What Are the Rules for Running a YouTube Contest?

Running a contest on YouTube comes with specific rules and legal responsibilities. YouTube’s Contest Policies require that creators include a full set of official rules, outline how winners are selected, and provide eligibility information. You must also clearly state that YouTube does not sponsor or endorse the giveaway.

Contests must be free to enter and cannot require users to make a purchase. You also can’t ask users to inaccurately engage with your channel — for example, asking them to like or share under false pretenses. Comments, subscriptions, and video likes are acceptable entry methods, as long as they’re used fairly and transparently.

Using a tool like Gleam helps ensure your giveaway remains compliant. Gleam's YouTube Competitions Templates allows you to publish rules, verify actions, and choose a winner using a secure and fair process. This reduces your legal risk while enhancing user trust and campaign credibility.