24 hours Animation Contest for Students rules

Everything you need to know to compete like a champion

Read These Carefully!

We hate disqualifying amazing films on technicalities. Don’t let that be you!

QUICK REFERENCE

Contest timeline

Registration Deadline
September 25th 23:59 PDT

Contest Start
October 2nd 16:00 PDT

Submission Deadline
October 3rd 16:00 PDT

BTS Submission Deadline
October 5th 23:59 PDT

Team Name Graphic Submission Deadline
October 5th 23:59 PDT

Winner Announcement
October 16th 12:00 PDT

team requirements

Exactly 5 current students
One faculty advisor (can supervise multiple teams)
Same school preferred (Your team can consist of multiple schools, but must pick ONE to register under)
Official registration required by deadline September 25th 23:59 PDT

film specifications

Length: Exactly 30 seconds (excluding required title card 3 second hold)
Medium: Any animation technique with frame-by-frame manipulation (films that use AI will be disqualified )
Content: Everything created during the 24-hour period

DETAILED RULES

FILM CREATION RULES

What You CAN Do:

Use any animation medium (2D, 3D, stop-motion, experimental, rotoscope, mixed media)
Download royalty-free music and sound effects
Download raw textures (not UV-mapped for specific models)
3D scan objects you physically create during the contest
Use any software or equipment available to you
Use a 3D printer as long as objects being printed are created during the contest
Films can be under 30 seconds long

What You CANNOT Do:

Do not create any artwork before the contest starts
Do not download pre-made rigs, models, or marketplace assets
Do not use preset animations or motion capture
Do not Include team member names or school names in the film
Do not submit late (not even one second!)
We have a strong restriction against using AI in this contest for creation of ANY graphics or sound design.
Your film must not be over 30 seconds long (not including 3 second team name card)

AUDIO RULES

Music & Sound Effects

May be sourced from royalty-free libraries
Must be completely copyright-free (YouTube-safe)
Can be created by team members if desired
No additional team members for voice work or music creation

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Official Team Name Card

This IS NOT the TEAM NAME GRAPHIC. Please use the template provided for ease of film viewing and tracking team names for judging. Must use provided template only. Download here.
Black background, white text
3 seconds long (doesn’t count toward film length)
Must appear at the beginning of your film
Use your registered team name exactly as listed

Technical Specifications

YouTube will accept a wide variety of formats, but the following is recommended:

Video format: MP4
Coding: H.264 codec
Audio format: AAC-LC audio

The final submission form will be completed using Google Forms. If you reside in a region that restricts your access to Google Forms, please reach out to techsupport@24hourscontest.com as soon as possible.

FACULTY ADVISOR ROLES

Required Responsibilities

Present for contest kickoff and theme announcement
- We understand that due to time zone differences, it may difficult or impossible for faculty to be present. While preferred, it is not an absolute requirement.
Ensure all teams are properly formed and equipped
Verify students understand rules and deadlines

Permitted Support

Ask guiding questions but cannot give any answers
Suggest time management and pacing
Remind students to eat, hydrate, and rest
Help troubleshoot scheduling issues
Take photos/videos for social media

Strictly Prohibited

No Drawing, designing, or creating any artwork for the students
No providing technical solutions or troubleshooting
No giving specific creative direction or answers
No completing any portion of the film

submission guidelines

Step-by-Step Submission Process

Part 1 : Create YouTube Account & Upload Film

Create a NEW youtube account with your TEAM NAME not your personal youtube account. If you choose to do a BTS film, please use this same account.**NOTE: if you are a returning team, using your same name, you can use your previously created account. **
Make sure your YouTube channel is set to public NOT UNLISTED or the judges may not be able to see your film.
DO NOT designate your film “content for kids” or it will be blocked from playing on our playlist.
Make sure your film’s maximum runtime is no longer than 30 seconds (NOT including 3 seconds for Team Name Card). If your film is over 30 seconds, it will be disqualified.
Title your video with your team name (spelled exactly as registered!), the contest and the year. (Ex: TeamName 24 HOURS 2026)
DO NOT add your school or team member’s names anywhere until after the winner’s announcement.
Leave the description for your video blank (you can add credits and team members AFTER the contest winners have been announced).

Part 2 : Film Submission Google Form

Do a final check that your film file is the correct one, and plays as intended (check that the sound works, playback does not skip etc.).
Complete the Film Submission Google Form with the YouTube link to your film AND the film file to upload to google drive.
Make sure your file name is in the following format: TeamName_24HRS2026_FinalFilm.mp4
Do not share your film with anyone until the winners are announced.

Last Minute Reminders

Double-Check Before Submitting

Film is exactly 30 seconds or under
Sound is working and synced properly
Official team name card included
Team name spelled EXACTLY as registered.
File name is in the following format: “TeamName_24HRS2026_FinalFilm.mp4“
Youtube video name is in the following format: “TeamName 24 HOURS 2026“
School names or team member names are not mentioned or displayed
File uploads successfully
YouTube link works (for showcase playlist)

Emergency Contacts

Technical Support: techsupport@24hourscontest.com

Rules Questions: admin@24hourscontest.com

Last-Minute: admin@24hourscontest.com

still have questions?

Email us at Email us at admin@24hourscontest.com with:

Your school name
Team name (if registered)
Specific question
Any relevant screenshots or details

We respond to all questions within 3-5 days during contest season!