Facebook Contest Rules Change to Allow Liking and Commenting

Holding contests on Facebook pages was once against the rules, but thanks to a change in policy and page terms, Facebook pages can now ask people to like and comment as a way of entering a contest.

In a statement released on August 27th, Facebook explained that they’ve relaxed their rules on contests and third party requirements stating:

We’ve removed the requirement that promotions on Facebook only be administered through apps
Now, promotions may be administered on Page Timelines and in apps on Facebook. For example, businesses can now:
Collect entries by having users post on the Page or comment/like a Page post
Collect entries by having users message the Page
Utilize likes as a voting mechanism
As before, however, businesses cannot administer promotions on personal Timelines.

So what does this mean for your page? You can now ask people to “like” or “comment” on your post for a chance to win something. But, can you ask Facebook fans to share your update to win? That part isn’t so clear. While they didn’t expressly forbid or allow it, they do say "businesses cannot administer promotions on personal Timelines.” Asking someone to share your status on their personal page may still be against the rules.

To be safe, you may want to read the Facebook Promotions Guidelines which have also been updated. If you have questions about how to verify a Facebook page or “get that blue check” by your name, read our blog on that here.

Filed Under: Facebook, technology

Categories: News

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