YouTube Contests: Find & Enter to Win

The Allure of Contests and the Power of the Social Web

Contests possess a compelling attraction for many individuals. This inclination may stem from a fundamental human drive to compete, or perhaps a latent desire for reward that motivates participation. Furthermore, the social web has proven to be an exceptionally effective platform for hosting such events.

Similar to numerous online phenomena, contests exhibit a viral nature. When successful, they disseminate rapidly and extensively. Considering this, YouTube emerges as a particularly potent medium for viral spread.

Consequently, the combination of YouTube and contests provides viewers with opportunities to win attractive prizes.

Locating and Identifying Engaging YouTube Contests

Determining where to find YouTube contests is relatively straightforward. However, identifying the most appealing options is a matter of personal preference.

The initial step involves actively searching for available contests.

Here's a breakdown of how to approach finding these opportunities:

Search Terms: Utilize relevant keywords like "YouTube contest," "giveaway," or "sweepstakes" within the YouTube search bar.
Channel Exploration: Browse channels focused on your interests, as they frequently host contests related to their niche.
Social Media Monitoring: Keep an eye on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, where contests are often announced.

Participating in YouTube contests can be a fun and rewarding experience. The platform’s reach ensures a wide audience and the potential for significant prize pools.

Locating YouTube Contests

Participation in any YouTube contest necessitates logging in with your established username. While contest announcements can be discovered on individual channel pages, a more direct approach involves visiting the dedicated page that aggregates many of YouTube’s current contests.

The Contests hub displays both active and previously concluded contests. However, it’s important to note that this page doesn't encompass every contest hosted on the platform.

Currently, YouTube is promoting a contest known as MyYouTube. This contest was highlighted on the YouTube homepage within the What’s New section.

To enter, participants are required to register and subscribe to the channels of their preferred celebrities. High-scoring entrants will be rewarded with autographed items, including CDs, T-shirts, and photographs.

This particular contest appears to be limited to select countries, such as India. It represents a strategic effort to boost the visibility of celebrity channels through the power of viral social networking.

An alternative method for identifying ongoing contests involves utilizing the YouTube search function. Entering a keyword phrase like “contests 2011” and then applying filters through the Search Options can yield relevant results.

Discovering Engaging YouTube Competitions

Presented here is a selection of five YouTube contests that were found to be particularly noteworthy.

The Innocent Mini Movies Challenge

Centered around a featured smoothie bottle, this competition requires participants to produce a sequel to an existing television advertisement. Success is determined by audience voting, with a grand prize of £5,000 ($8,000) and additional benefits. The submission deadline is April 17th.

Steal The Spotlight Competition

Participants are invited to submit original music videos, limited to a duration of six minutes, showcasing either solo or group performances. MTV will evaluate the entries and choose a winner. The prize includes an all-expenses-paid trip to perform at a VMA weekend event, alongside other rewards. Submissions are accepted starting April 4th.

Musical Shorts Contest

A collaborative effort between Hyundai and YouTube, this contest emphasizes skill and creativity. Participants must create an original music video that embodies the essence of “Mothership Remix,” a composition by Mason Bates, the composer-in-residence of the YouTube Symphony Orchestra. The contest commenced on March 14th and concludes on June 7th.

Ecomagination Line Dance Contest

Launched in February and closing on April 8th, this contest offers a limited timeframe for submissions. Participants are asked to submit videos of original ‘line dances’ with the aim of supporting GE’s environmental initiatives focused on providing clean water. The grand prize is $10,000 in eco-friendly appliances.

Create or Else Initiative

Ogilvy’s channel focuses on inspiring innovative ideas rather than a traditional contest. It solicits video submissions from creative individuals who have developed solutions with a positive global impact. Rewards include worldwide recognition, personal fulfillment, and potential inspiration.

Due to time constraints, full participation in all contests and observation of their outcomes wasn’t possible. It is hoped that these YouTube contests will be found enjoyable enough to encourage sharing of favorite selections.

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