Contests

Contests are competitions where you submit an entry, like a photo, video, essay, or creative work, and judges select winners based on specific criteria. Unlike sweepstakes, which are random drawings, contests involve actual judging and evaluation of what you create or submit. We focus on legitimate contests across all categories: photography, writing, art, music, entrepreneurship, student competitions, and more. These range from local community contests to major national competitions with substantial prizes. How we check contests: First, we verify the sponsor is real and has a track record. We look for established organizations, brands, or institutions running the contest, not anonymous accounts or suspicious new entities. If a contest is being promoted by an unfamiliar company, we research their background and legitimacy. Second, we confirm the entry requirements are clear and reasonable. Legitimate contests spell out exactly what you need to submit, the format, size limits, and any fees (if applicable). We flag contests that demand excessive personal information upfront or have vague submission guidelines. Third, we check the judging criteria and selection process. Real contests explain who's judging, what they're looking for, and how winners are chosen. If the rules are unclear or the judging process seems rigged, we note that. Fourth, we verify the prizes are actually offered and deliverable. We look for contests with realistic prizes tied to the sponsor's business or mission. Red flags include outrageously high prize values that don't match the contest scale, or vague descriptions like "amazing prizes to be announced." Fifth, we confirm there's a legitimate deadline and winner announcement date. Contests should have a clear entry period and a stated date when winners will be chosen and notified. Sixth, we check the official rules for hidden catches, like excessive taxes on prizes, mandatory purchases, or terms that benefit the sponsor unfairly. We also look for contests requiring social media follows or shares as entry conditions, which can indicate lower legitimacy. Finally, we research past winners when possible. Do they actually exist? Did previous contests deliver on their promises? User reviews and feedback help us spot patterns of contests that don't follow through. Keep in mind: entering contests takes effort. Your submission might not win, and odds can be long. But legitimate contests are worth your time if you enjoy creating and competing. We only list ones where the sponsor appears genuine and the rules are transparent.