Running effective giveaways and contests has become a cornerstone of digital marketing strategies. Gleam has established itself as a popular platform to facilitate such campaigns, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for user engagement and lead capture. However, as we move into 2025, businesses are increasingly seeking alternative platforms that provide similar or enhanced functionality, better pricing models, or improved user experiences.
If you’re considering options beyond Gleam this year, the following are four of the best alternatives worth exploring. Each has been evaluated based on features, usability, integrations, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
1. RafflePress
Best for WordPress users and simple integration
RafflePress is a user-friendly giveaway plugin tailored specifically for WordPress website owners. It offers drag-and-drop functionality, enabling marketers to launch contests without writing a single line of code.
- Features: Viral sharing, email entry verification, Instagram and Twitter integration, fraud protection
- Strengths: Seamless WordPress integration, GDPR compliance, and responsive UI
- Limitations: Primarily limited to WordPress users
RafflePress is ideal for site owners who want a straightforward and effective tool to grow their email lists and social following without external tools or platforms.
2. KingSumo
Best for plug-and-play viral giveaways
KingSumo is another prominent name in the giveaway space, particularly for businesses looking to run viral contests quickly and with minimal effort. With its one-time pricing and minimalistic design, it’s perfect for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs.
- Features: Viral entry bonuses, custom domain support, multi-language capabilities
- Strengths: One-time purchase model, ease of use, high-converting templates
- Limitations: Lacks complex integrations and some automation features
KingSumo specializes in simplicity. If your goal is list-building through viral campaigns without a steep learning curve, this could be a cost-effective Gleam alternative for 2025.
3. SweepWidget
Best for multichannel contest management
SweepWidget has grown significantly in recent years by offering advanced contest customization, extensive integrations, and a responsive user dashboard. It supports over 90 entry methods, enabling brands to tap into virtually every social platform and promotional avenue.
- Features: 90+ entry methods, language support, CRM integrations, SMS and email marketing
- Strengths: High customization, real-time analytics, API access for developers
- Limitations: Interface may feel overwhelming for beginners
This platform is well-suited for marketing teams that require robust functionality and are running high-volume or international giveaways.
4. UpViral
Best for referral-driven campaigns
UpViral is positioned more as a full-scale referral marketing platform than just a giveaway tool. It is designed to turn every contest participant into a brand ambassador through built-in referral tracking and rewards mechanics.
- Features: Funnel builder, A/B testing, email autoresponders, custom domain setup
- Strengths: Designed to boost virality and conversion rates, excellent referral tracking
- Limitations: Slightly steeper learning curve, higher ongoing costs
UpViral is best used when campaign virality and data analytics are a priority. Though it comes at a premium, the potential ROI from organically driven traffic often justifies the investment.
Conclusion
Gleam remains a powerful player in the contest and lead generation space, but it’s not the only option. As marketing demands evolve in 2025, exploring platforms like RafflePress, KingSumo, SweepWidget, and UpViral can offer tailored solutions to suit specific business goals.
Each alternative brings unique strengths to the table—whether it’s platform compatibility, referral mechanics, or multichannel reach. Carefully comparing their core capabilities will ensure your next giveaway campaign is not just visible but also results-driven and effective.
