Radio stations give away concert tickets in a few different ways, but the two most common are on-air contests and online giveaways. If you’ve entered both before, you’ve probably noticed that they work very differently.
This guide explains how on-air and online radio giveaways compare, what you can expect from each, and why stations use both.
What Are On-Air Radio Giveaways?
On-air giveaways happen during live radio broadcasts. The station’s hosts announce a contest and invite listeners to participate in real time. Common examples include:
- Being the “10th caller”
- Answering a trivia question
- Responding to a prompt or challenge
- Calling in at a specific time
These contests usually move quickly. Winners are often chosen on the spot, and prizes are awarded immediately or shortly after.
Pros of On-Air Giveaways
- Results are immediate
- Fewer people may be trying at the same exact moment
- It can feel more exciting and interactive
- You know right away whether you won
Cons of On-Air Giveaways
- You have to be listening at the right time
- Phone lines can be busy or hard to get through
- You might miss the announcement entirely
- Timing matters more than anything else
What Are Online Radio Giveaways?
Online giveaways are usually hosted on the station’s website or app. Instead of calling in, you fill out a form with your information and submit your entry.
These contests often:
- Run for several days or weeks
- Allow one entry per person per day or per promotion
- Choose winners at random after the contest ends
Once you enter, you typically just wait to see if you’re contacted.
Pros of Online Giveaways
- Easy to enter in a few seconds
- You don’t have to be listening at a specific time
- You can enter from anywhere
- Less stressful than call-in contests
Cons of Online Giveaways
- More people usually enter
- You don’t get instant results
- You might forget you even entered
- It can feel less exciting than live contests
Why Stations Use Both Types
Radio stations use both on-air and online giveaways because they serve different purposes:
- On-air contests boost live listening and engagement
- Online contests drive website visits, app installs, and email signups
Using both gives stations more ways to connect with their audience and promote events.
Which One Is Better?
Neither type is “better” in every situation. It really depends on:
- Your schedule
- How often you listen to the radio
- Whether you prefer quick chances or easy entries
Some people prefer on-air contests because they’re more immediate. Others prefer online contests because they’re more convenient.
Using Both to Your Advantage
If you enjoy entering giveaways, there’s no reason to choose just one type. You can:
- Enter online contests when you see them
- Listen for on-air opportunities when you have time
- Take advantage of both whenever possible
This gives you more chances overall without breaking any rules.
Final Thoughts
On-air and online radio giveaways are just two different ways stations offer listeners a chance to win tickets. On-air contests are fast and live, while online contests are slower but easier to enter.
Understanding the difference helps you decide which ones fit your schedule and preferences—and makes it easier to take advantage of both.