How to use Winner Reveal

Last reviewed November 11, 2026

Winner Reveal picks a random winner from your entry list and turns the result into a branded announcement video sized for Instagram, TikTok, Stories, YouTube or X. It's free and runs entirely in your browser, so your entry list stays on your device. You give one email address before your first download.

What it does and who it's for

You have your entrants and you want to announce a winner in a way people will actually watch. Winner Reveal draws the winner and renders an animated reveal video you can post or record.

Bring a list you already have — from a spreadsheet, a form, or a comment import. To collect entries, build a campaign in ShortStack.

Before you start

You don't need an account. The tool runs in your browser with JavaScript turned on.
Have either a CSV of your entrants, or just the total number of entries.
CSV shape: a header row and one row per entrant, using either a single Name column or separate First Name and Last Name columns. Export from Excel or Google Sheets as .csv.
Optional: a logo or background image, and your brand colors. For the sharpest result, match the image to your chosen format.

Either of these will work. One column:

Name
Priya Raman
Tom Whitfield
Dana Alvarez

Or two:

First Name	Last Name
Priya	Raman
Tom	Whitfield
Dana	Alvarez

Or download a sample file and replace the names with your own: Sample entrant list (.csv).

What it covers

File type: CSV files. Any other type is rejected with Please upload a .csv file.
Names only: the tool reads name columns. Rows that look like email addresses, phone numbers or street addresses are skipped on purpose, to protect your entrants' privacy, and an amber notice shows how many were skipped.
Header text: up to 60 characters.
Storage: your list and your video exist only in that browser session, so download each video before you leave or pick again.
Clip length: fixed. A long name or a long header is fitted to the frame.
Your list: the tool draws from the list as you upload it. Remove duplicates and previous winners from the file first.
Email address: asked once per browser, before your first download. It goes to ShortStack so we can send the video and follow up.

How to reveal a winner

Drop your CSV onto the upload area or browse for it. If you don't have a file, enter your total number of entries and the tool picks a winning number for you to match against your own list.
Choose where you'll post it: Square (1:1) for Instagram and Facebook feeds, Vertical (9:16) for Stories, Reels and TikTok, or Landscape (16:9) for YouTube and X. The video renders at the recommended size for that platform.
Pick a reveal style: Slot Machine spins names and slows to the winner, Countdown runs 3, 2, 1, Spotlight fades names past and lights up the winner, and Typewriter types the winner out letter by letter.
Customize the look. Add optional header text above the winner, set a background color or upload a background image, and choose a text color that stands out. The live preview shows what you'll get.
Start the reveal, then choose your format and download your video. After the first download, downloads in the same browser run straight through.
Use Pick Again for runners-up, and download each video before you pick again.

If something goes wrong

It skipped some of my rows

Look for the amber notice showing how many rows were skipped. Rows that look like an email address, phone number or street address are left out on purpose. Upload a file with a clean Name column, or First Name and Last Name columns, and nothing else.

My CSV won't upload

Usually one of two things: the file is an .xlsx renamed to .csv rather than exported as CSV, or the first row holds data instead of column names. Re-export from Excel or Google Sheets as .csv and check the first row holds column names. If that doesn't do it, start from the sample entrant list (.csv) and paste your names into it.

The output format depends on the browser. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox produce an MP4. Some other browsers fall back to a format that not every social app accepts. If your file is rejected, download it again in Chrome.

I'm stuck at the download

The email step loads from another ShortStack domain, so a strict ad or tracker blocker can block it. Pause the blocker for this page, or try another browser, then download again.

The tool won't load at all

Turn on JavaScript in your browser and refresh the page.

Is the draw actually random?

Yes. The draw uses the Web Crypto API, a random number generator built into every modern browser and held to the same standard as the one used to generate encryption keys. It's a browser feature rather than a ShortStack component or a third-party service, and its results can't be predicted or steered. To show an entrant an independent source, Mozilla's reference for crypto.getRandomValues() documents it.

Privacy and what happens to your data

Your entry list is read entirely in your browser and discarded when you leave the page. Only name columns are read; anything resembling an email address, phone number or street address is skipped before the reveal.

FAQs

Is Winner Reveal really free?

Yes — no credit card and no subscription. You give an email address once, before your first download.

How random is the selection?

The draw uses the Web Crypto API, the cryptographically secure random number generator built into your browser. Every entry has a truly equal chance.

What size video will I get?

Choose at download: Square 1:1 for Instagram and Facebook feeds, Vertical 9:16 for Stories, Reels and TikTok, or Landscape 16:9 for YouTube and X.

What if I don't have a CSV?

Enter your total number of entries and the tool picks a winning number. Match that number against however you tracked entries.

What should my CSV look like?

A header row and one row per entrant, with either a single Name column or separate First Name and Last Name columns. Export as .csv from Excel or Google Sheets.

Is my entry list private?

Yes. The tool reads name columns only, skips anything that looks like an email address, phone number or street address, and your file stays in your browser.

Can I pick multiple winners?

Yes. Use Pick Again after each reveal, and download each video before continuing. Each pick is independent and equally random.

Can I use my own background image?

Yes — upload any image and pick a text color that stands out. Match the image to your chosen format for the sharpest result, for example, 1080×1080 px for square.