> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gimi.gitbook.io/gimi/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gimi.gitbook.io/gimi/for-brands/campaign-types.md).

# Campaign types

Choose a GIMI campaign type — sourcing, distribution, or contest — based on whether creators upload files, post on socials, or compete for prizes.

GIMI has three campaign types. Pick the type first. That choice decides what creators do and how they earn.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td></td><td><strong>Sourcing campaigns</strong></td><td>Creators upload files for your team to use. They do not have to post on their socials.</td><td><a href="/gimi/for-brands/sourcing-campaigns.md">Sourcing campaigns</a></td></tr><tr><td></td><td><strong>Distribution campaigns</strong></td><td>Creators create the content, publish it on socials, and submit the URL. GIMI tracks performance.</td><td><a href="/gimi/for-brands/distribution-campaigns.md">Distribution campaigns</a></td></tr><tr><td></td><td><strong>Contest campaigns</strong></td><td>A deadline plus winners. A contest can be distribution-style (create and share) or sourcing-style (file upload).</td><td><a href="/gimi/for-brands/contest-campaigns.md">Contest campaigns</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Sourcing, distribution, or contest?

### When should I run a sourcing campaign?

Use sourcing when you want files: ads, organic social assets, product visuals, UGC-style videos, AI-generated work, raw footage, or a content library.

Creators upload video, image, design, ads, UGC, AI-generated, or raw files. You review, approve, and pay with approval and Spotlight. Sourcing campaigns do not include performance-based payouts.

### When should I run a distribution campaign?

Use distribution when creators must publish on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Reddit.

They create the content, post it, and submit the URL. GIMI can then track available performance signals and calculate configured performance rewards.

Good fit for awareness, launches, tool demos, tutorials, brand challenges, and social proof.

### When should I run a contest campaign?

Use a contest when you want a deadline and selected winners — ranked places, category prizes, or finalists.

A contest can ask creators to **create and share** (distribution-style) or **just source** (file upload). Approval does not mean they won. It makes the entry eligible for judging. Winners are paid when you release results.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Do not structure your program as “Reward Campaign vs Contest, then pick Distribution or Sourcing.” Lead with the three types above. [Rewards](/gimi/for-brands/rewards-approval-performance-spotlight-pools-and-limits.md) are type-specific: sourcing is approval and Spotlight only; distribution can add performance; contests use prizes.
{% endhint %}

## How do rewards relate to campaign type?

| Campaign type | Typical pay                                                                                   |
| ------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Sourcing      | Approval bonus (the main lever) and Spotlight. No performance-based payouts.                  |
| Distribution  | Hybrid of approval + performance + Spotlight.                                                 |
| Contest       | Ranked / category / finalist prizes after the deadline. Still approve entries as they arrive. |

See [Rewards: approval, performance, Spotlight, pools, and limits](/gimi/for-brands/rewards-approval-performance-spotlight-pools-and-limits.md) and [Write a campaign brief](/gimi/for-brands/write-a-campaign-brief.md).


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