sponsored content

American  

[spon-serd kon-tent] / ˈspɒn sərd ˈkɒn tɛnt /

noun

1. advertising that a brand pays an online publisher to create and seamlessly integrate, conforming to the design, format, and content of the website or social media feed where it is published.

   It’s hard to distinguish your search results from sponsored content, so you have to pay attention to what you’re clicking.

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Etymology

Origin of sponsored content

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

OpenAI also recently introduced ads into the chatbot for free and Go users, leading to concerns that higher-paid tiers might eventually see sponsored content.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

Traditional search engines usually give less weight to sponsored content: articles or blog posts that a company pays for but that look like regular editorial content.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

Beyond OpenAI, Microsoft has been running contextual ads and sponsored content in its Copilot AI assistant since 2023.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

The Federal Communications Commission has leveled a $13.4-million fine against Sinclair Broadcast Group for failing to identify sponsored content that aired on its TV stations.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

These creator programs - which reward users for likes, comments and shares, and allow them to post sponsored content - have been linked to its rise.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2024