A Content Hackathon is a dedicated day each quarter (or month) for the team to break out of routine content production and create entirely new formats and styles that wouldn’t normally be produced. This practice fosters creativity, experimentation, and innovation, allowing the team to push creative limits and develop content that could become a new brand standard.
Content Hackathon Playbook
Content Hackathon Playbook
Objective
Step 01
Purpose & Notification
Advance Planning & Communication
- Announce the Content Hackathon at least one month in advance so the team can plan accordingly
- Managers should work closely with their direct reports to ensure all regular tasks and deadlines are completed beforehand
- Make it clear that this day is fully blocked off for experimentation — no meetings, no client calls, no distractions
Step 02
Hackathon Schedule & Structure
Kickoff Meeting (9:00 - 9:15 AM)
- Set the tone: Emphasize that the focus is on creating content the team has never done before
- Go over the rules and expectations:
No “safe” ideas — push boundaries.
Aim for one, max two pieces, per person
Be prepared to present and explain creative choices.
Creation Period (9:15 AM - 4:00 PM)
- The team works on developing innovative content based on new formats, styles, or approaches
- Encourage team members to take big creative swings — the goal is to experiment with what could work, not just what has worked before
Step 03
Upload & Presentation
Content Upload (4:00 PM - 4:15 PM)
- Each participant uploads their work to a shared Google Slide deck with a dedicated slide for their content
Presentation (4:15 PM - 5:00 PM)
- Each team member presents their work, explaining:
- Why they chose their concept
- What they were trying to accomplish
- What worked and what they would improve
- Encourage and open discussion about the content style should be explored further in the future production cycles
Step 04
Voting & Incentive
Anonymous Voting Process
- Conduct an anonymous team vote to determine the most innovative piece of content
- Use a fair and transparent method like Google Forms, Slido, or another polling tool
- Voting criteria:
- Creativity – Is this a fresh approach?
- Potential Impact – Could this be a game-changing content format?
- Brand Fit – While pushing boundaries, does it still align with the brand’s identity?
Winner Incentives
- The winner receives a reward, such as an Amazon gift card, team recognition, or an opportunity to develop their idea into a full-scale campaign
- The real incentive: the winning content (and other top pieces) will be tested in actual distribution — turning experiments into real-world impact
Step 05
Follow-Up & Implementation
Scheduling & Testing
- Work with channel managers to strategically schedule and test the hackathon content
- Determine which pieces will be published and track their performance
Analysis & Learnings
- Review engagement, reach, and audience reactions
- Identify what worked and why, and refine the best ideas for future content strategies
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