YouTube Giveaway Rules & Safety Guide (2026)
Stay compliant with YouTube's policies while running your contests.
Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Always check official YouTube guidelines.
Is it Legal to Run Giveaways?
Yes, running giveaways on YouTube is legal and allowed, provided you follow YouTube's Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. You are responsible for ensuring your contest complies with all local, state, and federal laws.
Key Rules You Must Follow
- Official Rules: You must link to a set of 'Official Rules' in your video description.
- No Affiliation: Clearly state that YouTube is not a sponsor of your contest.
- Privacy: Do not use user data for anything other than the contest without permission.
- Copyright: Ensure your contest doesn't infringe on any third-party rights.
- Free Entry: Don't require users to pay or make a purchase to enter.
Best Practices
Be transparent about prizes, deadlines, and how winners are chosen. Using a third-party tool like CommentDraw helps demonstrate impartiality.