Running Instagram contests? You need proper rules to stay compliant with Instagram's guidelines and legal requirements.

Quick Copy and Paste Template

OFFICIAL RULES - [Contest Name]

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.

1. ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal residents of [Country/State], 18+. Employees of [Company] and immediate family members are not eligible.

2. ENTRY PERIOD: Contest begins [Date] at [Time] and ends [Date] at [Time] [Time Zone].

3. HOW TO ENTER: 
- Follow @[YourHandle] on Instagram
- Like this post
- Tag [Number] friends in comments
- Optional: Share to Story and tag us

4. WINNER SELECTION: Random drawing on [Date]. Winner notified via DM within 48 hours.

5. PRIZE: [Describe prize and approximate retail value]

6. GENERAL: This promotion is not sponsored, endorsed, or associated with Instagram. By participating, you release Instagram from all liability.

Essential Legal Requirements

No Purchase Necessary Clause

Why it's required: Prevents your contest from being classified as an illegal lottery.

Template language: "NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase does not increase chances of winning."

Instagram Disclaimer

Required statement: "This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram."

Complete Rules Template

Contest Sponsor: [Your Business Name]
Address: [Business Address]
Contact: [Email/Phone]

2. Eligibility Requirements

Open to legal residents of [Countries/States] who are:
- At least 18 years old (or age of majority)
- Have a public Instagram account
- Not employees, contractors, or immediate family of Sponsor

3. Entry Methods

To enter:
1. Follow @[YourHandle] on Instagram
2. Like the contest post
3. Comment with [specific requirement]
4. Tag [number] friends (each tag = separate comment)
5. Optional bonus entries for Story shares

Limit: [Number] entries per person per day

4. Prize Details

Prize(s): 
- [Item 1] (ARV: $[amount])
- [Item 2] (ARV: $[amount])
Total ARV: $[total]

Prize is non-transferable, no cash alternative.

5. Winner Selection

Winner(s) selected by:
- Random drawing from eligible entries
- Date of selection: [Date]
- Notification method: Instagram Direct Message
- Response required within: 48 hours
- Alternate winner selected if no response

Platform-Specific Requirements

Instagram Guidelines

Do:

Include complete rules in caption or link
Use Instagram's built-in features properly
Acknowledge Instagram's non-involvement
Comply with community guidelines

Don't:

Encourage users to tag themselves in photos they're not in
Ask users to share on personal timelines for entries
Use Instagram features in unintended ways

Facebook Cross-Posting

If running on both platforms, add:

"This promotion is also not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Facebook."

Age and Location Restrictions

Age Requirements

Participants must be:
- 18 or older (most common)
- 21 or older (for alcohol related prizes)
- 13 or older with parental consent (youth contests)

Geographic Limitations

Open to residents of:
- United States only
- [Specific states], exclude where prohibited
- [Countries] where legally permitted

Entry Collection Methods

Hashtag Contests

"Post a photo using #[YourHashtag] and tag @[YourHandle]"
Note: You grant permission to repost/use submitted content

Comment Contests

"Comment below with [requirement]"
"Each friend tagged in a separate comment = one entry"

Story Contests

"Share this post to your Story and tag us"
"Screenshot proof may be requested"

Data Collection and Privacy

Required Statement

Personal information collected will be used solely for:
- Contest administration
- Winner notification
- Prize fulfillment

View our Privacy Policy at: [URL]

Rights to Content

By entering, you grant Sponsor permission to:
- Use your Instagram handle in winner announcements
- Repost/share your contest entry
- Use submitted content for marketing purposes

Compliance Checklist

✅ No purchase necessary statement ✅ Clear eligibility requirements
✅ Specific entry period with time zone ✅ Detailed prize description with value ✅ Winner selection method and date ✅ Instagram release statement ✅ Sponsor contact information ✅ Odds of winning (if applicable) ✅ Privacy/data usage disclosure ✅ Geographic restrictions

Sample Rules for Various Contest Types

Photo Contest

PHOTO CONTEST RULES
- Post original photo featuring [theme/product]
- Use hashtag #[ContestHashtag]
- Tag @[YourHandle] and 2 friends
- Account must be public during judging
- Winner selected based on creativity

Giveaway

SIMPLE GIVEAWAY RULES
- Follow @[YourHandle]
- Like this post
- Tag a friend (unlimited entries)
- Winner randomly selected [date]
- Must be 18+, [location] resident

User Generated Content

UGC CONTEST RULES
- Share how you use [product]
- Post with #[Hashtag]
- We may repost entries
- Multiple entries allowed
- Judged on originality

Legal Disclaimers

Liability Release

"By entering, participants release and hold harmless Sponsor from any liability, damages, or claims arising from participation or prize acceptance/use."

Taxes

"Winner responsible for all taxes associated with prize. May be required to provide tax documentation."

Void Where Prohibited

"Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing "no purchase" statement, makes contest illegal in many jurisdictions
No Instagram disclaimer, violates platform terms
Vague entry requirements, leads to disputes
Unclear winner selection, creates confusion
Missing end date/time, makes contest indefinite

International Considerations

Running globally? Add:

"Open worldwide except where prohibited. Winner responsible for customs/duties. Prize value may vary by location."

Quick Templates by Contest Type

Flash Giveaway (24 hours)

⚡ 24-HOUR GIVEAWAY ⚡
1. Follow us
2. Like this post  
3. Tag a friend
Winner announced tomorrow at [time]!
Not affiliated with Instagram.

Week Long Contest

CONTEST RULES (Ends [Date])
Enter daily:
- Follow + Like
- Comment your [topic]
- Tag friends for bonus entries
Random winner selected. 18+, US only.
Instagram is not a sponsor.

Announcement Templates

Winner Announcement

🎉 WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT 🎉
Congratulations @[winner]!
Please DM us within 48 hours to claim.
Thank you to everyone who participated!

No Response Template

Our original winner did not respond within the timeframe. New winner: @[alternate]
Please DM to claim your prize!

Stay Compliant with SocialRails

Managing Instagram contests across multiple accounts? SocialRails helps you:

Schedule contest posts with rules included
Track entries and engagement
Monitor hashtag submissions
Manage winner selection
Maintain compliance documentation

Try SocialRails Free →

Final Compliance Tips

Keep records of all contest rules and entries
Document winner selection process
Save screenshots of winner notifications
Maintain prize distribution records
Update rules for each new contest
Consult legal counsel for high-value prizes

These templates are starting points. Always customize for your specific contest and consider consulting legal counsel for large promotions or valuable prizes.

TL;DR - Quick Answer