FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Escape the Vape Video challenge?

The Escape the Vape Video Challenge is a PSA video contest where Minnesota 6th-12th graders can use their voices to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping and expose the shadowy commercial tobacco marketing tactics behind it. #mnjointheescape

Who is eligible to enter the contest?

• High School Division: You must be a Minnesota student in grades 9-12.

• Middle School Division: You must be a Minnesota student in grades 6-8.

Students who are homeschool are eligible in the division that corresponding to their age.

Why should I enter?

You could win $500 for yourself and $250 for your school or organization, along with other great prizes. You’ll also be helping your fellow students and community members by providing important information on the dangers of vaping.

How can I enter the contest?

Complete these required forms:

• Contest Permission Form: Entrants (and their parents or guardians) must agree to all terms and conditions.

• Video Submission Form: Video submissions must have a unique title that must match the title you enter on your form. Do not call your video “Escape the Vape Challenge.”

Entrants must complete every section of the forms. Incomplete entries will not be judged.

Check out the Contest Guide (PDF) for a checklist to help ensure you submit a qualifying entry.

What happens if my video has an error?

Every video goes through a qualifying process. We make sure all the rules are followed before they move to the judging stage of the contest. If your video has any sections that break the rules we will reach out to you through the email you provided to let you know. You have one more chance to make any changes and resubmit your video.

How long should the video be?

Videos must be no longer than 30 seconds.

What should I include in my video?

• At least one key fact about the dangers of vaping

• A call to action

What should my video be about?

Anything! As long as you include the necessary elements and follow the rules, the sky’s the limit!

Can I use music in my video?

Yes, but you must either create it yourself or use royalty-free music. Check out the Contest Guide (PDF) for tips on finding royalty-free music

What cannot be included in my video?

• 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.

• Copyrighted 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.

Can I make my PSA in a language other than English?

Video entries may be submitted in languages other than English. Please provide the English translation in the space provided in the Video Submission Form if the video is in a language other than English.

Do I have to show my face in the video?

No, you do not have to show yourself in the video. Many past participants have used illustrations, claymation, and digital art in their videos. Be creative with it. Your creativity may help your video stand out from others!

Keep in mind, videos may only feature the submitting student(s) - other people, like siblings, teachers, parents, etc. may not be featured in your video.

Can my parent or guardian help with making the video?

Videos must be created by the student(s), not their parents or guardians, teachers, or other adults. You can create your video as part of a class or youth program, but video entries must be student work.

When should I submit my video?

Videos may be upload from December 1st, 2025 through January 31st, 2026.

Submissions after midnight on January 31st, 2026 will not qualify for the contest.

What if I am submitting a video with a group of friends or for a class project?

• Up to four students may be part of a group video submission.

• Each group member MUST complete the Contest Permission Form.

• Only one team member will complete the Video Submission Form.

• Use a creative video name. This is how we will identify your group throughout the judging process.

Can I submit/be in more than one video?

Students or groups may submit just one video.

How do I know if my video submission was received?

Once you submit you will receive confirmation that we received your submission.

How are video submissions judged?

Videos will be judged on the following criteria:

• Does the video meet all of the Official Escape the Vape Contest Rules?

• Is the video creative and original?

• Does the video include content that conveys at least one vaping fact about the dangers of vaping and one call to action?

• Are caping facts in the video accurate?

• Is the video message persuasive and motivating to young people?

How are finalists chosen?

Each submission will be reviewed by a team of youth and adult judges who will choose the top 25 videos in each division. A panel of youth judges will then select a group of 5 finalist videos in each division based on the criteria above. The top 5 finalist videos will then be posted on the Escape the Vape website for public voting to decide the winners.

Can high schoolers and middle schoolers work together?

Yes, you can! You video will be placed in the division that aligns with the oldest group member. So, if your group includes both middle and high school students, your video would qualify for the High School Division.

If I have problems uploading my video, who can I reach out to?

If you are having issues with your video submission, please email mnescapethevape@gmail.com or fill out the form below.