13 UGC Contest Platform Options For Photo & Video In 2026
Running a successful photo or video contest means juggling submission collection, content moderation, rights management, and winner selection without losing your mind. Without the right UGC contest platform, you're stuck manually reviewing hundreds of entries, chasing down usage permissions, and struggling to showcase submissions in a way that actually drives real engagement. Most event organizers and marketers know their audience creates amazing content, but turning that creative energy into an organized, legally compliant contest feels overwhelming. Add in public galleries, voting mechanics, and social sharing capabilities, and the technical complexity multiplies fast.
This guide breaks down 13 UGC contest platform options built specifically for managing photo and video submissions in 2026. Each platform gets evaluated on how contests work, ideal use cases, standout features, integrations, and pricing structures. Whether you need something for a one-time brand activation or recurring event campaigns across festivals and conferences, you'll find practical comparisons to help you choose the right tool for collecting and managing authentic visual content from your community.
1. SureShot
SureShot transforms your event attendees into active video contributors by giving them a dedicated submission system through mobile apps and web interfaces. Instead of hunting down content after your event ends, you activate a unique PIN system that lets participants upload videos in real time as moments unfold. The platform focuses specifically on events where authentic crowd perspectives matter more than polished professional footage, making it a natural fit for festivals, concerts, sports competitions, and large-scale gatherings that generate genuine attendee excitement.
How it works for contests
You create an event in the SureShot dashboard, generate a unique PIN, and share that code with your attendees through announcements, signage, or social channels. Participants download the mobile app (iOS) or access the web interface (Android), enter your PIN, and immediately start uploading video clips they capture during your event. The submission process takes seconds, eliminating friction that typically kills participation rates in traditional contest structures.
Ideal scenarios and event types
Music festivals and concert series benefit most from SureShot's real-time collection model because attendees naturally film performances and crowd energy. Sports events, brand activations, and multi-day conferences also work well when you need continuous content flow rather than a single submission deadline. The platform fits any scenario where you want authentic perspectives from people actually experiencing your event rather than staged submissions created specifically for contest entry.
Standout features for UGC photo and video
Built-in AI assistance automatically reviews uploaded clips to identify key moments, cutting your manual review time dramatically. The content licensing happens at upload, so you secure usage rights immediately without follow-up paperwork. Every video submission feeds into a centralized library where your team can sort, tag, and export content for social media, promotional campaigns, or event archives.
SureShot's AI-powered review system means you spend less time watching every second of footage and more time using the best content your community creates.
Integrations and workflow
The platform operates as a standalone system optimized for direct attendee uploads rather than pulling content from external social platforms. Your team exports selected videos for use in existing marketing tools, content management systems, or social media schedulers. This focused approach keeps your workflow simple without requiring complex API connections or third-party authentication.
Pricing snapshot
SureShot operates on a per-event pricing model tailored to your expected attendee count and video volume. Contact their team directly for custom quotes based on your specific event requirements and content collection goals.
2. Votigo
Votigo specializes in enterprise-level contest campaigns where brands need robust moderation tools and advanced voting mechanics. This ugc contest platform handles photo and video submissions through customizable entry forms, giving you control over file formats, size limits, and required metadata fields. Your participants upload content directly to contest pages you build within Votigo's system, where automated workflows route submissions through your approval process before public display.
How it works for contests
You configure contest parameters through Votigo's campaign builder, setting entry periods, submission limits per user, and voting rules that match your goals. Participants register through forms you customize, then upload their photo or video entries with optional descriptions and tags. The platform supports multi-round contests where you can narrow finalists through internal judging before opening public voting.
Ideal scenarios and event types
Corporate brands running national sweepstakes or product launch campaigns benefit from Votigo's compliance features and scalability. Marketing teams managing seasonal promotions, brand awareness contests, or customer appreciation campaigns find the platform handles thousands of submissions without performance issues. The system works best when you need professional moderation controls rather than casual community engagement.
Standout features for UGC photo and video
Built-in moderation queues let your team review submissions with approve/reject workflows, flagging inappropriate content before it reaches your public gallery. The platform tracks detailed analytics on entry counts, voting patterns, and user engagement metrics throughout your campaign duration.
Votigo's moderation tools give you complete control over what content appears publicly, protecting your brand reputation while collecting authentic submissions.
Integrations and workflow
The platform connects to major email marketing services and CRM systems through standard integrations, syncing contestant data for follow-up campaigns. Your team exports participant lists and winning entries for use in external marketing tools.
Pricing snapshot
Votigo operates on custom enterprise pricing based on campaign volume and feature requirements. Contact their sales team for quotes tailored to your specific contest needs and expected participation levels.
3. Woobox
Woobox operates as a multi-platform contest builder designed for brands running campaigns across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and standalone landing pages simultaneously. This ugc contest platform gives you template-based setup that speeds deployment while maintaining customization options for photo and video submission forms. Your participants enter through social channels or dedicated contest URLs, uploading content through forms that automatically capture email addresses, social profiles, and metadata you define during campaign setup.
How it works for contests
You select a contest template from Woobox's library, customize entry fields and submission requirements, then publish your campaign across multiple social networks with a single configuration. Participants submit photos or videos through integrated upload interfaces that work within social platforms or standalone pages. The system collects all entries in a centralized dashboard where your team reviews submissions, manages voting, and selects winners based on criteria you establish.
Ideal scenarios and event types
Social media teams managing cross-platform campaigns benefit most from Woobox's ability to run identical contests on Facebook, Instagram, and custom websites without rebuilding forms for each channel. Seasonal promotions, hashtag campaigns, and brand awareness initiatives work well when you need consistent contest mechanics across different audience touchpoints. The platform handles moderate submission volumes better than enterprise-scale campaigns requiring advanced workflow automation.
Standout features for UGC photo and video
Template galleries provide pre-built contest structures that you customize with your branding, entry requirements, and prize information in minutes rather than hours. The platform includes basic moderation tools for reviewing submissions before public display, protecting your brand while collecting authentic content.
Woobox's multi-platform deployment means you reach audiences wherever they spend time online without managing separate contest systems for each social channel.
Integrations and workflow
The platform connects directly to major social networks for authentication and entry collection, syncing participant data to email marketing services like Mailchimp. Your team exports winner lists and submission data through standard CSV formats for use in external systems.
Pricing snapshot
Woobox offers tiered monthly subscriptions starting around $30 for basic contests, scaling to $250+ monthly for plans supporting multiple simultaneous campaigns and higher submission volumes.
4. ShortStack
ShortStack functions as a drag-and-drop contest builder that prioritizes speed and visual customization without requiring technical expertise. This ugc contest platform gives you landing page templates specifically designed for photo and video contests, complete with embedded upload widgets, entry forms, and voting displays you modify through a visual editor. Your participants interact with fully branded contest pages that collect submissions while capturing lead data through customizable registration fields you control.
How it works for contests
You start by selecting a contest template from ShortStack's gallery, then customize the layout, colors, and submission requirements through their visual page builder. Participants upload photos or videos directly through forms embedded in your contest landing page, with the platform automatically handling file storage and display. The system supports multiple voting methods including popular vote, random draws, or internal judging panels you configure based on your campaign objectives.
Ideal scenarios and event types
Small to medium-sized businesses running product launch campaigns, seasonal promotions, or customer appreciation contests find ShortStack's template approach reduces setup time significantly. Marketing teams without dedicated developers benefit from the no-code interface that still produces professional contest pages. The platform handles steady submission volumes better than massive viral campaigns requiring instant scalability.
Standout features for UGC photo and video
Built-in fraud detection monitors voting patterns and entry behavior to flag suspicious activity automatically. The platform includes customizable email automation that sends confirmation messages, voting reminders, and winner notifications without external tools.
ShortStack's visual builder lets you create fully branded contest experiences that match your website design without touching code or hiring developers.
Integrations and workflow
The platform connects to popular email marketing services and CRM systems through native integrations, syncing contestant data for follow-up campaigns. Your team exports submission files and participant information through standard formats compatible with external marketing tools.
Pricing snapshot
ShortStack offers monthly subscription plans starting around $99 for basic contests, scaling to $499+ monthly for advanced features supporting higher traffic volumes and multiple simultaneous campaigns.
5. Easypromos
Easypromos delivers a contest management system built specifically for European brands navigating GDPR compliance while collecting photo and video submissions. This ugc contest platform gives you pre-built contest mechanics including voting galleries, random draws, and jury-based selection through a centralized campaign dashboard. Your participants submit content through mobile-optimized entry forms that automatically handle consent management and data privacy requirements critical for campaigns targeting European audiences.
How it works for contests
You configure your contest through Easypromos' template selector, choosing from photo contests, video challenges, or multi-stage campaigns combining both formats. Participants register through forms that capture required legal consents, then upload their submissions directly to your campaign page. The platform routes entries through moderation queues where your team approves content before public display or voting begins.
Ideal scenarios and event types
European marketing teams managing seasonal promotions, product launches, or brand awareness campaigns benefit from built-in GDPR compliance that eliminates legal complexity. Retail brands, tourism organizations, and consumer product companies find the platform handles regional campaigns requiring multi-language support and localized contest rules.
Standout features for UGC photo and video
Automated legal compliance tools generate contest terms, privacy policies, and age verification workflows that match regulations in different European countries. The platform includes fraud detection monitoring unusual voting patterns and duplicate submissions throughout your campaign duration.
Easypromos handles the legal complexity of running compliant contests across multiple European markets without requiring separate legal reviews for each country.
Integrations and workflow
The platform connects to email marketing platforms and CRM systems through standard integrations, syncing participant data while maintaining GDPR compliance. Your team exports submission files and winner lists through CSV formats compatible with external marketing tools.
Pricing snapshot
Easypromos offers subscription plans starting around €29 monthly for basic contests, scaling to €199+ monthly for advanced features supporting higher participation volumes and multiple simultaneous campaigns.
6. Gleam
Gleam operates as a viral contest engine that rewards participants for completing social actions while submitting photos or videos. This ugc contest platform combines submission collection with social amplification mechanics, giving you entry methods that encourage participants to share your campaign across their networks in exchange for additional contest entries. Your participants upload visual content through customizable entry forms while simultaneously driving traffic through mandatory or optional social tasks you configure during campaign setup.
How it works for contests
You build contests through Gleam's action-based entry system, defining which tasks participants complete to earn entries into your drawing or voting pool. Participants upload photos or videos as one entry method, then optionally complete additional actions like following social accounts, sharing posts, or referring friends to multiply their chances of winning. The platform tracks every action automatically, calculating total entries per participant based on completed tasks.
Ideal scenarios and event types
Social media teams running brand awareness campaigns that prioritize reach over submission quality benefit most from Gleam's viral mechanics. Product launches, seasonal giveaways, and influencer partnerships work well when you want participants promoting your contest organically through their networks. Marketing teams seeking both content collection and audience growth find the platform's dual focus drives measurable social metrics.
Standout features for UGC photo and video
Built-in fraud detection systems monitor suspicious behavior patterns including duplicate accounts and automated entry attempts. The platform includes public leaderboards showing top participants by entry count, creating competitive dynamics that increase campaign engagement naturally.
Gleam's social amplification mechanics turn every participant into a potential promoter, expanding your contest reach without additional advertising spend.
Integrations and workflow
The platform connects directly to major social networks for authentication and action verification, syncing contestant data to email marketing services through native integrations. Your team exports participant lists and submission files through standard formats compatible with external CRM systems.
Pricing snapshot
Gleam offers subscription plans starting around $39 monthly for basic contests, scaling to $249+ monthly for advanced features supporting unlimited campaigns and higher participation volumes.
7. SweepWidget
SweepWidget functions as a lightweight contest platform that prioritizes ease of use over complex feature sets, giving you straightforward photo and video submission forms without overwhelming configuration options. This ugc contest platform handles entry collection through embeddable widgets you place on your website, blog, or landing pages, letting participants upload visual content directly within your existing web presence. Your contest runs as an embedded component rather than a standalone destination, keeping participants within your brand environment throughout the submission process.
How it works for contests
You create a contest through SweepWidget's form builder, selecting entry methods that include photo uploads, video submissions, or both formats simultaneously. Participants interact with the embedded widget on your website, uploading their content through a simple interface that requires minimal instructions. The platform collects all submissions in a centralized dashboard where you review entries, manage voting if enabled, and select winners based on your campaign rules.
Ideal scenarios and event types
Bloggers and content creators running community engagement campaigns benefit from SweepWidget's embeddable approach that keeps traffic on their owned properties. Small business promotions, local events, and niche community contests work well when you need basic submission collection without enterprise-level complexity. Marketing teams seeking quick deployment find the widget installation process takes minutes rather than hours.
Standout features for UGC photo and video
The platform includes fraud prevention tools that detect suspicious voting patterns and duplicate entries automatically. Basic moderation controls let you approve submissions before public display, maintaining content quality standards throughout your campaign duration.
SweepWidget's embeddable design means your contest lives directly on your website, keeping participants engaged with your brand rather than redirecting them to external contest pages.
Integrations and workflow
The platform connects to popular email services through native integrations, syncing participant data for follow-up marketing. Your team exports submission files and winner information through standard formats compatible with external tools.
Pricing snapshot
SweepWidget offers monthly subscriptions starting around $29 for basic features, scaling to $99+ monthly for plans supporting multiple simultaneous contests and higher submission volumes.
8. TINT
TINT operates as a visual marketing platform that combines UGC contest mechanics with ongoing content aggregation from social channels. This ugc contest platform collects photo and video submissions through campaign-specific hashtags and direct uploads, then organizes that content into shoppable galleries and social walls you display across digital properties. Your participants submit entries by posting to Instagram or TikTok with your designated hashtag, or through direct upload forms that capture content not shared publicly on social platforms.
How it works for contests
You create a campaign within TINT's dashboard, defining your contest hashtag and submission requirements that participants follow when uploading content. The platform automatically aggregates posts using your hashtag from connected social networks while also accepting direct submissions through customizable entry forms. Your team reviews all collected content in a centralized moderation queue before publishing approved entries to public galleries or voting displays.
Ideal scenarios and event types
Brands running always-on content campaigns where contests represent one component of broader UGC strategies benefit from TINT's aggregation capabilities. Fashion retailers, beauty brands, and lifestyle companies find the platform handles product-focused photo contests that feed directly into shoppable galleries on eCommerce sites. Marketing teams managing both contest campaigns and evergreen social proof displays appreciate the unified system.
Standout features for UGC photo and video
The platform includes rights management workflows that automatically request usage permissions from participants when they submit through social channels. Built-in analytics track submission rates, engagement metrics, and content performance across different display locations.
TINT's social aggregation approach means you collect contest entries while simultaneously building a content library that fuels your marketing beyond the campaign duration.
Integrations and workflow
The platform connects directly to Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook for automated content collection, syncing submissions to eCommerce platforms and CMS systems through native integrations. Your team exports approved content with usage rights documentation for campaign archives.
Pricing snapshot
TINT operates on custom enterprise pricing based on content volume and feature requirements. Contact their sales team for quotes tailored to your contest needs and expected submission levels.
9. Flowbox
Flowbox operates as an enterprise-focused visual commerce platform that repositions UGC contests as content sourcing campaigns feeding directly into eCommerce experiences. This ugc contest platform differs from traditional entry-and-vote systems by treating contest submissions as shoppable assets you display across product pages, homepages, and email campaigns. Your participants submit photos or videos through campaign-specific forms, with the platform organizing approved content into galleries that drive purchase decisions rather than just collecting entries for prize drawings.
How it works for contests
You create a campaign within Flowbox's dashboard, defining submission requirements and content guidelines that align with your visual commerce objectives. Participants upload their photos or videos through branded submission pages, often tied to product launches or seasonal promotions. The platform routes entries through moderation workflows where your team reviews submissions for brand alignment before publishing content to customer-facing galleries.
Ideal scenarios and event types
ECommerce brands running product-focused campaigns where contest submissions directly support sales conversions benefit most from Flowbox's commerce integration. Fashion retailers, beauty companies, and home goods brands find the platform handles contests that generate authentic lifestyle imagery for ongoing marketing use. Marketing teams seeking content that extends beyond contest duration appreciate the long-term value this approach creates.
Standout features for UGC photo and video
Built-in AI assistance identifies high-quality submissions and matches content to specific products automatically. The platform includes comprehensive rights management that secures usage permissions at submission, letting you deploy winning entries across multiple channels without legal complications.
Flowbox transforms contest entries into shoppable content that continues driving conversions long after your campaign ends.
Integrations and workflow
The platform connects directly to major eCommerce systems including Shopify and Adobe Commerce, syncing approved UGC to product pages automatically. Your team manages content through centralized dashboards that combine contest moderation with ongoing visual commerce operations.
Pricing snapshot
Flowbox operates on custom enterprise pricing based on content volume and platform features. Contact their sales team for quotes tailored to your contest requirements and eCommerce integration needs.
10. Photoslurp
Photoslurp positions itself as a visual commerce platform that treats UGC contests as content acquisition campaigns feeding directly into product discovery experiences. This ugc contest platform focuses on collecting customer photos and videos that demonstrate real product usage, then displaying that content across your eCommerce infrastructure where shoppers make buying decisions. Your participants submit visual content through campaign-specific entry forms, with the platform organizing approved submissions into galleries that connect directly to purchasable products rather than functioning as standalone contest displays.
How it works for contests
You configure campaigns through Photoslurp's dashboard, setting submission requirements and product tagging rules that align entries with specific items in your catalog. Participants upload photos or videos through branded forms, often linked to product purchases or brand engagement activities. The platform routes submissions through moderation queues where your team approves content before it appears in customer-facing galleries tagged to relevant products.
Ideal scenarios and event types
ECommerce brands running customer appreciation campaigns that double as content sourcing initiatives benefit from Photoslurp's product-centric approach. Fashion retailers, beauty brands, and consumer goods companies find the platform handles contests generating authentic lifestyle imagery that supports ongoing sales efforts beyond campaign duration.
Standout features for UGC photo and video
Automated product recognition helps match submitted content to specific catalog items, reducing manual tagging work. The platform includes rights management tools that secure usage permissions at submission, protecting your legal position when deploying contest entries across marketing channels.
Photoslurp connects contest submissions directly to products, turning every entry into potential sales content that continues working after winners are announced.
Integrations and workflow
The platform connects to major eCommerce systems including Shopify and Magento, syncing approved UGC to product pages automatically. Your team manages content through dashboards that combine contest moderation with visual commerce operations.
Pricing snapshot
Photoslurp operates on custom enterprise pricing based on content volume and integration requirements. Contact their sales team for quotes matching your contest needs and product catalog size.
11. Cohley
Cohley operates as a creator network platform that connects brands with vetted content creators for commissioned photo and video production rather than traditional contest mechanics. This ugc contest platform approaches content collection through direct creator partnerships where you brief specific requirements, match with qualified creators, and receive professional-quality submissions on demand. Your team accesses a curated network of photographers and videographers who produce content according to your creative direction, delivering assets that meet brand standards without public voting or open submission processes.
How it works for contests
You submit a creative brief outlining your content needs, including product details, visual style preferences, and deliverable specifications. Cohley's system matches your requirements with creators from their vetted network who accept your project. Selected creators produce content according to your guidelines, submitting drafts for feedback rounds before final delivery. The platform handles creator payments and rights management, securing full usage licenses for all approved submissions.
Ideal scenarios and event types
Consumer brands launching product campaigns that require polished lifestyle imagery benefit from Cohley's professional creator network. Beauty companies, food and beverage brands, and consumer packaged goods find the platform delivers consistent quality across multiple content pieces. Marketing teams needing controlled creative output rather than unpredictable public submissions appreciate the directed production approach.
Standout features for UGC photo and video
Built-in creator vetting ensures every photographer and videographer meets quality standards before joining the network. The platform includes project management tools for tracking submissions, requesting revisions, and approving final deliverables within organized workflows.
Cohley's creator network gives you production control that traditional contest platforms can't match, delivering professional content on predictable timelines.
Integrations and workflow
The platform operates as a standalone production system where you brief projects and receive finished assets. Your team downloads approved content for use across marketing channels without external integrations required.
Pricing snapshot
Cohley operates on project-based pricing determined by content volume and creator requirements. Contact their team for quotes matching your specific production needs and deliverable counts.
12. Influee
Influee operates as a vetted creator network that shifts UGC collection from open contests toward curated production partnerships with qualified photographers and videographers worldwide. This ugc contest platform functions differently than traditional submission systems by connecting you directly with pre-screened creators who produce content according to your specifications rather than managing public entries and voting. Your team accesses a global pool of content creators who deliver photos and videos meeting your brand standards, providing controlled quality that unpredictable contest submissions rarely achieve consistently.
How it works for contests
You submit a creative brief defining your content requirements, including visual style preferences, product details, and submission deadlines. Influee's system matches your project with creators from their network who accept your assignment based on compensation and creative fit. Selected creators produce content following your guidelines, submitting drafts for approval rounds before final delivery. The platform manages creator payments and usage rights automatically, eliminating administrative overhead typically required when working with multiple freelancers.
Ideal scenarios and event types
Brands launching product campaigns requiring authentic lifestyle imagery across multiple markets benefit from Influee's global creator base. Companies needing consistent content output for seasonal promotions, social media campaigns, or advertising materials find the platform delivers reliable quality. Marketing teams preferring directed production over unpredictable public contest submissions appreciate the controlled creative process.
Standout features for UGC photo and video
The platform vets every creator before network admission, ensuring production quality standards across all submissions. Built-in rights management secures full usage licenses for approved content automatically.
Integrations and workflow
Influee functions as a standalone production system where you brief projects and download finished assets for use across marketing channels without requiring external integrations.
Pricing snapshot
Influee operates on project-based pricing determined by content volume and creator requirements. Contact their team for quotes matching your production needs.
13. JoinBrands
JoinBrands functions as a hybrid creator marketplace that bridges traditional contest mechanics with direct creator partnerships for photo and video production. This ugc contest platform gives you access to over 250,000 creators who submit content through campaign briefs you post rather than open public contests. Your team defines submission requirements, sets compensation levels, and receives entries from qualified creators who accept your project terms, eliminating unpredictable quality that often accompanies unrestricted public submissions.
How it works for contests
You create a campaign brief specifying your content needs, including visual requirements, product details, and deliverable formats. Creators browse available campaigns, apply to projects matching their skills, and submit content according to your specifications. The platform handles creator selection and payment processing automatically, letting you focus on content review and approval rather than administrative tasks.
Ideal scenarios and event types
Brands running ongoing content programs that combine contest elements with regular creator partnerships benefit from JoinBrands' flexible campaign structures. Product launches, seasonal promotions, and brand awareness initiatives work well when you need reliable content flow rather than one-time contest bursts. Marketing teams seeking creators across lifestyle, beauty, wellness, and consumer goods categories find the platform's creator diversity supports varied campaign needs.
Standout features for UGC photo and video
The platform includes AI matching that connects your campaigns with creators whose portfolios align with your visual style preferences. Built-in rights management secures usage licenses at submission, protecting your legal position across marketing channels.
JoinBrands' creator marketplace gives you contest-style content collection with professional quality controls that traditional open submissions rarely deliver consistently.
Integrations and workflow
The platform operates as a standalone system where you manage campaigns and download approved content for use across marketing tools without external integrations required.
Pricing snapshot
JoinBrands operates on project-based pricing with creators setting rates typically ranging from $60 to $100+ per video submission. Contact their team for campaign-specific quotes.
Next steps
Choosing the right ugc contest platform depends on your specific needs, whether you prioritize real-time event content collection, enterprise-level moderation controls, or social amplification mechanics that reward participants for sharing. Each platform on this list handles photo and video submissions differently, from SureShot's PIN-based event system to Gleam's viral entry mechanics and Cohley's curated creator networks. Your decision should align with contest complexity, expected submission volumes, budget constraints, and how you plan to use collected content after the campaign ends.
If you run live events where attendees naturally capture authentic moments worth sharing, consider exploring how SureShot streamlines real-time video collection without the friction that kills participation rates. Book a demo to see how PIN-based submission systems collect genuine attendee perspectives while securing usage rights automatically. Event organizers managing festivals, concerts, and conferences find that reducing submission barriers increases content volume dramatically compared to traditional contest structures requiring external uploads or social tagging.
