How do I run a DJ competition on Mixcloud?

If you'd like to host a competition on Mixcloud, you can follow these steps to create a successful competition:

1. Getting started with a DIY Contest

How you run your competition is up to you but we have some simple house rules to draw upon in your own Terms and Conditions so they stay in line with Mixcloud’s guidelines.

2. Competition guidelines

Introduce yourselves, explain what the competition is about and let potential contestants know what you’re looking for. Here are a couple of pointers:

• Prizes: A detailed description of what the winners will receive. Keep in mind that the people who are going to enter a DJ competition are probably going to love:
  🎧 Music gear
  🌟 Experiential prizes (DJ set, label consulting, time spent with a big artist)

• Content: Decide and specify what genre(s) you'd like the entrants to mix and upload
  1. DJs upload a mix using the competition tag
  2. All entries will use the same artwork and title
  3. You are welcome to decide further restrictions on mix length, music style, etc.
  4. Participants will then be asked to promote their mixes to obtain a certain number of Plays/Favourites, etc.
  5. A promotional video can be a valuable asset in grabbing the reader’s attention, although it’s not essential.

•  Territories: The more territories the competition will be open to, the more successful it will be:
  1. More entries
  2. More social buzz
  3. More engagement
  4. More brand impressions

• Judging: It should include basic information about the judging criteria. There are some things to consider:
  1. Age
  2. Location
  3. Number of plays/mix
  4. Music style
  5. Originality
  6. Technical ability

• Terms and conditions: You have two options:
  1. Use Mixcloud’s terms.
  2. Create your own T&Cs. An example is available here. Usually, if there is a sponsor involved, they will want to ensure the legality of the competition and create their own T&Cs. If that is the case, please liaise with them.

• Competition artwork: The poster should be in format 300 x 600 and include:
  1. Competition name
  2. Partners’ logos
  3. Prize info (optional)
  4. Clear visual hook that is an expression of your brand’s identity

Make sure you clearly outline the logistical details needed to submit an entry and provide details of:

• Deadline
• Length of mix
• Title e.g. “Mixcloud DJ Competition”
• Tag it e.g. “Mixcloud Competition” – If you fail to tag it correctly, your entry may be missed.
• Provide your own artwork - Mix artwork should be the same as the poster but in 400 x 400
• Tracklist
• State eligible country(s)

Create a unique tag (e.g. “Mixcloud competition”), this will enable you to easily filter the entrant’s shows when they’re submitted on the site.

3. Selecting the winner(s)

Thanks to our tagging system, it’s easy to collect all entries under one page (see example here). This is why it’s important to pick a unique tag for your competition – it will ensure that all the contestants using it are unique to your competition.

From the contestants you whittle down, it’s a good idea to either hand-pick your winner(s) or have a panel of judges to decide (rather than just relying on the number of plays/favourites). We also recommend keeping entrants up-to-date with the competition once the deadline has passed. Send them an email thanking them for their mixes and explain when the winner(s) will be announced.

4. Promoting your competition

We’re here to help host the contest as a platform, but we cannot promote all contests that are taking place. Create a page specifically linked to your contest (on your website or through Facebook) and include all the above details regarding deadlines, prizes and other general info about your competition. To help promote it and to achieve a widespread outcome, make sure to push it out on all your social media!

If you need further assistance with running your competition or have any questions, please fill out this form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.