contest rules

All videos go through a qualifying process. We make sure that the Escape the Vape Video Challenge rules are followed before your video moves on to the judging process. Keep an eye on your email after you submit your video. If your video didn’t qualify, you’ll get a second chance to review your video and make edits. The sooner you submit your video, the more time you will have to make edits to qualify.

eligibility

  • Basic requirement: You must be a student in Minnesota in grades 6–12.

  • Homeschool: Students who are homeschool and are eligible in the division that corresponds with their age.

  • Team size: You can submit a video as an individual or as part of one group or team. However, you may only be a part of one entry total. Groups may include a maximum of four students.

  • Required forms: All participants (individual or team member) must complete and submit the required permission forms.

contest divisions

Your video will be judged alongside submissions in your division. Your division is based on your grade level.

  • High school division: Grades 9–12.

  • Middle school division: Grades 6–8.

video requirements

  • Length: Be no longer than 30 seconds in total

  • Facts: Include one fact about the dangers of vaping. See Key Facts on page 5 of the Contest Guide.

  • Action: Include one call to action (a clear message telling viewers what to do next).

  • Originality: The video must be 100% original, created solely by the student or student group. No help from parents or teachers is allowed!

language

You can submit videos in languages other than English, but you must include an English translation when you submit your video.

disqualifers

Videos must not include:

  • Vaping devices or products

    • Actual vaping devices, accessories, or products, or any commercial tobacco products.

    • Depicting smoking, chewing, or otherwise using commercial tobacco.

    • Simulating vaping with an actual device.

  • Copyright material or brands

    • Copyrighted music, movies, books, etc.

    • Logos, brands, or store signs.

    • Mention or performance of copyrighted media (music, films, TV shows, etc.).

  • Inappropriate content

    • Anything inappropriate, disrespectful, dangerous, or illegal.

    • Sexually explicit, obscene, or violent material (e.g.,relating to murder, cruelty, abuse).

    • Discriminatory material (based on race, sex, religion, disability, etc.).

    • Language or images of the human body that would be inappropriate for a general audience (including small children).

  • Infringement on others’ rights.

    • Anything that violates another person's rights, including privacy, publicity, or intellectual property rights.

safety first

  • Be smart: Safety should be your highest priority.

  • No risks: Do not put yourself or anyone else at risk of harm while making your video.

  • Final call: Contest organizers reserve the right to disqualify any video at their sole discretion. Judges’ decisions are final.

submission

All videos must be uploaded via the Video Submission Form by midnight CST on January 31, 2026.

You may only submit one video entry – either as an individual or part of one group submission. If you’re submitting as a group, only one team member needs to complete the Video Submission Form. Every section of the Video Submission Form must be completed. Videos submitted with incomplete information will not be judged.

  • Format: Videos must be submitted as an MP4 file. If we can’t open your MP4 video submission, we will email you with the opportunity resubmit. This type of technical issue will not disqualify your entry. See the Contest Guide (PDF) for tips on formatting your video.

  • Size: Videos must not exceed 100 MB.

  • Title: Video submissions should have a unique title. Do not title your video “Escape the Vape Video Challenge”