Currency Rewards: Points and XP can also be used as rewards to boost user progression and purchasing power. For detailed information about the point and XP systems, see the Points System and XP System documentation.
Three Types of Rewards
Choose the right reward type for your engagement strategy:Regular Rewards
The Instant Gratification MachinePerfect for loyalty programs, discount codes, and immediate dopamine hits. Users get rewards faster than they can say “where’s my prize?”Setup Time: 2-3 minutes
Giveaways
The Suspense BuilderIdeal for expensive prizes, exclusive experiences, and campaigns that make people check their email obsessively.Setup Time: 4-5 minutes
Badges
The Digital Trophy CaseGreat for milestones, status symbols, and giving users something to display proudly. Always auto-redeemed for instant recognition.Setup Time: 1-2 minutes
Reward Type Comparison
All reward types share core functionality, but each has distinct characteristics:| Feature | Regular Rewards | Giveaways | Badges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | 2-3 min | 4-5 min | 1-2 min |
| Draw Date | Nope | Required (the suspense!) | Nope |
| Auto-redeem | Your choice | Your choice | Always (instant flex) |
| Images | 1440×1080 | 1440×1080 | 512×512 (square perfection) |
| Expiration | Optional | Required | Never (eternal glory) |
| Supply Types | Assets or Entries | Entries only | Assets only |
| Advanced Settings | All options | All options | Simplified (streamlined) |
Use Case Guide
The Instant Dopamine Hit
Regular Rewards with auto-redeem enabled
- Discount codes for immediate use
- Digital content access
- Exclusive community perks
- Welcome packages and onboarding rewards
The Big Prize Experience
Giveaways with premium prizes
- Concert tickets and VIP experiences
- Gaming hardware and electronics
- Exclusive merchandise
- Meet-and-greet opportunities and exclusive access
The Status Symbol Collection
Badges for status and milestones
- Challenge completion certificates
- Community contribution awards
- Event participation badges
- Loyalty tier recognition and status symbols
The Best of Both Worlds
Regular Rewards with both assets and entries
- Guaranteed stickers + contest entry
- Immediate points + grand prize chance
- Loyalty rewards + seasonal contests
Psychology Behind Each Type
Regular Rewards: The Honest Deal
Regular rewards work because they’re straightforward. Users know exactly what they’re working toward—complete the challenge, earn the points, get the reward. No surprises, no “what ifs.” This predictability appeals to people who want certainty and immediate satisfaction.Watch out for: If rewards feel too transactional without any emotional connection, they can feel hollow. Balance guaranteed rewards with some excitement or recognition to keep things interesting.
Sweepstakes: The Thrill Factor
Sweepstakes tap into something primal—hope and possibility. Even when the odds aren’t in their favor, people love the chance to win big. That variable reward schedule (sometimes you win big, sometimes you don’t) creates surprisingly strong engagement. Plus, when you announce winners publicly, it creates FOMO for everyone else.The caveat: Users who never win might eventually feel frustrated. Use sweepstakes for campaigns or special events, not as your only reward strategy.
Badges: The Recognition Game
Badges work on social motivation. When users display achievements publicly, they’re not just saying “I earned this”—they’re saying “I’m part of this community.” The permanent collection aspect appeals to completionists who want to build something tangible over time.The risk: Badges only work if they feel earned. Hand them out too easily and they lose all meaning. Make each one feel like a real accomplishment.
Strategic Combinations
The Balanced Approach The magic happens when you combine all three types. Think of it like a reward ecosystem:- Use regular rewards to keep users engaged consistently (daily points, weekly unlocks)
- Sprinkle in sweepstakes to create buzz and excitement around special campaigns
- Award badges as milestones that recognize growth and build community identity
Implementation Planning
Before you dive in, ask yourself three key questions:Community Goals
What are you trying to accomplish? Building long-term loyalty, driving action on specific behaviors, or creating moments of excitement? Your answer shapes which reward type to lead with. Also think practically about your budget—what can you actually afford to give away?
User Preferences
Know your community. Do they want certainty or excitement? Do they care about showing off achievements? The reward types that resonate depend entirely on who you’re trying to engage and what motivates them.
Your Capacity
Be honest about operations. Can you fulfill reward claims reliably? Do you have the infrastructure for managing drawings or designing badges? Start simple and scale as you learn what works.