11 Giveaway Post Ideas That Actually Build Followers
Warning: may cause excessive follower growth.
In a world where Rihanna can tease a new Fenty product and break the internet without releasing an album, it’s clear that building hype is an art form. A few solid giveaway post ideas can do the same for your brand—bring in new followers and keep people coming back for more.
So if your last giveaway was a total flop, don’t worry. These 11 giveaway post ideas are here to help.
Giveaway post ideas that do more than hand out free stuff
# 1. Tag to Win: Bestie Edition
The Pedro Pascal of giveaway post ideas—charming, reliable, and everyone loves it. It’s simple: ask your followers to tag their bestie in the comments for a chance for both to win. They just need to follow your account, like the post, and tag their ride-or-die.
This one works because it feels personal and makes people want to share it to stories with a big “OMG WE NEED TO ENTER.” Bonus: now you’ve got two potential followers per comment. We love math when it benefits engagement.
# 2. Countdown Giveaways
Treat this like your brand’s Eras Tour—each day gets its own spotlight moment, and the crowd (a.k.a. your followers) lives for the drama. Run a giveaway over 3–5 days, dropping a new prize each day that builds in value. Day one? A little treat. Final day? Main character energy.
To enter, ask followers to like each day’s post, follow your account, and tag a friend who’s been with them through every era (yes, even the Matty Healy phase). Bonus entries if they share the countdown in their stories and channel their inner Swiftie.
It’s perfect for launches, anniversaries, or just giving your feed its own viral opening act. Because if Taylor can sell out a stadium night after night, you can definitely build hype for your Day 3 prize bundle.
# 3. Uplift & Win
Let’s balance the algorithm with a little wholesome chaos, shall we? This giveaway turns your comment section into a love fest worthy of a Ted Lasso pep talk. Ask your followers to tag someone and tell them why they’re amazing—whether they’re the “human golden retriever” friend or the one who always sends the best memes at 2am.
To enter, they need to follow your account, drop that compliment in the comments, and tag the friend it’s meant for. You pick a duo to win, but everyone feels like a winner.
This kind of good-energy content is totally endearing and way more memorable than “tag 3 people and hope for the best.”
# 4. Mystery Box Giveaways
If Scooby-Doo taught us anything, it’s that everyone loves a good mystery. A mystery box giveaway adds fun and curiosity to your post. You don’t have to say what’s inside. Just tease it a little, like “a prize worth over $100 that you’ll love.” The not-knowing part makes people want to enter even more.
To join, ask people to follow your account, like the post, and tag a friend they’d love to split the box with—if they're feeling generous. You can even offer an extra entry if they share the post to their story.
It’s fun, a little chaotic, and totally on theme for the people who’d absolutely hop in the Mystery Machine for a shot at free stuff.
# 5. Milestone Giveaways
Maybe you’re looking for giveaway post ideas that double as an excuse to throw a party. Cool, because this one is for you. If your page just hit a new goal, like 500 or 5,000 followers, that’s your time to shine.
Tell people what you’re celebrating, and ask them to follow you, like the post, and tag a friend who’s supported you. Give away a prize that feels like a thank-you gift.
It’s a great way to show love to your followers and bring in some new ones too. People like to join in when something exciting is happening—and who doesn’t love free stuff and good vibes?
# 6. Create & Win
Remember when Starbucks handed out blank cups and basically said, “Here, go be creative,” and the internet exploded with doodles? That’s the magic of a good make-and-share contest, or a UGC—and your brand can totally channel that energy.
Ask your followers to make something fun with your product or brand. It could be a photo, a drawing, or a short video. To enter, they need to post it, tag your account, and use a special hashtag you choose. Then you pick a winner!
This is one of those giveaway post ideas that’s fun for everyone. It helps you get cool content to share and brings more people to your page. Plus, everyone gets to feel a little famous when you repost their masterpiece. It’s a win-win—minus the coffee stains.
# 7. “First 100 Comments” Sprint Giveaway
This one’s for your fast-typing, quick-scrolling followers—the ones who treat giveaways like a sport. A “First 100 Comments” contest is fun, fast, and a little bit wild (in the best way). To enter, people need to follow your account, like the post, and leave a comment tagging a friend. That’s it. But only the first 100 comments count!
You can pick a winner at random or choose your favorite comment—funniest, kindest, most creative—it’s up to you.
This kind of giveaway brings a rush of excitement to your post. People love the chance to win fast, and it gives your comments section big “concert ticket pre-sale” energy—minus the Ticketmaster meltdown.
# 8. Photo Comments Contest
You know those photos that just beg to be captioned? The ones that scream, “Meme me”? That’s your golden giveaway moment. Post a funny, dramatic, or chaotic image and challenge your followers to drop their best caption in the comments.
To enter, they just need to follow your account, like the post, and bring their A-game to the comments section. You can pick the funniest entry, or let your audience vote by likes—it’s like a mini comedy club in your feed.
This kind of giveaway brings out the personalities, the puns, and the people who actually engage. Also, nothing boosts visibility like a post full of laugh-out-loud gems people want to share with their group chat.
# 9. Local Love Giveaway
There’s something magical about supporting local—like knowing your barista’s name and their dog’s birthday. A Local Love Giveaway taps into that small-business charm and brings in followers who are actually in your area (potential customers, not just cousins of bots).
To enter, have people follow your account, like the post, and tag a friend who lives nearby—bonus points if they name-drop a favorite local spot in the comments. Keep the prize tailored to your area, whether it’s a gift card, event ticket, or hyper-local goodie bag.
This one builds community, boosts visibility, and makes your brand feel like a neighbor, not just a business. It’s like a virtual block party… but with fewer folding chairs.
# 10. “New Drop Hype” Giveaway
You know that moment when you just discovered Chappell Roan and suddenly she’s everywhere? That’s the energy you want for your next product drop. Build the hype before launch by teasing a giveaway that rewards early excitement.
Ask people to follow your account, like the post, and tag a friend who has to see what’s coming. The prize? Your new product, early access, or a bundle that makes them feel like VIPs.
It’s a fun way to get people talking, sharing, and watching your page for updates. And when drop day hits? You’ve already built the excitement—and the audience to match.
# 11. Influencer Collab Giveaway
Two accounts are better than one, right? Especially when you team up with someone your audience already loves. A collab giveaway with an influencer helps you reach new people fast. It’s like when your favorite characters team up in a show—you just have to pay attention.
To join the fun, ask people to follow both accounts, like the post, and tag a friend who needs to see it. Pick a prize that makes sense for both of you—something cool, fun, and worth talking about.
It’s simple, smart, and adds a little sparkle to your feed. Plus, people love a good duo. Think of it as the social media version of peanut butter and jelly—but with prizes.
Don’t Just Post—Build Something Worth Following
Giveaways don’t have to feel like shouting into the void or bribing people to follow you. When done right, they build real community, boost engagement, and give your follower count a healthy little glow-up.
If planning all this still feels like a lot, don’t worry—that’s where we come in. At Scott Social, we help small businesses take the stress out of social media. From making your posts look amazing to helping you connect with your people, we’ve got you.
Want to make your next giveaway your best one yet? Let’s talk.
more content ideas here ↓
WRITTEN BY:
Alexis Dubree
Intern