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Winning Online Video Contests

Its been a trend for a while now, but the popularity of online video contests is increasing as corporations jump on board upping the possibilities even more. These user-generated types of contests create some good viral marketing for both the creator and the company.

The first contests were usually popularity types. You uploaded a video and then hounded all of your friends to go and vote for it. The idea worked but people online are now so tired of being asked to vote, that the entries to contests started decreasing. Thats when the contests started to change and now many contests are moving toward a panel jury who will sort through and come up with a winner. Many of the contests dont pay huge amounts but you might get merchandise or a small cash prize. Besides receiving a gift, it is a good way to get yourself motivated to edit your film and see what others think of it. The corporate video contests are interesting for both the entrant and the company. They ask for 30 or 60 second commercials and give very good prizes. Doritos has been doing this for a while and other big companies like Progressive Insurance have also jumped on the idea. They get great responses from independent filmmakers, big viral videos and give you amazing exposure you wouldnt get anywhere else.

Several big sites list all the contests and some even break down all the fine print for you (and always read that in case there are some things you dont like – dont be disappointed in the end by not having read the rules). The legit companies pay $1000 and up to winners so theres definitely some motivation thrown your way. video blogging