What is the difference between a giveaway and a sweepstakes?

Short answer, there is not always a difference between “giveaways” and “sweepstakes!” A popular marketing tactic- whether as a standalone campaign or part of a larger initiative,- the term “giveaway” is commonly used to describe digital promotions. Most often, “giveaways” refer to games of chance, - particularly sweepstakes, where winners are selected at random from all eligible entries.

What types of promotions can be considered giveaways?

• Sweepstakes (microsite or social)
• Instant win games
• Sampling campaigns
• “First come first serve” type offers with little-to-no barrier to entry

One key factor that often distinguishes a “giveaway” from other digital promotions is duration. Giveaways are typically shorter in length; often running for just a few days to a few weeks. This limited time frame creates a sense of urgency, encouraging quick participation and helping the promotion achieve its goal(s) efficiently.

What prizes can you give away?

There are no strict limitations on the types of prizes that can be included in giveaways. Because giveaways are typically short-term campaigns designed to generate a quick surge in brand engagement and keep the brand top of mind, companies often use their own products as the primary or exclusive prizes.

This includes:

• New Products to Market
• Branded “Swag”
• Gift Cards or Discount Codes
• Trips & uniquely branded experiences

To explore our full Prizes Guide click here!

Can I run a giveaway on Instagram or X or TikTok?

Of course! Social media makes for a great entry method for giveaways. When planning your social media giveaway, there are a few key factors that you will want to consider:

• How do you want to engage with followers? Do you want them to comment on a recent post on Instagram? Re-post something on X? Make a TikTok using your branded hashtag?
• What do you want your prize pool to be? Do you have a new product in market that you want to give away? Are you awarding a cash prize? A once-in-a-lifetime experience?
• How will you reach out to winners? Entries on social media should not include any personally identifiable information (PII). All of the information need for winner confirmation and fulfillment needs to be after winners are selected – do you have a plan for collecting that information securely and efficiently?

Once you decide on how you want to engage followers on social media and design your giveaway, working with a giveaway administrator such as Realtime Media can help you streamline the process of bringing it to market, selecting winners, and fulfilling prizes!

How do you run a giveaway?

Running a giveaway generally includes the three (3) key milestones of all promotions:

1. Call to entry/registration period: This is the active window in which consumers are called upon to enter your giveaway for a chance to win a prize! The details of how to enter and who is eligible should be outlined within your official rules.
2. Winner selection: As defined within the official rules, winners are selected from the pool of eligible entries.
3. Winner notification & prize fulfillment: Notify and confirm winners, collect paperwork, and fulfill your prizes!

Working with Realtime Media, the most trusted giveaway partner, allows you to take full advantage of our team of experts across all phases of your promotion, exactly how and where you need it.