Outset PR Reveals AI is Reshaping the Future of Crypto News

In Brief

Eastern Europe’s crypto media faces turbulence, with 63% of outlets losing traffic in Q2 2025, despite global crypto markets rebounding. Generative AI is affecting information discovery and consumption.

Eastern Europe’s crypto media landscape is experiencing a period of quiet turbulence. Outset PR’s latest research reveals that nearly two-thirds (63%) of outlets lost traffic in Q2 2025, despite global crypto markets rebounding strongly. The issue isn’t just audience fatigue – it’s the rise of generative AI that’s changing how people discover and consume information.

The Decline of Discovery, but Loyalty Holds Strong

At first glance, the numbers appear bleak: crypto-native outlets saw an 18% decline, and even mainstream finance and tech publications faced steady erosion. However, the underlying story is more nuanced. User loyalty remains remarkably strong, with direct visits and branded searches still accounting for the majority of traffic. This suggests that while casual clicks are decreasing in AI summaries, committed readers continue to seek out trusted sources.

Media companies face a dual reality: a decline in speculative discovery, yet stability in loyalty-driven readership. This situation poses both risks and opportunities. The risk is clear: smaller outlets, already reliant on Google rankings or aggregator referrals, are being squeezed out. However, the opportunity lies in adaptation. With the emergence of AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity as new gateways, media brands that optimize for structured, high-quality, and semantically clear content will be better positioned to appear in these “answer-first” interfaces.

Regulation and Algorithms: A Double Bind

Furthermore, technology is not the only variable. Regulatory complexity adds another layer of volatility, shaping editorial choices not only by reader demand but also by laws and algorithms. Compliance, however, does not guarantee visibility, as several editors have noted that they “follow the rules yet still lose ranking.”

Consolidation Raises the Stakes

The data reveals another uncomfortable truth: the crypto world is getting more concentrated. Just 17 outlets account for over 80% of all crypto traffic in Eastern Europe, with Russia and Poland responsible for 82% of the region’s readership. While this centralization may bring efficiency for advertisers and PR teams, it also risks limiting the diversity of voices in a space that relies on decentralization.

What lies ahead is not just about who publishes news, but who establishes trust as a knowledge brand. By diversifying into education, analysis, and community-driven services, outlets can offset traffic losses and foster deeper engagement. For instance, those incorporating explainer content, interactive tools, or AI-verified reporting will shine in an environment where summaries abound, but credibility is scarce. Ultimately, survival will depend not on volume, but on authority.

Eastern Europe’s crypto media is at a critical juncture. Outlets relying solely on traditional search visibility will continue to lose traffic, while those investing in brand trust, AI-optimized publishing, and credible reporting can establish a sustainable presence. The challenge is significant, but the opportunity for reinvention is real.