How Do I Run a Giveaway on Instagram?
Instagram giveaways are an effective way to grow followers, increase engagement, and reward your community when structured correctly.
Step 1: Choose a Relevant Prize
Select something aligned with your niche and audience. The prize should attract people who are genuinely interested in your brand — not just freebie hunters.
Step 2: Decide How People Enter
Common Instagram entry formats include:
- Like-to-Win
- Comment-to-Enter
- Tag-a-Friend
- Follow your account
Keep the steps simple and easy to complete.
Step 3: Write Clear Giveaway Rules
Your post should clearly state:
- Entry instructions
- Deadline
- Eligibility criteria (age, location, etc.)
- How the winner will be selected
- A disclaimer that the giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram
If you're unsure about compliance, see:
➡️ Do I Need Rules or Terms and Conditions?
Step 4: Track Entries and Pick a Winner Fairly
Manual tracking becomes difficult as engagement grows. Using a structured system helps you:
- Track valid entries
- Filter duplicates or spam
- Select a winner transparently
For smoother setup and fair winner selection, use Gleam’s Instagram Giveaway Template.
If you need help choosing a winner from comments:
➡️ How to Pick a Winner From Instagram Comments
Step 5: Launch Quickly With a Template
If you're starting out, begin with a simple setup that handles validation and entry tracking automatically.
See Next Article
How Long Should an Instagram Giveaway Last?
The ideal length for an Instagram giveaway is between 7–14 days. This gives enough time for promotion and entries without losing momentum or relevance. See pros and cons of different contest durations.