How To Run A Twitter / X Contest

Running a Twitter / X contest is one of the fastest ways to grow followers, boost engagement, promote products, and collect user-generated content.

Follow these steps to plan, launch, and wrap your campaign with confidence.

Decide what success looks like before you choose a format. Your goal determines the type of contest you should run.

• Awareness & reach → focus on quick, low-friction actions like retweets or likes.
  Reach = how many people actually see your brand or contest on Twitter / X.

• UGC & conversation → encourage replies or hashtag submissions.
  UGC (user-generated content) = photos, stories, or posts created by your audience, giving you authentic material to showcase.

• Leads & multi-action growth → use an in-app contest with Gleam to capture data.
  Leads = names, emails, or contact details that let you follow up after the contest.

Once you know your goal, it’s time to design the structure of your contest. This step connects your objective with the best format and entry actions.

You can keep it simple by running the contest directly on Twitter / X, or build more lasting value with a Gleam campaign.

Explore templates to get started:

This template is designed to help you quickly grow followers and reach.

It includes Follow on X and Repost / Retweet actions so your campaign spreads naturally.

You can also enable optional actions like Email Signup or Viral Share to capture leads and expand your reach.

How to use it:

1. Choose the template in Gleam.
2. Make Follow on X a required action.
3. Add a Repost action to boost visibility.
4. (Optional) Add an Email Signup or Referral action for long-term leads.
5. Update your prize, copy, and visuals.
6. Set dates, regions, and exclusions.
7. Share the widget link or embed it on your site, then promote it on Twitter.

This template lets you run branded hashtag campaigns.

Entrants join by posting on Twitter with your chosen hashtag, which Gleam tracks aut