The History of Content Marketing: From Print Ads to TikTok
Content marketing might sound like a modern buzzword, but it’s been around for centuries. From early print publications to viral TikToks, the way we tell stories to attract and engage customers has constantly evolved. To understand where content marketing is today—and where it’s heading—it helps to take a look back.
Let’s dive into the fascinating history of content marketing and see how it’s transformed over the years.
The Early Days: Print and Storytelling (Pre-1900s to Early 1900s)
Believe it or not, content marketing predates the internet by a long shot. Some of the earliest examples go back to the 1700s and 1800s, when businesses used informational pamphlets and branded publications to educate and build trust with their customers.
Notable Moment:
The Furrow by John Deere (1895)
One of the first great examples of modern content marketing, The Furrow was a magazine created by John Deere to educate farmers, not sell to them directly. It provided helpful tips, stories, and insights that built loyalty over time. It’s still in circulation today.
The Rise of Branded Content (1900s–1950s)
As media channels like radio and TV emerged, brands began sponsoring programming and creating branded entertainment. This was the beginning of content as an experience, offering value beyond just products.
Notable Moment:
Jell-O’s Recipe Book (1904)
Jell-O distributed free recipe books door-to-door to help people understand how to use their product. Sales reportedly hit over $1 million within two years. A perfect example of content driving demand.
The Golden Age of Advertising (1960s–1980s)
This era was all about the Mad Men-style creativity that made advertising iconic. But while most of it was interruptive, some brands began to realize the power of storytelling that served a purpose beyond just selling.
Branded magazines, newsletters, and customer loyalty programs started to gain traction.
The Digital Shift (1990s–Early 2000s)
Enter the internet. Suddenly, content wasn’t just a luxury—it became a necessity. Brands launched websites and realized they needed more than just a brochure online. The rise of SEO, blogging, and email newsletters laid the foundation for modern content marketing.
Notable Moment:
The Launch of “Content Marketing” as a Term (1996)
The term content marketing was coined and started to gain traction as marketers moved from traditional ads to more value-driven strategies online.
The Social Media Explosion (2004–2015)
With the rise of platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and later Instagram, content became social, shareable, and mobile-first.
Blogging matured, video content exploded, and influencers became powerful content partners. Brands that told engaging stories and built communities started winning over traditional advertisers.
Notable Moment:
Red Bull’s Content Machine
Red Bull transformed from an energy drink company to a full-on media brand. From extreme sports documentaries to viral YouTube clips, they redefined what content marketing could be.
TikTok, AI, and the Content-First Era (2016–2025)
Fast-forward to today, and content is everywhere. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have made short-form video the go-to format. AI tools are reshaping content creation, and audiences are demanding authenticity over perfection.
Content marketing has shifted from polished to personal, from slow to real-time.
Notable Trends: on The History of Content Marketing: From Print Ads to TikTok
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User-Generated Content (UGC) becomes king
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AI-powered content creation grows rapidly
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Interactive and immersive formats (like AR and virtual events) gain popularity
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Community-based content (Discord, Reddit, niche networks) thrive
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Short-form video dominates brand reach
So, What’s the Big Picture?
Content marketing has always been about one thing: providing value through storytelling. From recipe books to viral dance challenges, it evolves with culture, technology, and attention spans—but the heart stays the same.
Brands that master the art of helpful, human-centered content will always have an edge—regardless of the platform.
What’s Next? On The History of Content Marketing: From Print Ads to TikTok
As we look toward the future, expect to see:
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Deeper personalization powered by AI
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More ethical, transparent content practices
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Community-first strategies
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Continued dominance of short-form, snackable content
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A balance between automation and authentic human voices
Final Thought on The History of Content Marketing: From Print Ads to TikTok
From the pages of The Furrow to the feeds of TikTok, content marketing has come a long way—but its power lies in its ability to evolve. If you’re telling stories that serve your audience, you’re not just marketing—you’re building something that lasts.
