Win any Online Video Contests Following 7 Pro Tips!

How to win online video contests? Having a pro-level camera and knowing how to shoot something is not enough to win. Follow some expert tips so you can make your entry stand out even with your mobile phone.

What are these tips? Let’s find out.

7 Pro Tips to Win Online Video Contests

All the tips mentioned below are compiled based on my own experience and research. So, don’t forget to apply them in your next contest.

#1. Choose the Contest

Choosing the right contest is the first step towards victory. Rather than randomly entering all available contests, select ones that align with your interests and skills.

For instance, if you have a knack for storytelling, opt for contests that emphasize narrative rather than technical excellence. If you are proficient in editing, look for contests that value post-production skills.

Suppose there’s a contest titled ‘Life in the City’ by XYZ Organization that encourages storytelling through visuals. If you have been capturing life around your city, this could be the perfect platform to showcase your talent.

Make sure to read the contest rules and guidelines thoroughly to ensure your video meets the criteria. This tailored approach increases your chances of standing out and ultimately winning.

#2. Know the Theme and Rules of the Contest

Understanding the theme and rules of the contest is paramount to your success. This means reading the contest’s brief thoroughly and adhering to all the guidelines stipulated.

For example, if the contest theme is “The Beauty of Nature” and the rules specify a maximum duration of 3 minutes for the video, your submission should not only focus on highlighting natural beauty but also ensure it does not exceed the time limit.

In recent times, many brands have focused on product video shoot contests. So, check if the contest also has any commercial aspects, like promoting a product or brand.

Remember, ignoring any of the contest rules could lead to disqualification, regardless of the quality of your video.

#3. Know your Audience

Understanding your audience is a critical aspect of success in online video contests. Keeping your audience in mind while creating your video can help you create content that resonates with them.

For instance, let’s say you’re entering a contest organized by a fitness brand, and the target audience is health-conscious individuals in their 20s and 30s. In this case, your video could showcase a quick, high-intensity workout in an urban park, demonstrating the effectiveness of the brand’s fitness equipment.

This not only aligns with the brand’s values but also appeals to the lifestyle and interests of the target demographic.

In contrast, if the contest is sponsored by a brand selling luxury watches with a target audience of affluent professionals aged 40 and above, your video should reflect sophistication and elegance.

Perhaps it could feature a classy dinner event, with close-ups of the watch worn by well-dressed individuals, emphasizing the product’s fine craftsmanship and unique design.

Knowing your audience helps you craft a message that appeals to them, increasing the likelihood of your video leaving a lasting impression.

#4. Quality Over Quantity

One of the common mistakes made by participants in online video contests is focusing on the quantity of content instead of the quality. Delivering high-quality content should be your utmost priority, as it is far more impactful and memorable than a large volume of mediocre content.

Remember, your video is representing your creativity and skills, and every second of it should be well thought out and purposefully included. Keep your video concise yet powerful and engaging. Long videos may bore the audience, while shorter videos that pack a punch will leave a lasting impression.

For example, if you’re participating in a short film contest, instead of trying to cram an entire storyline into a 2-minute video, focus on one key moment or event and build your video around it. This will allow for more detail and depth in the storyline, characters, and cinematography, enhancing the overall quality of your video.

Similarly, if you are creating a video for a product demonstration contest, instead of showing all the features of the product, focus on the most innovative or unique feature. Provide a detailed demonstration of this feature, highlighting how it solves a common problem or improves the user’s experience. This will give your video a clear focus and make it more impactful and memorable.

#5. Originality and Creativity:

Originality and creativity are key factors that can set your video apart in a contest. Judges and audiences alike appreciate fresh and innovative ideas that break away from the norm. Your unique perspective can be a powerful tool in creating a video that leaves a strong impression and resonates with viewers.

For instance, if you’re participating in a contest for the most creative advertisement for a coffee brand, you could go the usual route and showcase people starting their day with a cup of coffee.

Or, you could take an original, creative approach and present the coffee beans going on a journey from the farm to the cup, all the while anthropomorphizing the beans and giving them dialogue and personalities. This creative twist to a commonplace product would differentiate your video from others and would likely garner attention and appreciation for your innovation.

Hence, always strive for originality and creativity in your videos. They reflect your unique style and set your work apart, significantly increasing the likelihood of your video standing out in a contest.

#6. Work for Votes:

Working for votes is a crucial part of winning online video contests. Here are a few tips to help secure those much-needed votes:

Promote Your Video: Share your video on social media platforms, your website, blog, and email newsletters. Encourage your friends, family, and followers to vote for your video and share it within their networks.
Engage Your Audience: Respond to comments on your video and engage with your audience. Building relationships with your viewers can motivate them to support you by voting and sharing your video.
Regular Updates: Post regular updates reminding people to vote for your video. However, avoid spamming; you don’t want to annoy your potential voters.

Despite your best efforts, you may find that you need a boost to get ahead in the competition. This is where online vote-selling platforms come into play. Purchasing votes from reputable service providers can help give your video the push it needs to take the lead.

For instance, Royal Votes offers a range of packages to suit different needs and budgets. We deliver real, high-quality votes from unique IP addresses, ensuring your votes look legitimate and adhere to contest rules.

#7. Call to Action:

Including a call to action (CTA) in your video or its description can significantly increase viewer engagement and the likelihood of them voting for your entry. A CTA prompts your viewers to take a specific action, like voting for your video, sharing it on their social media, or even visiting your website for more information.

For instance, toward the end of your video, you can include a verbal or visual CTA that says, “If you enjoyed this video, please vote for us and share this video with your friends!”. In the video description, you might write, “Want to see more content like this? Vote for us and help us win!”.

Here are a few tips for crafting an effective CTA:

Be Clear and Specific: Clearly state what you want your viewers to do. If you want them to vote for your video, say it directly.
Create Urgency: Use phrases like “Vote now” and “Only a few days left to vote” to make your audience feel like they need to act immediately.
Make It Easy: Provide a link in your video description that takes viewers directly to the voting page. The easier it is for viewers to vote, the more likely they are to do it.
Communicate the Benefit: Let your viewers know what’s in it for them. If their vote helps you create more content, tell them! People are more likely to take action if they understand the benefits.

You may also check out the below video on practical learning on improving the video call to action.

Bonus Tip: Do Practice

Practice makes perfect – a cliché, but true, especially when it comes to video creation. The more you practice, the better you become at storytelling, filming, editing, and other crucial aspects of video production.

Storyboarding: Practice creating storyboards to plan your videos. This will help you visualize your storyline and make filming more efficient.
Filming Techniques: Experiment with different camera angles, lighting, and camera movements. Each technique can evoke different feelings and perspectives, enhancing your storytelling.
Editing: Try out various video editing software and learn about the different features they offer. Good editing can transform your raw footage into a compelling video.
Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from others. This can provide valuable insights to improve your videos. Don’t be disheartened by constructive criticism – use it as a stepping stone towards creating better videos.

Remember, every video you make is a learning experience that allows you to explore your creativity and improve your skills. It’s through practice and persistence that you can produce a video worthy of winning contests.

How to Shoot Video for a Contest?

You have all the tips that will help you create a winning video for your next contest. However, before you start filming, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.

#1. Plan Ahead:

Planning is the key to making a successful video. It involves several steps, which include:

Conceptualization: Start by brainstorming and jotting down unique ideas for your video. Think outside the box and try to come up with a concept that is original and engaging.
Storyboarding: Once you’ve got an idea, create a storyboard. This will help you visualize your video’s flow and determine what shots you need.
Scriptwriting: If your video involves dialogue or narration, write a script. Ensure it’s clear, concise, and complements your video’s visual elements.
Location Scouting: Identify the perfect locations for filming. Consider factors like lighting, background noise, and permission to film.
Equipment Setup: Decide what equipment you need. This could include cameras, lighting equipment, microphones, and props.

By planning ahead, you can ensure that your video production process is smooth and efficient, leading to a higher-quality end product.

#2. Film with the Contest in Mind:

Remember that your video is being created for a specific contest. Keep the following in mind while filming to make sure your entry stands out.

Relevance: Make sure your video aligns with the theme of the contest. Think about what judges and viewers will be looking for when voting, and include those elements in your video.
Guidelines: Always read and adhere to the contest’s rules and guidelines. These can impact your video’s eligibility, so it’s essential to understand them before filming.
Show Your Personality: A great way to stand out in a contest is by showcasing your unique personality. This can make your videos more relatable and memorable for viewers.
Keep it Focused: Don’t stray too far from your video’s main message. Keep your storyline and visuals focused on the contest’s theme rather than adding unnecessary elements.

#3. Stay Organized:

Staying organized throughout your video production process is key to ensuring a smooth workflow and a quality end product. Here are a few tips that can help:

Create a Production Schedule: Map out the entire video production process, assigning specific deadlines for each stage, like brainstorming, scripting, shooting, editing, and submitting the final cut. This will help keep everyone on track and ensure that no step is overlooked.
Maintain a Shot List: A shot list is a detailed breakdown of every shot you plan to capture. It includes the location, camera angle, actors involved, and any other relevant information. This acts as a roadmap for your filming day and ensures you don’t miss any crucial shots.
Use a File Storage System: Create a system for storing and organizing your video footage. This could be as simple as a structured folder system on your computer, or you could use a cloud-based storage service. Name your files and organize them in a way that makes sense so you can easily find what you need during editing.
Keep Track of Props and Costumes: If your video involves props or costumes, create an inventory list. This will help you keep track of what you need and where everything is.
Prepare for Post-Production: Post-production can be a lengthy process, so start preparing for it early. Organize your footage, choose your editing software, and ensure you have enough time allocated for this stage.

Being meticulous with these details can help prevent mishaps and keep your video production process running smoothly.

#4. Have Fun:

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the process! Creating a video should be a fun and creative experience. Don’t get too caught up in trying to make it perfect – instead, let your creativity flow and have fun with it. This enthusiasm will translate into your final product and make it more enjoyable for viewers.

What Will Happen If You Win an Online Video Contest?

If you win an online video contest, the organizer will contact you via mail, text, or phone call to send you the prize. By contacting you, they may also ask you to submit documents or other information for proof of identity and eligibility.

Once confirmed, you will receive your prize according to the contest’s terms and conditions. Plus, the organizer may feature you on their social media platforms.

Apart from receiving the prize money or any other rewards, winning an online video contest has numerous benefits:

Recognition: Winning a video contest can bring recognition and exposure to your work. Your video will be showcased to a wide audience, and you’ll receive appreciation from viewers, judges, and industry professionals.
Portfolio Boost: A winning video can add more value to your portfolio as it showcases your skills and creativity. This can open up future opportunities for collaborations, sponsorships, or even job offers.
Professional Opportunities: Winning a video contest can open doors to new professional opportunities. It can lead to collaborations, job offers, or increase your chances of finding success in the film industry.
Networking Opportunities: Participating in and winning a video contest can help you expand your network within the industry. You may connect with fellow contestants, judges, or sponsors who may be interested in working with you in the future.
Validation: Winning a video contest is an excellent validation of your skills and creativity. It shows that others appreciate and value your work, boosting your confidence and motivating you to continue creating quality videos
Personal Growth: Creating a video for a contest involves challenging yourself creatively and technically. Winning not only boosts your confidence but also helps you learn from the experience and improve your skills.

Prize Ideas: What Can You Win in an Online Video Contest?

Different video contests offer different prizes to the winners. Some may focus on cash rewards, while others may offer non-monetary rewards or a combination of both. Here are some prize ideas that you could win in an online video contest:

Cash Prizes: Cash prizes are the most common type of reward offered by video contests. These can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the contest’s budget and sponsors.
Gift Cards: Some contests may offer gift cards as prizes, which can be used at specific stores or online retailers.
Tech Gadgets: Tech gadgets such as cameras, laptops, tablets, or editing software are popular prizes in video contests. These can be valuable tools for your future video productions.
Trip or Vacation: Some contests may offer an all-expenses-paid trip or vacation as a prize. This is an exciting reward that can also serve as inspiration for future video ideas.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Winning a contest can lead to sponsorship opportunities from brands or companies looking to promote their products through your videos.

Read also: Contest prize ideas for work

Conclusion

Now, you’ve got a comprehensive guide on how to ace online video contests, including creating a top-notch video for your next competition. Just remember, being creative and persistent is crucial for producing a high-quality video.

So, plan ahead, stay organized, and, most importantly, enjoy the process! With these tips in mind, go out there and make your mark in the world of video production.