How to Find and Win Video Contests
How do you make sure you’re not missing video contests? No excuses anymore.
- You can check into YouTube’s contest page
- You can hit this VidOpp for a nice summary of contests.
- You can register on Xlntads.com, which hosts custom contests (and is currently running a contest for itself). Click here to register, and tell ’em Nalts sent you on the “referred by” drop-down on the registration page. You’ll then get e-mail alerts as contests launch.
Disclaimer: I am helping Xlntads liason with creators (see news).
Top 10 tips on how to increase your odds of winning.
- Make your entry entertaining first, then worry about promotion. Being over promotional looks like you’re pandering and bores viewers.
- Think like the brand leader. Are you giving him something he can show his boss without looking stupid?
- If someone personally reaches out to you, it’s worth more consideration.
- Play odds in your favor. Go for contests with lots of decent finalist prizes instead of one brass ring for the winner.
- Enter brands that fit your own style, and that will add to your resume.
- Watch the entries. If they’re super polished, then think realistically before you invest time. Also recognize that many entries will come in last minute.
- Read the rules carefully. It’s easy to get disqualified over a technicality. That happened with me and a Coke contest because my wife and I were humming a song from the Muppets.
- As soon as you learn about a contest, prepare and shoot your entry. Your initial enthusiasm will fade.
- Try not to give up when you lose or become a runner’s up. It takes persistence and luck.
- Consider the age and style of the brand’s target audience. I learned that putting my kids in some contests increased my placement, but hurt me in others.
Conshohocken, PA . . . you guys made that up, didn’t you. . .
Indian name. Can’t spell it.
As always, your tips are great.
the only problem is that the most of the contests are for US residents only. 🙁