How Do I Run a Scavenger Hunt Competition on Social Media?
A social media scavenger hunt encourages followers to pay close attention across platforms by uncovering clues or Secret Codes hidden in your content. Participants progress step by step, then earn entries only after completing the full sequence.
Start by choosing where clues will appear. Common placements include Instagram captions, Stories or Reels, pinned posts on X, YouTube video descriptions, or TikTok comments. Each clue should point clearly to the next step so users know where to go next.
Guide participants across platforms with short calls to action. For example, ask them to watch a video to find a code, then visit a post or profile to unlock the next one. This approach increases reach, dwell time, and cross-channel engagement.
Reward completion, not partial progress. Entries should only unlock after all codes are submitted. This ensures rewards go to followers who actively participate and follow the trail from start to finish.
Use the Gleam Secret Code action to manage completion and verification. Each code unlocks an entry when submitted, so only users who discover every clue earn valid entries.
This format keeps followers engaged across platforms and rewards attention rather than passive likes. It works especially well when discovery is part of the story you want to tell.
For audience growth on video platforms, a YouTube scavenger hunt guides viewers through your channel, descriptions, and content to find clues—turning watch time into measurable engagement.
Pair clear instructions with gradual reveals, and your scavenger hunt will feel like a journey—not a chore—while driving meaningful interaction across social channels.