Let's be real — everybody wants to win Challenges. The rewards are stacked, the bragging rights are unmatched, and there's something deeply satisfying about getting crowned in front of your whole friend group. But winning consistently takes more than just being the funniest person in the room. There's a real strategy behind it.
How It Works
The creator judges submissions based on a combination of three factors, even if they don't consciously realize it:
- Prompt adherence — Did you actually answer what was asked? You'd be surprised how many people miss this. If the prompt says "best impression of a disappointed teacher," submitting a random funny face isn't going to cut it.
- Creative factor — How original and unexpected was your approach? Everyone sees the same prompt. The winner is usually the person who interpreted it in a way nobody else thought of.
- Community sentiment — How does the group feel about your submission? The People's Choice vote reflects this, and creators often use it as a tiebreaker. Submissions that make the whole group react tend to get crowned.
Winning isn't about maxing out just one of these. It's about hitting a sweet spot where all three overlap. The best submission nails the prompt, does it creatively, and resonates with the group.
Strategies That Work
- Read the prompt three times. Understand what the creator is actually asking. Then think about the most obvious response — and do something different.
- Commit fully. Half-hearted submissions never win. If the Challenge calls for an impression, go all in. If it's a photo Challenge, stage the shot. Effort is visible and it gets rewarded.
- Know your creator. Different creators value different things. Some prioritize humor, others care about artistic quality, and some just want you to follow the prompt exactly. Tailor your approach.
- Use the format to your advantage. In a Video Challenge, energy and performance matter. In a Photo Challenge, composition and timing matter. In a Text Challenge, wit and storytelling matter. Play to each format's strengths.
Pro Tips
- Speed isn't everything. Take the time to make your response the best it can be.
- Be yourself. Authentic responses that show your personality usually beat generic "technically correct" submissions.
- Controversial submissions are high risk, high reward. Read the room before you swing for the fences.
- Study the Archive to see what types of submissions consistently win in your friend group.
Good to Know
There's no secret formula that guarantees a win every time. But the people who win the most are the ones who take the prompt seriously, bring genuine creativity, and understand their audience. It's a skill that gets better with practice — and every loss teaches you something about what works and what doesn't.