User Generated Video Ad Contests Are HOT With Brands Large & Small

More and more brands, both large and small, are using User Generated Video Ad Contests to gain exposure, create buzz, engage their customers and to leverage low cost yet high quality talent to support their corporate efforts.  These contests include both video and creative (ex. logo) submissions.

CareerBuilder.com, the leading online recruitment website, recently solicited consumers to submit a creative idea for their 2010 Super Bowl commercial. The Grand Prize winner receives $100,000, tickets to the big game and will see their commercial run live during the 2010 Super Bowl. The second prize is $50,000- not too shabby!  Learn more about the Hire My TV Ad Contest.

Kevin Nalty – founder of Nalts Consulting, recently sponsored a company logo contest and offered $100 to the prize winner. He received 160 treatments from about 120 people.  View the logo submissions and learn more on the Will Video For Food blog.

Amazon.com, is in the midst of their Your Amazon Ad Contest. Participants were asked to submit a 30 second video commercial for Amazon and a panel of judges is currently selecting the five finalists. Between 8/24 and 9/6 Amazon.com customers will be invited to watch and rate the five finalists’ films. The filmmaker who submits the ad with the highest average rating from all the eligible votes will receive the Audience Prize.  There will also be a Jury Prize, chosen by the judges panel.

On 9/21, Amazon will announce both winners who will each receive a $10,000 Amazon Gift Card Card and a screening of their ad at the 15th Annual Gen Art Film Festival in New York City.

Lea & Perrins, a Heinz brand, is currently running the “That’s a wrap” video ad contest. Participants were asked to submit a short video of their rap about Lea & Perrins hick Classic® Worcestershire Sauce. 10 semi-finalists were chosen based on originality, overall appeal, likelihood to motivate people to use the product and  use of key messaging.  The public then had a chance to vote on the best commercial and the prize winner will get a chance to win $5,000 in cash and other incentives.

Butterfinger recently announced the details of a user-generated video commercial contest called “Nobody’s Gonna Lay A Finger On My Butterfinger”.  The popular candy bar brand will announce winners in four categories: Clever use of the Butterfinger Bar, Overall Appeal, Creativity and Laugh Factor. One lucky winner will receive $25,000!

Over the past few years, many other brands, large and small, have held ad contests including MySpace, The March Of Dimes and India Times Gaming

More Resources:

Are you thinking of running your own User Generated Ad contest? You may find these resources helpful:

“Best Practices for Consumer Generated Contests“, By Anna Maria Virzi, ClickZ

“Outcome of An Ad Contest Starts an Uproar on YouTube“, By Louise Story, N.Y. Times

“User-generated Video Contests, Best Practices for Driving More Entries and Creating Viral Impact“, By Nate Elliott, Forrester Research

“User-Generated Contests“, By Christine Beardsell, ClickZ