To become an MSN publisher you apply to the Microsoft Start Partner program and supply a clean, feed-ready stream of original content. MSN (now part of Microsoft Start) curates articles from approved publishers and shares advertising revenue. A plugin like Feed Fusion automatically formats your WordPress posts to meet these feed requirements.

What is the Microsoft Start (MSN) publisher program?

Microsoft Start is the content network that powers the MSN homepage, the Windows news widget, the Edge new-tab feed, and the Start mobile app. It aggregates content from vetted publishers and distributes it to a very large audience, sharing ad revenue with partners.

Unlike open advertising, access is selective: you must be approved as a content provider before your articles can appear.

Typical requirements to get approved

• Original, high-quality content published consistently on your own site.
• A valid content feed (RSS/MRSS or a compliant article feed) that Microsoft can ingest.
• Clear authorship, publish dates, and editorial standards.
• Compliance with Microsoft’s content and monetization policies (no prohibited or low-value content).
• A reasonable publishing volume and topical focus.

How to apply, step by step

1. Prepare your site: consistent original posts, author bylines, and a clear niche.
2. Generate a compliant content feed from your WordPress site.
3. Apply through the Microsoft Start Partner Hub and submit your feed.
4. Pass editorial and policy review.
5. Once approved, publish normally — your new posts flow into the feed automatically.

Where Feed Fusion fits in

The hardest part for most WordPress publishers is producing a feed that matches each platform’s technical spec — correct image sizes, multi-format layouts, and metadata. Feed Fusion automates this: it turns your standard posts into MSN-ready articles, slideshows, galleries, or videos without manual editing, and keeps the feed valid as you publish.

Frequently asked questions

Is the MSN publisher program free to join?

Applying is free, but you must be approved. Microsoft shares advertising revenue with accepted publishers.

Do I need a minimum amount of traffic?

Microsoft focuses on content quality, originality, and policy compliance more than a fixed traffic threshold, though a consistent publishing history helps.

How does Feed Fusion help with MSN approval?

Feed Fusion automatically formats your WordPress content into a valid, platform-ready feed, removing the technical barrier that causes many applications to stall.

Ready to start syndicating? Learn how content syndication works or get Feed Fusion to automate publishing to MSN, AOL, SmartNews, and Yahoo.

Do it all with Feed Fusion

• Feed Fusion plugin — publish to MSN, AOL, and SmartNews at the same time with one click, and automatically turn each post into listicles, slideshows, and galleries. No manual reformatting.
• Done-for-you content — 100% human-written, brand-tailored, SEO-optimized articles built for MSN, AOL, and SmartNews. Choose a 5, 10, or 25-article bundle.