Understanding the YXC 2026 Contest Structure

As students and educators begin preparing their entries for YXC 2026, we want to make sure everyone has a clear
understanding of how submissions are organized. This year’s contest maintains a simple, flexible structure
designed to meet students where they are creatively and support a fair judging process.

Here’s a breakdown of the three core parts of every YXC submission:
Format, Category, and Division.

1. Format: Long Form or Short Form

Every project must be submitted in one of two format options. The format determines how long your video can be
and what types of storytelling styles are encouraged within that range.

Long Format

Length: 3–5 minutes

Ideal for stories that need more space to develop. Common long-form approaches include:

• Narrative
• Mini Documentary
• Informational
• Call to Action

These entries often explore topics in greater depth and work well for students who want time to build a story arc,
develop characters, or present a complex issue.

Short Format

Length: 30 seconds–2 minutes

Perfect for concise, impactful storytelling. Typical short-form entries include:

• Public Service Announcements (PSA)
• News Stories

Short format challenges you to communicate a message clearly and quickly—excellent practice for real-world media work.

2. Category: General or Sponsored

Each entry, regardless of its length, must be submitted in one of two category types.

General Category

This is the most flexible entry type. Students choose their own topic and message.

• No required theme
• Student-selected subject matter
• Must present a clear, creative, and informative message

This is a great option for students with a unique story to tell or a community issue they care about.

Sponsored Category

These categories are shaped by our community partners and change each year.

• Includes an annual theme or prompt
• Prompt provided by a sponsoring organization
• Requires a student-created narrative response

Sponsored categories offer students the chance to address real-world issues while competing for awards
provided by partner organizations.

3. Division: Beginner or Expert

To ensure fairness across varying skill levels and experience, YXC uses a two-level division system.

Beginner Divisions

Intended for students who are newer to video creation or are still learning the fundamentals.

• Beginner Elementary
• Beginner Middle
• Beginner High

Expert Divisions

Designed for students with more experience, those who may participate in media programs, have entered before,
or have advanced production skills.

• Junior Expert (Elementary/Middle)
• Expert (High School)

Choosing the correct division helps judges evaluate entries more equitably and allows students to grow at the right pace.

Why It Matters

Understanding the contest structure early helps you:

• Plan your video more effectively
• Choose the correct time limit and storytelling format
• Enter the proper division for your experience level
• Decide whether your project fits best in a General or Sponsored category

As you prepare for YXC 2026, we encourage students, teachers, and advisors to review these details and discuss
which format, category, and division best suits their goals.