Want to run a compelling Instagram photo contest that collects user-generated content, builds engagement, and promotes your brand? This Gleam template is designed to help brands and creators collect photos directly from users' Instagram accounts through tagged posts or hashtag submissions.

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Instagram Photo Contest Template

Whether you're promoting a product, building brand awareness, or running a seasonal activation, photo contests are one of the most authentic ways to connect with your target audience. Entrants can upload an image from their Instagram feed, tag a friend, or use a specific hashtag as part of their contest entry.

Gleam gives you complete control over the entry method, submission moderation, and gallery display. You can even sync entries with Gleam Galleries to collect and publish visual content on your site.

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Template Features

Media upload action to collect Instagram photos
Optional specific hashtag requirement to filter eligible entries
Integrates with Gleam Galleries for stylish content display
Works with standard posts, Reels, and Instagram stories
Fully mobile-friendly, GDPR-compliant, and easy to customise
Ideal for Instagram contests, giveaways, and seasonal campaigns

Benefits

Learn how to do a photo contest on Instagram with a proven template
Increase engagement by encouraging photo submissions and tagging
Collect valuable user-generated content (UGC) for future campaigns
Drive reach and visibility through Instagram giveaway mechanics
Showcase submissions in a branded gallery to boost social proof
Create a memorable contest on Instagram that aligns with your brand

Who Should Use It

This template is ideal for:

Fashion, fitness, or lifestyle brands promoting their community
Product launches that involve visual storytelling
Influencer-led campaigns encouraging followers to enter your contest
E-commerce brands building a library of Instagram photos
Anyone running an Instagram giveaway focused on visuals and content creation

Integration Support

Official Gleam Documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

You run a photo contest on Instagram by setting rules, creating a hashtag, promoting it, and selecting winners.

You enter a photo contest on Instagram by posting a photo that follows the contest rules, using the hashtag, and tagging the account.

You judge a photo contest on Instagram by setting criteria like creativity, quality, relevance, and engagement.

You promote a photo contest on Instagram by sharing posts, Stories, Reels, and collaborating with influencers or partners.

You can repost Instagram photos using the in-app repost feature or third-party apps like Repost for Instagram. Click to see step-by-step options and how to credit the original creator.

Integrations

Instagram

Help

See all

How to Run Instagram Contests

How To Run A Photo Contest

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How to Set Up This Instagram Photo Contest Template

Choose the Correct Entry Action Type
Use the Media Submit action to let users upload images from their Instagram account, optionally restricting entries by specific hashtag
➡ Explore media actions
Customise Your Design to Match Your Campaign
Add your logo, prize visuals, and branded messaging like “Tag a friend and share your best photo to enter”
➡ Design your capture
Connect Your Email or CRM Integrations
Grow your list by collecting emails alongside entries and sending follow-ups about the Instagram giveaway
Define Targeting Rules Using Behavioural Triggers
Limit entries by region or timeframe, and ensure submissions meet your marketing strategy goals
Configure Post-Capture Messaging
Thank users, explain when you will announce the winner, and share how their photos may be used for promotional purposes
Install Your Capture Using the JavaScript Snippet
Embed on your contest landing page, homepage, or blog post to encourage more visibility
➡ Installation methods
Test and Promote Your Campaign Across Channels
Share the contest in your Instagram stories, use the gallery embed to showcase submissions, and use Instagram marketing tactics to reach more participants