by New Spark Media’s Contest Platform makes it easier than ever to host engaging, content-rich user-generated content (UGC) contests. Whether you’re a publisher, non-profit, brand, or agency, our intuitive system helps you collect, moderate, and showcase media entries with powerful customization and control.
Used by high-profile contests like:
- Share the Experience, America’s largest federal recreation photo contest
- Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year, an annual celebration of nature photography hosted by Canadian Geographic
Our contest engine is designed to scale, impress, and deliver results—fast.
What Makes Our Contest Platform Stand Out?
Built-in Contest Wizard
Our streamlined Contest Wizard allows you to configure and launch a branded contest site in just minutes. Here’s a quick look at what you can do:
- Customize your contest name and description
- Control moderation rules (pre or post-moderation options)
- Allow users to manage their own content (edit/delete submissions)
- Enable optional features like square thumbnails, wide layout, sponsor bars, or map integration
Rich Media Support
Upload support includes:
- Images (JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP)
- Videos (MP4, MOV)
- Audio (MP3, WAV)
- PDFs and documents
Submissions are auto-transcoded for web playback, with metadata like GPS, timestamp, and camera info extracted and stored for optional use.
Fully Customizable Forms: Entry + Registration
You’re not limited to just a title and file upload. With our drag-and-drop form builder, you can design:
- Entry forms that collect custom fields like descriptions, categories, hashtags, or consent flags
- Login and registration forms that gather details like age, location, organization, newsletter opt-ins, or anything else you need
This enables rich data collection for both the content and the users, supporting everything from contest eligibility rules to post-contest marketing.
Smart Moderation and User Controls
Choose between:
- Pre-moderation – Only approved media is visible
- Post-moderation – Media appears immediately, with tools to manage later
Plus, give your users the power to edit or delete their own content, increasing trust and reducing support burden.
Phases & Banners — Tailored Visuals for Every Stage
Create a polished, professional experience from start to finish by customizing hero images for each phase of your contest:
- Default Banner – Displayed before the contest opens or if no phase image is set
- Submission Phase – Encourage participants with a tailored message and visual
- Voting Phase – Build anticipation with vibrant community-driven content
- Winner Announcement – Celebrate the finale with bold, shareable imagery
With recommended dimensions of 1600x500px, you can use JPG, PNG, GIF, or WEBP formats. It’s an easy way to maintain branding and keep your audience engaged throughout the entire contest lifecycle.
Optional Map Integration
Enable geotagged entry visualization with a single toggle. Perfect for location-based contests or storytelling projects with regional themes.
Why Use New Spark Media’s Contest Platform?
- Trusted by Leaders: Used by top publishers, tourism boards, and media orgs
- Fast Launch: Go live in minutes
- Beautifully Branded: Banners, layouts, and sponsor visuals
- Highly Flexible: Supports any format, contest type, and custom forms
- Scalable: Handles small niche contests and national campaigns
Want to See It in Action?
Explore these live examples:
Need help getting started or planning your next UGC campaign? Contact us — we’d love to help.