Contests That Drive Deep Brand Engagement:
Built For You
Realtime Media is your trusted partner for the seamless execution of contests that drive results.
Well-Executed Contests Fuel Meaningful Interaction Between Your Brand and Consumers
Invite Your Fans to Participate in a Contest That:
Boosts audience engagement
Generates high-impact user content
Sparks social interactions and viral moments
Our expert team will help you design, manage, and legally execute contests that deliver measurable success.
Contests vs Sweepstakes: Key Differences Every Marketer Should Know
Wondering about the difference between a contest and a sweepstakes? Need help deciding which is better for your marketing campaign? Check out our blog or get in touch!
Why Choose Realtime Media for Your Contests?
Comprehensive Administration
From official rules to winner management, we handle the details so you can focus on results.
Flexible Entry Methods
Choose from web, social media, receipt upload, purchase-to-enter, custom integrations, or collect entries from your existing channels.
Legal & Compliance Expertise
Our in-house legal team ensures your promotion meets regulations upfront, to avoid costly mistakes and re-work.
Turnkey or Custom Solutions
Whether you need a fast launch or a fully tailored experience, we provide the most cost-effective contest and gamified promotion solutions.
Fraud Mitigation & Data Security
SOC 2-attested security protocols and proprietary fraud mitigation keep your campaign and consumer data safe.
Proven Success in Contest Marketing Strategies
Brands trust Realtime Media to create and execute high-performing contests that drive measurable ROI. Our expertise spans industries, including Consumer Packaged Goods, Retail, Automotive, Entertainment, and more.
featured case study
View
Cadbury Bunny Tryouts Social Contest
To boost Easter engagement and media buzz for its chocolate egg, Cadbury invited users to
share photos or videos of their pets dressed as the Cadbury Bunny on Instagram.
share photos or videos of their pets dressed as the Cadbury Bunny on Instagram.
Contest Services
- Full & Abbreviated Official Rules
- Advertising Collateral Review
- Content Pre-Judging and Moderation
- Alternate/Free Means of Entry
- State Bonding & Registration
- Winner Outreach and Confirmation
- Prize Procurement and Fulfillment
Common Contest Formats that Maximize Results
Social Media Contest
Generate buzz and invite users to create content that increases brand relevance and viral conversations on social channels.
Recipe Contest
Invite customers to create and share original recipes, showcasing your product's versatility.
Multi-stage Contest
Engage your brand’s most loyal fans to submit contest entries, then curate top entries via a judging panel and encourage users to cast votes for their favorite entries.
Sweepstakes Voting Overlay Contest
Encourages voting participation and expands the audience engaging with your brand's contest.
UGC Contest
Motivate users to share content that you can leverage in your ongoing marketing efforts to increase authenticity in brand storytelling.
Before and After Photo Contest
Highlighting transformations through authentic visual storytelling from real customers showcasing your product's features and benefits.
Effortlessly Manage and Review Contest Entries
Our admin review tool streamlines the process of approving, rejecting, and scoring entries, making it more efficient for your team.
Need help selecting finalists?
To help with contest management, we offer pre-judging and moderation to ensure entries meet guidelines and your team can focus on a subset of high-quality entries to review and select a winner.
We Deliver Actionable Insights
Daily Reports, Google Analytics and End of Promotion Reports All Your Brand to Measure Results
Live Data Dashboard
Explore to-the-minute insights and analytics on your campaign's performance.
Day Over Day Metrics
A daily email is sent to members of your team to track day over day progress and acquisition.
End of Promotion Report
After a promotion ends, your project manager will walk through a consolidated performance report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a contest and sweepstakes?
A sweepstakes is a promotion where winners are chosen at random and no skill is required to win. A contest, on the other hand, involves judging entries based on skill, creativity, or merit—like a photo or essay competition.
How are winners selected in a contest?
Contest winners are chosen based on judging criteria stated in the Official Rules, like creativity, relevance, or execution. We offer tools for scoring entries, running voting phases, or conducting pre-judging to streamline the process.
What are the legal requirements for running a contest in the U.S.?
You’ll need official rules, judging criteria, eligibility requirements, and clear terms of participation. Our legal team ensures your contest is compliant with federal and state laws, including privacy and intellectual property protections.
Are there restrictions on requiring a purchase for entry?
Yes. In the U.S., requiring a purchase to enter a contest is generally prohibited, as it can be considered an illegal lottery. To stay compliant, an Alternate Method of Entry (AMOE) must be provided so participants can enter for free.
How long should my contest run?
It depends on your format and goals. Short contests (1–2 weeks) are great for quick bursts of engagement, while longer ones (4–6 weeks) allow time for content creation, voting, and UGC amplification.
What entry methods can I use for a contest?
We support web-based forms, social media submissions (like posts or hashtags), photo/video uploads, and custom entry experiences embedded in your website, app, or CRM platform.
Can I run a contest on social media?
Yes! We can help you launch contests across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), while ensuring your promotion follows each platform’s guidelines and terms of service.
How do you prevent fraud in contests?
We use advanced fraud prevention tools, including IP tracking, bot detection, and identity verification, along with SOC 2-level security to protect your campaign and consumer data from abuse.
What kind of data can I collect from contest participants?
You can gather contact details, user-generated content, social handles, survey responses, and opt-ins. All data collection is customizable based on your campaign goals and privacy needs.
Do you offer real-time reporting on contest performance?
Yes—our live reporting dashboard shows entry stats, engagement metrics, and participation trends so you can monitor performance and optimize in real time.
How are winners selected and verified?
Winners are selected through judging panels, voting, or a mix of both—depending on your format. We handle eligibility checks, entry reviews, and prize confirmations for a smooth, compliant process.
Do you handle prize fulfillment?
Absolutely. We procure and distribute all prizes—whether digital, physical, or experiential—and manage everything from shipping logistics to winner communication and IRS 1099 forms.
Are there tax implications for contest winners?
Yes. In the U.S., any prize valued over $600 requires the issuer to file a 1099 form with the IRS. We handle tax documentation and make sure your winners are properly informed and compliant.
Have Another Question? Check out our FAQ Hub:
Let's Launch Your Contest Promotion
Connect with our Team and Explore the Right Contest Solution for your Campaign
Industry Insight and Inspiration
Discover the Latest at RTM
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9/24/2025
The holiday season presents significant potential for businesses to drive sales growth, with consumer spending increasing during this period. To maximize this opportunity, brands are turning to digital promotions
8/15/2025
Instagram sweepstakes are a highly effective way to drive real-time engagement, grow your brand’s reach, and generate buzz.
5/16/2025
Sweepstakes are a powerful way to generate quick engagement and reach a broad audience. Their low barrier to entry makes them especially effective for driving participation, building email lists, and increasing brand visibility with minimal friction.
