The collaboration aims to solve a mounting problem for modern companies: brands are being ranked and recommended by AI systems daily, yet many lack the expertise to influence these outputs. SearchTides, which evaluates brands across 48 distinct metrics including crawler access and independent corroboration, provides the technical framework. Needle complements this by securing the high-quality editorial coverage that serves as a primary signal for large language models.

According to SearchTides CEO Drew Schweppe, earned media has become the most vital factor for AI systems when determining which companies deserve a seat at the table. By integrating media relations directly into AI visibility programs, the firms intend to cut through the noise of AI-generated content. Needle founder Tess Pawlisch noted that as newsrooms shrink and the volume of low-quality digital content grows, the ability to maximize the impact of every earned media placement has become a strategic necessity for high-growth clients.