Video Entry Competitions: Create Winning Content

Video Entry Competitions: Create Winning Content

Video competitions intimidate many compers, which creates opportunity for those willing to try. Modern smartphones make video creation accessible to everyone, and the effort barrier means significantly better odds than standard entries.

Why Video Competitions Are Worth It

The Effort Advantage

Fewer Entries:

• Most people skip video competitions
• Effort barrier is significant
• Quality varies widely
• Your effort stands out

Better Odds:

• Dramatically reduced competition
• Quality entries rare
• Skills compound over time
• Winning breeds confidence

Types of Video Competitions

Brand/Product Videos

Requirements:

• Feature product
• Show usage/benefits
• Testimonial style
• UGC for marketing

Creative Challenges

Format:

• Open brief for creativity
• Theme interpretation
• Original concept
• Judged on creativity

Response/Reaction Videos

Format:

• Respond to prompt
• React to content
• Personal perspective
• Often for social platforms

TikTok/Reels Style

Format:

• Short-form content
• Trend-based
• Entertaining
• Platform-native style

Planning Your Video

Understanding the Brief

Before Starting:

• Read all requirements
• Note length limits
• Understand format needs
• Identify judging criteria

Concept Development

Brainstorming:

• Multiple ideas first
• Choose strongest concept
• Consider feasibility
• Plan for requirements

Storyboarding:

• Rough sketch of scenes
• Shot sequence
• Key moments identified
• Timing planned

Practical Preparation

Consider:

• Location options
• Lighting availability
• Audio environment
• Props needed
• Time required

Filming Fundamentals

Smartphone Video Tips

Camera Settings:

• Highest quality available
• Landscape (usually) or portrait for social
• Lock exposure and focus
• Grid lines for composition

Stability:

• Hold with both hands
• Brace against body
• Use tripod or stand
• Smooth movements

Lighting

Natural Light Best:

• Face toward window/light source
• Avoid harsh direct sun
• Overcast creates even lighting
• Golden hour for outdoor

Problem Solving:

• Avoid backlight (light behind you)
• No mixed light sources
• Test before full filming
• Consistency throughout

Audio Importance

Often Overlooked:

• Audio quality crucial
• Built-in mics acceptable
• Quiet environment essential
• External mic for better quality

Tips:

• Film in quiet space
• Close to mic/phone
• Test audio before full shoot
• Background noise awareness

Creating Engaging Content

Strong Opening

First Seconds Matter:

• Hook attention immediately
• State purpose clearly
• Visual interest from start
• Don't waste time

Clear Structure

Flow:

• Beginning: Hook and intro
• Middle: Main content
• End: Conclusion/call to action
• Logical progression

Show Personality

What Works:

• Genuine enthusiasm
• Natural delivery
• Personal connection
• Authentic style

What Doesn't:

• Scripted-sounding delivery
• Nervous rushing
• Monotone presentation
• Over-produced feel

Brand Alignment

For Product Videos:

• Product clearly visible
• Positive messaging
• On-brand tone
• Marketing usable

Editing Basics

Free Editing Tools

Mobile:

• CapCut
• InShot
• iMovie (iOS)
• Phone's native editor

Desktop:

• DaVinci Resolve (free version)
• Shotcut
• OpenShot

Basic Edits

Essential:

• Trim start and end
• Remove mistakes
• Adjust brightness/contrast
• Add text if needed

Enhancing:

• Simple transitions
• Background music (check rights)
• Text overlays
• Color correction

Keeping It Simple

Often Better:

• Minimal editing
• Natural flow
• Clean cuts
• Authentic feel

Avoid:

• Over-editing
• Too many effects
• Distracting transitions
• Style over substance

Platform-Specific Considerations

TikTok/Reels

Requirements:

• Vertical format
• Short duration
• Fast-paced
• Trend-aware
• Music integration

YouTube

Considerations:

• Horizontal typically
• Longer acceptable
• Higher production value expected
• Thumbnail matters

Brand Websites

Often:

• Specific format requirements
• File size limits
• Duration restrictions
• Upload specifications

What Judges Look For

Technical Quality

Standards:

• Stable footage
• Clear audio
• Adequate lighting
• Sharp focus

Content Quality

Assessment:

• Meets brief
• Creative approach
• Engaging content
• Clear message

Brand Fit

For Branded Competitions:

• Appropriate representation
• Positive messaging
• Marketing usable
• On-brand tone

Authenticity

Valued:

• Genuine personality
• Real enthusiasm
• Believable content
• Not over-produced

Common Video Mistakes

Technical Errors

• Shaky footage
• Poor audio
• Bad lighting
• Wrong format
• Exceeding length

Content Errors

• Not following brief
• Missing key requirements
• Off-topic content
• Product not visible
• Inappropriate content

Submission Errors

• Wrong file format
• File too large
• After deadline
• Missing information
• Platform mismatch

Building Video Skills

Practice Approach

Start Small:

• Simple concepts first
• Practice regularly
• Review your work
• Learn from attempts

Learning Resources

Free Education:

• YouTube tutorials
• Platform help guides
• Social media tips
• Competition winner examples

Tracking Progress

Monitor:

• Which videos succeed
• What feedback received
• Improvement over time
• Patterns in wins

Conclusion

Video competitions offer exceptional odds for compers willing to overcome the initial hesitation. With smartphone cameras and free editing tools, anyone can create competent video entries. The key is starting, practicing, and learning from each attempt.

Focus on authentic content that meets requirements, rather than pursuing perfection. Judges often prefer genuine, relatable videos over highly produced but impersonal content. Your willingness to try is already a competitive advantage.

Find video competitions on Sweepzy!