diff --git a/server.py b/server.py
index 4ce634c..b6d9b8c 100644
--- a/server.py
+++ b/server.py
@@ -4029,7 +4029,7 @@ async def ui_publish_run(run_id: str, request: Request):
         result = resp.json()
 
         # Pin the output and record L2 share
-        if run.output_hash:
+        if run.output_hash and result.get("asset"):
             await database.update_item_metadata(run.output_hash, ctx.actor_id, pinned=True, pin_reason="published")
             # Record L2 share so UI shows published status
             cache_path = get_cache_path(run.output_hash)