining context throughout long conversations. If you’re working on a complex announcement with multiple angles, Claude remembers everything you’ve discussed and keeps it all consistent.

Why Startups Love It:

Claude is great at explaining things. If you’re not sure how to structure something, you can ask Claude to explain why certain approaches work better than others. It’s like having a patient mentor.

Strengths:

• Very good at following detailed instructions
• Excellent at maintaining consistency
• Thoughtful and accurate responses
• Great for complex, multi-part releases
• Less likely to make up facts
• Helpful explanations and reasoning

Weaknesses:

• No built-in templates
• Newer, so less well-known
• Availability can vary by region
• Requires more specific prompting

Best For:

• Complex announcements
• Those who value accuracy over speed
• People who want to learn while using AI
• Detailed, technical press releases

Comparing the Top AI Tools: Quick Reference

Here’s a simple comparison to help you choose:

For Speed: Winner: Copy.ai Runner-up: ChatGPT

For Ease of Use: Winner: Jasper AI (templates!) Runner-up: Rytr

For Budget: Winner: Rytr Runner-up: ChatGPT (free version)

For Customization: Winner: ChatGPT Runner-up: Claude

For Professional Features: Winner: Jasper AI Runner-up: Writesonic

For International PR: Winner: Writesonic Runner-up: ChatGPT

How to Choose the Right AI Tool for Your Needs

Still not sure which one to pick? Let’s make this super simple.

Choose ChatGPT If:

• You want to start free
• You like having conversations with AI
• You want maximum flexibility
• You’re willing to learn through trial and error
• You need to make lots of revisions

Choose Jasper AI If:

• You have a budget for tools ($40+ monthly)
• You manage multiple clients
• You want professional templates
• You need consistency across all content
• You value time over money

Choose Copy.ai If:

• You need press releases fast
• You want to test multiple versions
• You’re comfortable with light editing
• You prefer simple interfaces
• You want a good free option

Choose Writesonic If:

• You need multiple languages
• You want an all-in-one platform
• You need moderate pricing
• You work with international clients
• You want press releases plus other content types

Choose Rytr If:

• Budget is your #1 concern
• You’re just getting started
• You don’t need advanced features
• You want something simple
• You’re a solopreneur or small startup

Choose Claude If:

• Accuracy is crucial
• You’re writing complex announcements
• You want thoughtful, detailed responses
• You need consistency in long projects
• You value quality over quantity

The Step-by-Step Process: Using AI to Write Your Press Release

Now let’s get practical. Here’s exactly how to use AI to write a press release, regardless of which tool you choose.

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Before you touch the AI tool, you need to know:

• What are you announcing?
• Why does it matter?
• Who is affected?
• When is this happening?
• What quotes can you include?
• What is the background story?

Write these down. The clearer your input, the better the AI’s output.

Step 2: Choose Your AI Tool

Pick one from our list above based on your needs.

Step 3: Create a Strong Prompt

This is super important! Here’s a template you can use:

“Write a professional press release announcing [SPECIFIC ANNOUNCEMENT]. The press release should:

• Include a compelling headline
• Have a strong lead paragraph covering who, what, when, where, why
• Include a quote from [NAME, TITLE] about [SPECIFIC POINT]
• Mention [KEY DETAILS, STATS, OR FEATURES]
• Be approximately [WORD COUNT] words
• Use a [TONE: professional/excited/serious/etc.] tone
• Include a boilerplate about [COMPANY NAME]: [BRIEF COMPANY DESCRIPTION]”

Step 4: Review the First Draft

The AI will generate your press release. Read it carefully and check:

• Are all facts correct?
• Does the headline grab attention?
• Is the lead paragraph strong?
• Does it flow naturally?
• Is the tone appropriate?
• Are there any awkward phrases?

Step 5: Refine and Edit

Don’t accept the first version! Ask the AI to:

• Make the headline more exciting
• Add more specific details
• Shorten or lengthen certain sections
• Adjust the tone
• Strengthen weak paragraphs

Go back and forth until it’s right.

Step 6: Add Human Touch

This is crucial! AI is great, but humans make it perfect. Add:

• Specific company voice elements
• Industry insider knowledge
• Personal anecdotes or examples
• Emotional elements
• Your unique perspective

Step 7: Fact-Check Everything

AI sometimes makes mistakes. Double-check:

• All dates and numbers
• Names and titles
• Product specifications
• Company information
• Contact details

Step 8: Format Properly

Make sure your press release includes:

• Proper header with “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE”
• Contact information at top and bottom
• Company logo (if distributing as PDF)
• The closing (### or -30-)
• Proper spacing and paragraphs

Step 9: Get Feedback

Before sending, show it to:

• A colleague
• Your manager
• The people quoted in the release
• Anyone mentioned in the announcement

Step 10: Distribute

Once perfect, send it to:

• Your media list
• Press release distribution services
• Company website/newsroom
• Social media channels
• Industry publications

Pro Tips for Better AI-Generated Press Releases

Want to get even better results? Here are insider secrets:

Tip 1: Be Specific in Your Prompts

Bad prompt: “Write a press release about our new product.”

Good prompt: “Write a 350-word press release announcing that TechCorp is launching SmartWidget 2.0, a project management tool that uses AI to predict project delays. Include a quote from CEO Jane Smith about how this helps remote teams. Use an excited but professional tone.”

See the difference? The more details you give, the better your result.

Tip 2: Use the “First Draft” Approach

Tell the AI: “This is a first draft—focus on structure and key points. We’ll refine the language later.”

This takes pressure off getting everything perfect immediately.

Tip 3: Ask for Multiple Versions

Request: “Give me three different headline options” or “Provide two different opening paragraphs.”

This gives you choices and sparks creativity.

Tip 4: Use Real Examples

Show the AI examples of press releases you like: “Write something similar to this style: [paste example]”

AI learns from examples.

Tip 5: Start with the Quote

Sometimes, start by having the AI generate a great quote first, then build the press release around it. Quotes are often the hardest part, so tackle them early.

Tip 6: Break It Into Chunks

For complex releases, don’t do it all at once:

1. First, ask for headline ideas
2. Then, work on the lead paragraph
3. Next, develop the body
4. Finally, polish everything together

Tip 7: Use Industry-Specific Language

Tell the AI what industry you’re in: “This is for the healthcare industry, use appropriate medical terminology” or “This is for a tech startup, use modern startup language.”

Tip 8: Set Word Limits

Always specify length: “Keep it under 400 words” or “I need exactly 350 words.”

Press releases that are too long don’t get read.

Tip 9: Include SEO Keywords

Tell the AI: “Include these keywords naturally: [keyword list]”

This helps with online visibility.

Tip 10: Save Good Prompts

When you find a prompt that works, save it! Create a template file with your best prompts for different types of announcements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ mistakes! Here’s what NOT to do:

Mistake 1: Trusting AI Blindly

AI can make up facts, mix up information, or include outdated data. Always fact-check everything.

Mistake 2: Not Editing

AI generates content, but humans polish it. If you send out AI content without editing, people will notice—it often sounds a bit “off.”

Mistake 3: Making It Too Long

AI loves to write. A lot. But press releases should be concise. Most should be 300-500 words. Anything longer probably won’t get read.

Mistake 4: Forgetting the Newsworthy Angle

AI might create a perfectly formatted press release about something nobody cares about. Always ask: “Why would a journalist write a story about this?”

Mistake 5: Overusing Buzzwords

AI sometimes goes crazy with buzzwords: “groundbreaking,” “revolutionary,” “game-changing.” Use these sparingly. Journalists roll their eyes at hyperbole.

Mistake 6: Ignoring Your Brand Voice

AI doesn’t know your company’s unique voice unless you tell it. A press release from a fun, quirky startup should sound different from one from a serious law firm.

Mistake 7: Skipping the Boilerplate

Always include a boilerplate—that standard paragraph about your company. Save a good one and paste it in every time.

Mistake 8: Not Including Contact Info

Journalists need to know who to contact for more information. Don’t forget complete contact details.

Mistake 9: Poor Headlines

Your headline is crucial. If the AI generates a boring headline, don’t accept it. Keep asking for better options until you find one that pops.

Mistake 10: Forgetting the Human Element

The best press releases tell stories about people. Include human elements, quotes, and real-world impact. AI can help structure this, but you need to provide the heart.

Real-World Examples: AI vs Human vs AI-Human Collaboration

Let’s see some real examples of how this works:

Example 1: Product Launch

Pure AI Version: “TechCorp Announces Launch of Innovative New Software Solution” (Too generic, uses buzzwords, lacks personality)

Pure Human Version: “After 10 Months and 5,000 Cups of Coffee, TechCorp’s Team Ships SmartWidget 2.0” (Great personality, but maybe too casual for some outlets)

AI-Human Collaboration: “TechCorp Launches SmartWidget 2.0: AI-Powered Tool Predicts Project Delays Before They Happen” (Specific, newsworthy, professional but engaging)

The collaborative version takes AI’s structure and humans’ creativity to create something better than either alone.

Example 2: Funding Announcement

Pure AI Version: “Company X Raises $5 Million in Series A Funding Round” (Accurate but boring)

Pure Human Version: “We Did It! Company X Gets $5M to Change How People Shop Online” (Too excited, not professional enough)

AI-Human Collaboration: “Company X Secures $5 Million Series A to Expand AI-Powered Shopping Platform to 50 New Cities” (Professional, specific, includes the “so what” factor)

The Future of AI in Press Release Writing

What’s coming next? Here’s what to watch for:

More Integration

AI tools will integrate directly with press release distribution services. Write, edit, and distribute all from one platform.

Better Industry Knowledge

AI will get better at understanding specific industries. Expect AI that specializes in tech PR, healthcare PR, financial PR, etc.

Multimedia Press Releases

AI will help create not just text but also:

• Images to accompany releases
• Video scripts for video press releases
• Infographics of key data
• Social media snippets

Real-Time Optimization

AI will analyze which press releases get the most pickup and adjust its writing accordingly. It will learn what journalists actually click on and read.

Voice-to-Press-Release

Imagine dictating your announcement and having AI turn it into a formatted press release immediately. This is coming soon.

Personalization at Scale

AI will help create customized versions of press releases for different publications, regions, or audiences—automatically.

Conclusion: Your Press Release Writing Future Starts Now

Let’s recap what we’ve learned:

The Best AI Tools:

1. ChatGPT – Best for flexibility and customization
2. Jasper AI – Best for professional features and templates
3. Copy.ai – Best for speed and multiple versions
4. Writesonic – Best for international PR and multiple languages
5. Rytr – Best for budget-conscious users
6. Claude – Best for accuracy and complex releases

The Key Takeaway:

AI doesn’t replace PR professionals or startup founders—it makes them more powerful. Think of AI as your assistant, not your replacement.

The best press releases come from combining AI’s speed and structure with human creativity and judgment. Use AI to handle the heavy lifting, but always add your unique human touch.

Getting Started:

If you’re still unsure, here’s my recommendation:

• Just starting? Try ChatGPT’s free version or Rytr’s free plan
• Running a startup? Start with Copy.ai’s free plan
• PR professional? Invest in Jasper AI or Writesonic
• Working internationally? Go with Writesonic
• Need maximum control? Use ChatGPT or Claude

Final Thoughts:

Writing press releases used to be hard. Now, with AI, it’s accessible to everyone. But here’s the secret successful PR professionals already know: the tool doesn’t matter nearly as much as knowing what to say and why it matters.

AI can help you say it better, faster, and more professionally. But you still need to have something worth saying.

So gather your news, fire up your chosen AI tool, and start creating press releases that get noticed. The media is waiting for your announcement.

Your next big press release is just a few prompts away. What are you waiting for?

Bonus: Quick-Start Prompt Templates

Copy these prompts and customize them for instant results:

For Product Launches: “Write a 400-word press release announcing [Company Name]’s launch of [Product Name], a

that [unique benefit]. Include a quote from [Name, Title] about why this matters to [target audience]. Use an excited but professional tone.”

For Funding Announcements: “Write a professional press release announcing that [Company Name] has raised $[Amount] in [Series X] funding led by [Investor Name]. Explain that the funds will be used to [specific uses]. Include a quote from the CEO about growth plans. Keep it under 350 words.”

For Partnership Announcements: “Write a press release announcing a strategic partnership between [Company A] and [Company B] to [goal of partnership]. Include quotes from leadership at both companies. Explain how customers benefit. Approximately 400 words.”

For Company Milestones: “Write a press release announcing that [Company Name] has reached [milestone: X customers, X revenue, X years, etc.]. Include background on how the company got here and what’s next. Add a quote from the founder reflecting on the achievement. Professional and proud tone. 350 words.”

For Event Announcements: “Write a press release announcing [Event Name], taking place on [Date] at [Location]. Explain what attendees will experience, who will speak/present, and how to register. Include a quote from the event organizer about why people should attend. 300 words.”

Now you’re armed with everything you need to start using AI for press releases. Go create something amazing!