# Curious Contest Brands create bizarre competitions to engage more customers. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published May 21, 2012 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/curious-contest ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.0/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## What is the Curious Contest trend? **Curious Contest:** Contests and competitions have long been used by brands to capture customer attention. However, they have typically been "predictable" and fallen under the creative category -- for instance, contests asking customers to design or create a new logo, packaging idea or music video. Now, more brands are experimenting with offbeat and incredibly bizarre contests, such as Stride's chewing contest and Holt Renfrew's bicycle scavenger hunt. The more offbeat a contest is, the more people are likely to take notice of it and participate. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 13, 2011 to May 18, 2012 - Published: May 21, 2012 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Curious Contest trend ### Offbeat Contests Brands are experimenting with offbeat and bizarre contests to capture customer attention. ### Social Media Competitions Companies are launching interactive competitions on social media to increase user engagement. ### Photo Contests Businesses are using photo contests to promote more eco-friendly modes of transportation and encourage public interaction. ## What the Curious Contest trend means for industry ### For Marketing and Advertising Offbeat contests and social media competitions present an opportunity for creative marketing and advertising strategies. ### For Consumer Goods Consumer goods companies can engage customers through interactive and unconventional contests. ### For Social Media Technology Social media technology companies can develop platforms and tools to facilitate interactive and engaging contests. ## Trend signals for Curious Contest Trend score 4.0 out of 10, from popularity 63%, activity 48%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 63% - Activity: 48% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Curious Contest trend 8 featured examples from Jun 13, 2011 to May 18, 2012. - [Worldwide Web Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/can-you-draw-the-internet): The Saint 'Can You Draw the Internet' Contest is "Inter-nutty" (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Creating online art contests can be an innovative way to generate buzz and promote brand awareness in the marketing and advertising industry. - [Auto-Burning Contests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-belux-fan-the-flame): MINI Belux ‘Fan the Flame' Advertising Campaign (Category: Autos) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate unique marketing tactics into automotive advertising to stand out in a crowded market. - [Social Media Kissing Contests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martini-kisser-casting): The MARTINI Kisser Casting Campaign Seeks a "Kissing Specialist" (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The MARTINI Kisser Casting campaign disrupts the beverage industry by using innovative promotional tactics to create brand awareness and engage consumers. - [Cycle-Winning Photo Contests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holt-renfrew-twitter-contest): Holt Renfrew ‘Find a Bike’ Contest Sends You on a Scaveng (Category: Eco) Implication: Retailers can leverage social media contests to build brand loyalty and drive sales. - [Competitive Eating Stunts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/competitive-eating-stunts-eating-legend-takeru-kobayashi-drinks-42-cups-of): Eating Legend Takeru Kobayashi Drinks 42 Cups of Coffee Non-Stop (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunities for food and beverage companies to sponsor competitive eating events and create strategic partnerships with eating champions. - [Farm Animal-Mocking Contests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/face-the-cow): Stride's Face the Cow Competition Seeks the Best Chewer (Category: Marketing) Implication: Exploring ways to engage customers through creative promotions and contests in the confectionery industry. - [Mechanical Moves Competitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/irobot-roomba-dance-contest): The iRobot Roomba Dance Contest Will Award Three Smart Vacuums (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Opportunities for disruptive innovation include the development of advanced robotic cleaning devices and smart home technologies. - [City-Run Galactic Getaways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-race-2012): Seattle to Send a Lucky Contestant Into Orbit in Space Race 2012 (Category: World) Implication: The travel and tourism industry can capitalize on the emerging trend of space tourism by offering packages and experiences for space enthusiasts. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)