The Upload Showdown is a weekly competition to find and reward the funniest user videos on Atom.com. Audience voting determines which video will "go pro" — earning $500, promotion on Atom.com, and potential distribution on Atom TV on Comedy Central (and beyond).

Here's what you need to do to put yourself in position to compete in the Showdown, and maybe even win:

1. Make and upload a funny video. Under three minutes is a good target, and in general, videos or animations you have "produced" (as opposed to videos you have simply caught on tape) work best.
2. Register with a valid email address. When you upload, you need to register or sign in as an Atom.com member. Make sure to provide a real email address you check often. If your video is selected for the Showdown we need to be able to contact you quickly.
3. Promote your video. If your work is getting lots of plays, ratings, and comments on Atom.com, we are more likely to select it for inclusion in the Showdown. Once you are in the Showdown, it's all about the votes. So get out there and make sure everyone you know comes and supports your video.
4. Be ready to sign a contract and prove your rights.
   When you win the Showdown, we'll offer you a nonexclusive license agreement that pays you $500 and an opportunity to earn additional revenue share from your video in the future. You need to sign and return the contract in a timely manner.
   
   We'll also ask you for paperwork that confirms you have the rights and appropriate licenses to use things like the music, actors, images and/or locations that appear in your work. (Check out our Help section for tips.)
   
   If we can't reach you, if you can't prove your rights to your video, or if you don't sign the license agreement, you may be ineligible to participate in the Showdown, get paid, and earn distribution on Atom TV and elsewhere.



What are you waiting for? Upload your funny video! And, don't forget to vote in this week's Upload Showdown!