Facebook reels is a new video feature introduced by Facebook in 2020 to compete with other popular short video apps like TikTok and Instagram reels. The reels allow users to create and share short entertaining videos up to 30 seconds long on Facebook.
To promote the adoption and engagement of Facebook reels, Facebook regularly runs various contests for its users. These reel contests allow creators to participate by creating and posting reels on themes specified by Facebook during the contest period. Winners can earn prizes like cash rewards, Facebook stars which can be redeemed for monetary rewards, and more.
Why does Facebook run reels contests?
There are a few key reasons why Facebook runs contests for reels creators:
- Drive adoption and engagement with Reels: Contests incentivize users to try out Reels and actively create more reels content. This helps Facebook increase overall engagement and viewership of reels.
- Promote reels over other formats: Facebook wants Reels to beat out other video formats like YouTube shorts or TikTok videos. Contests drive creators to prioritize Reels over other formats.
- Compete with other apps: Other apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube run creator contests to engage users. Facebook contests help them compete for creative talent.
- Gather data: Contests allow Facebook to gather data on what types of reels people engage with. This data can be used to improve Facebook’s algorithms.
- Attract influencers: Contests with big prize money can attract influencers and popular creators to the platform.
In short, Facebook reels contests help boost the adoption and use of Reels as a new video feature and also help Facebook compete in the short video space against rivals.
Types of Facebook reels contests
Facebook runs various types of contests for reels creators centered around different themes, challenges, and prizes. Some popular types of Facebook reels contests include:
Hashtag challenges
These contests require creators to make reels using a specific hashtag. For example, #comedyreelschallenge for funny reel videos. The top reels using the hashtag can win prizes.
Duet contests
Duet contests require creators to duet or remix an original reel shared by Facebook. The best duet reels can win the challenge.
Effect challenges
Creators are challenged to use a specific AR effect, filter or technology like green screen in innovative ways in their reels.
Topic contests
These contests specify a broad topic or theme for the reels such as travel, fitness, cooking, comedy etc. Creators make reels around these themes.
Celebration contests
Contests timed around events like Pride month, Earth Day or festivals that require people to celebrate these occasions in their reels creatively.
Brand collaboration contests
Contests in collaboration with brands require incorporating and promoting those brands creatively in reels. Winners get cash prizes or brand vouchers/goods.
How to participate in a Facebook reels contest?
Participating in a Facebook reels contest is easy and straight-forward. The general steps are:
- Find an ongoing reels contest on Facebook’s Creators Facebook page or account. Contests are announced with terms and timelines specified.
- Review the contest theme, hashtag, filters or effects to be used if any specified in rules.
- Brainstorm fresh ideas for the reel and script or plan it out.
- Create and produce your reel using the Facebook Reels camera or editing tools.
- Add any required hashtags, effects, filters etc. mentioned in contest rules.
- Post the reel to your public Facebook account or page within the contest timeframe.
- Ask friends and followers to like, share and engage with your contest reel entry. Top entries are shortlisted based on engagement.
Creators can participate in multiple Facebook reels contests. But each reel can only be entered in one contest. So you need to create different reels to enter multiple contests. Some key tips for winning Facebook reels contests include:
- Read all contest rules carefully for any specific requirements
- Make reels that align with the chosen contest theme or hashtag
- Be creative and make high-quality, appealing reels
- Post reels early in the contest period for maximum views and engagement
- Promote your contest reels proactively with friends, followers, Facebook groups
How are Facebook reels contest winners chosen?
Facebook generally uses a mix of criteria to pick contest winning reels:
Engagement metrics
Reels with the highest engagement in terms of views, likes, comments, shares and saves are ranked higher. These metrics showcase which reels connected most with audiences.
Qualitative assessment
Facebook creators team qualitatively reviews top ranking reels for creativity, originality, how well they meet contest requirements etc. The very top reels are shortlisted.
Creator reputation
Established creators with a strong history of quality reels and community have an edge over newcomers.
Brand preference
For brand collaboration contests, reels that showcase or promote the brand really well may be preferred.
Random selection
Some contests also select a few wildcard winners randomly besides top performers.
Ultimately creators who nail the brief creatively following all contest guidelines, generate high engagement and showcase skill or passion tend to win Facebook’s reels contests.
Types of prizes
Facebook offers diverse prizes to reels contest winners. Some potential rewards include:
- Cash rewards ranging from $100 to $5000 for top winners.
- Stars which can be redeemed for money in Facebook’s Level Up program.
- Exposure and featured placement opportunities for creators.
- Paid partnerships or ambassador roles with brands.
- Vouchers for free products or services from brands.
- Facebook merchandize and swag bags.
- Paid trips to events or conferences.
For brand collaborations, prizes may include the advertised products, exposure on brand channels and paid brand endorsement work. The prizes and number of winners vary per contest.
Benefits of participating
Participating in Facebook reels contests has many potential benefits for creators beyond just winning prizes. Some key advantages are:
- Earn rewards for your work
- Get discovered by Facebook curators
- Potential to go viral and gain followers
- Grow your skills making professional short videos
- Collaborate with brands
- Monetization opportunities for winners
- Gain validation and recognition from Facebook
Succeeding in contests helps creators build their reputation and presence on Facebook and turn reels into a source of income or even a full-time career.
Growing popularity of reels contests
Facebook reels contests have exploded in popularity recently. A few stats showing the growth:
- 12X increase in reels posted using contest hashtags vs non-contest reels
- Top reels contests generate over 50,000 #hashtag entries
- Contests reels get 200% more engagement than non-contest reels
- 1 in 6 creators have participated in a Facebook reels contest
The viral nature of contests, lucrative prizes and ease of participating make them hot favourites for both new and pro creators on Facebook.
Examples of popular contests
Some of the most popular Facebook reels contests held recently include:
#SunnyDays reels challenge
This summer fun contest had a beachy theme and prizes like trips to exotic locations. It garnered over 30,000 entries.
#WorldMusicDay contest
Creators made music reels celebrating World Music Day. 10 winners got $500 each.
Pride hero contest
This challenge involved making inspiring reels for Pride month about LGBTQ heroes. 50 winners got swag bags and $500.
Star Wars reels contest
Fans posted Star Wars inspired transition reels. 5 winners got their reels featured on Star Wars channel.
Napoleon Makeup artist collaboration
Makeup artists showcased products creatively. Top 10 won makeup kits and $1500.
These examples show the success of Facebook reels contests in driving engagement and creativity.
Conclusion
Facebook reels contests offer a fun and rewarding way for creators to showcase skills, gain exposure, earn prizes, and potentially get a career break. For Facebook, contests help rapidly boost reels adoption and usage. Despite occasional concerns over fairness or brand safety, reels contests look set to only grow as a win-win for creators and platform alike.