How to Run a Reddit Giveaway With Gleam

Reddit is a massive platform with strict rules around promotions.

Gleam helps you stay inside those rules, collect entries and pick winners fairly.

This guide walks you through how to run a Reddit giveaway step by step.

Before you start building your campaign, make sure you understand every rule that applies. That means Reddit-wide policies, subreddit-specific guidelines, and your own Terms & Conditions.

• All giveaways must be free to enter.
• You cannot ask for upvotes, downvotes, or awards.
• Avoid posting the same giveaway in multiple subreddits.
• Always disclose the prize, eligibility, and deadlines clearly.

Each subreddit has its own posting policies.
Some allow giveaways, others require moderator approval, and some do not allow promotions at all.
Always check the sidebar or wiki first, or message the moderators if you are unsure.

You also need clear Terms & Conditions for your giveaway, so entrants know exactly how it works.

You can add your own terms alongside the ones Gleam generates:

Pick a format that fits the subreddit's tone and community rules.

Some subreddits prefer discussion-based giveaways, while others allow creative submissions.

Here are a few common formats:

• Comment-to-enter: people comment on your Reddit thread to enter.
• Trivia or quiz: ask a question, and correct answers qualify.
• AMA with prize: everyone who asks a question is entered.
• Storytelling: the funniest or most interesting story wins.
• Meme or image contest: people post creative submissions.

If you are running a comment-to-enter giveaway, Gleam cannot verify Reddit comments automatically.
Instead, copy the usernames from your Reddit thread and use the Random Name Picker in Quick Draws to draw a winner fairly.

For other giveaway types, you can track and manage entries directly inside a Gleam Competition, which suits images, form responses and trivia answers.

Here is the Random Name Picker drawing a winner from a list of names:

Gleam emails you the winners list after every draw, so you have a record to share if anyone in the thread asks how the winner was picked.

Once you have chosen your giveaway format, set up your campaign in Gleam to collect entries and draw winners fairly.
Reddit actions are limited to verifying visits and logins, but you can still add other actions that promote your Reddit community and your other channels.

Once your campaign is ready, share it with the right audience. Reddit is a great place to spark discussion, but each subreddit has its own posting rules, especially around links and promotions.

Before posting, check whether the subreddit allows external links. If it does, you can share your Gleam campaign's hosted page directly in your post. If not, you can still run your giveaway on Reddit and draw the winner from the comments.

You can also promote the same campaign on other platforms or embed the widget on your own site to reach more people.

Keep the post active until the stated end date.
Reply to comments and answer questions, but avoid bumping the thread too often.

Once your giveaway ends, you can draw winners for your Gleam Competition directly inside Gleam.

For next steps, review our guide on Post-Campaign Best Practices.