One minute your coverage is live on MSN, the next it’s gone.
No redirect. No notice. No explanation.
If you’ve ever landed a link via MSN (or one of its syndicated partners) and it mysteriously vanishes within days or weeks, you’re not alone.
Here’s why it happens, and what you can actually do about it.
MSN is Microsoft’s content portal – think of it like a modern-day homepage, packed with lifestyle, tech, health, and entertainment news.
But MSN doesn’t create most of its own content. Instead, it syndicates articles from other publishers, Metro, Express, Mirror, and hundreds more – using AI-driven feeds.
So if you’ve secured a backlink from a Digital PR campaign, on a site like the Express, it might also get picked up and republished on MSN. This is how coverage “lands” on MSN without you pitching them directly.
There are a few common reasons your MSN link might vanish:
MSN often only hosts articles for a short period, sometimes 48 hours, sometimes a few weeks. Once the traffic dies down or the content becomes less relevant, MSN automatically removes it.
If the original publisher edits the article, changes the headline, or removes the backlink – MSN’s version can also refresh or disappear entirely.
In some cases, MSN re-crawls the source site and republishes a new version, and that version may not include your original link or quote.
Because MSN uses dynamic URLs and syndication feeds, links can sometimes break or redirect oddly.
You might still find the article if you know the title – but the original MSN URL simply won’t work anymore.
MSN has its own automated moderation system. If an article is flagged for being too promotional or not aligning with Microsoft’s publishing guidelines, it can be pulled – even if the original remains live elsewhere.
Yes and no. Let’s break it down.
MSN is a bonus domain. You’re not pitching them directly – your real win was landing the media feature and link on the original publisher’s site (e.g. Mirror.co.uk).
If MSN syndicates it, you benefit from:
Once MSN removes the article:
Which brings us to an important question…
It depends on your reporting style – but for us at Cupid PR, we stopped logging MSN coverage as a “live link” a while ago.
Why? Because:
Instead, we advise clients upfront:
“Syndicated MSN links may not be permanent – but they’re a strong sign your content is gaining traction.”
That way, if it drops off, there are no surprises.
There’s no editor at MSN to chase – but you’re not powerless.
Here’s what you can do:
As soon as you spot an MSN link, screenshot the article and archive the URL. Tools like Wayback Machine or Archive.today are great for preserving proof.
Even if the link goes down, you can still demonstrate it was live (but really I don’t see the point)
If the original piece on Metro or Mirror is still live – that’s where the real value lies. The MSN version was a republished copy. You’ve lost nothing in SEO terms if the source is still intact.
In client reports, we flag syndicated content clearly. For example:
“This link appeared via MSN from an Express article. These are often temporary and may expire.”
Doing this avoids awkward "where did my link go?" conversations down the line.
MSN links disappear because they were never built to last. They’re not standalone placements – they’re a sign your content has reached distribution-worthy status.
So while you shouldn’t hang your entire campaign on them, they’re still a great bonus to track, screenshot and celebrate – just not to promise or rely on.
Need help crafting PR campaigns that secure high-authority coverage and stand the test of time?
At Cupid PR, we help brands earn expert-led media placements on sites that stick – not ones that vanish into thin air.
Drop us a message to build a strategy that earns results you can count on.
No sales techniques here. I'll let you know what we can do for you. And if I don't think your website is right for Digital PR, I won't try and sell you anything you don't need.
Cupid PR, trading as DPR consultancy - Quay Street Manchester
