TL;DR: We’re giving one person $100,000 (plus five $10,000 runner-up prizes) to pursue their dream. With just one week left to enter, we’re answering Creator’s top Dare to Dream questions so you can submit with clarity, confidence, and zero hesitation.

January is almost over—and so is your chance to enter this year’s Dare to Dream Challenge. If you haven’t heard, we’re giving someone $100,000 cash to pursue their dream (plus five runner-up prizes of $10,000). 

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue your dream without having to worry about covering your expenses for the year. But the most impactful part isn’t just the money—it’s the support you’ll gain along the way.

Last year’s Dare to Dream winners all said the same thing: The validation, community, and resources they gained because of the challenge were even more impactful than the cash prize. It helped them reach more people, surpass major milestones, and build a more sustainable business.

This year, we want to see you bet on yourself. It’s time to ditch the excuses and take radical action toward the life you want.

Have questions about the challenge? We’ve got answers. Here’s everything you need to know about Dare to Dream.

Short On Time? Here’s What to Know

• You can win $100,000 (or one of five $10,000 runner-up prizes) to fund your dream
• You enter by signing up for Stanley, posting a two-minute video, and submitting the form
• You don’t need a business, a big following, or a paid plan to qualify
• You must be 18+ and a legal resident of select countries to enter
• Judges will look for videos that show authenticity, impact, alignment, and storytelling
• The deadline to enter is January 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST
• Winners will be contacted by February 20, 2026

Your Dare to Dream Questions, Answered

Time is running out, and we’re not here to gatekeep information. We’re answering all of your most-asked questions so you can enter Dare to Dream with clarity and confidence.

Let’s dive in.

When does the challenge start and end?

The challenge runs from January 1st to January 31st, 2026. For all our procrastinators out there (we see you, we love you) the challenge deadline is 11:59 p.m. PST sharp on January 31st. Don’t miss your chance to enter!

How do I enter Dare to Dream?

You can enter the challenge by completing these steps:

1. First, you’ll need to sign up for a free trial of Stanley—your Instagram growth partner. Try it out! You can use Stanley to ideate on your submission video before recording and gain insight into your Instagram growth.
   
2. Next, record and post a video that’s no more than two minutes long to a public Instagram or TikTok account. Make sure you use the hashtag #StanDareToDream26 and tag @stanforcreators.
   
   Unsure what to include in your video? Here’s how to create a story that stands out.
   
3. Once your video is live, fill out this submission form to verify your entry. 

Failure to complete any of these steps will disqualify you from winning, so make sure you don’t miss one.

Who’s eligible to enter Dare to Dream?

To enter Dare to Dream, you must be 18 or older and a legal resident of the United States (excluding Puerto Rico and all U.S. territories and possessions), Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates (within a Free Zone Establishment), or United Kingdom.

Can I enter more than once?

We appreciate the enthusiasm, but no. Only one video can be submitted per participant. Multiple entries will result in immediate disqualification.

Do I need to have a Professional Instagram account to use Stanley and enter?

Yes, you’ll either need an Instagram Creator or a Business account to use Stanley. This is a policy enforced by Instagram. 

How will I know you’ve seen my video?

If you fill out the submission form, we’ll see your video. This form helps our team verify all entries, so make sure you’ve completed it once your video is live.

Do I need to purchase anything to enter Dare to Dream?

No. You’ll need to sign up for Stanley, which gives you a 14-day free trial. Beyond the first 14 days, it’s up to you whether you’d like to continue partnering with Stanley on your Instagram growth. You don’t need a paid subscription to be eligible for Dare to Dream.

Do I need to have a Stan Store to enter Dare to Dream?

Nope! You need to sign up for Stanley to join the challenge, but it’s not necessary to have a Stan Store.

Does the submission have to be in English?

No, your video doesn’t have to be in English. You’re welcome to create a video in your native language. 

Can I submit a faceless video?

Yes! You’re welcome to submit a faceless video, but it should feel personal to you. Authenticity is one of the core elements we’re looking for in submissions, so if your video is faceless, you’ll just want to make sure that your personality and passion still shine through.

Can I enter the challenge as a pair or with my business partner?

Yes, but only one person may submit a video entry and claim the prize. Multiple entries will result in immediate disqualification.

Do I need a big following to win Dare to Dream?

Absolutely not. Dare to Dream is about the impact you’re going to make in your community and beyond, not your follower count. We want to create a virtuous cycle of hope, possibility, and action for everyone—not just big names.

What if I don’t have a business yet?

No worries! Dare to Dream is here to help you launch the business you always knew you could pull off. Starting from zero might even make your video more compelling. 

If you’re just starting out or want to reinvigorate your brand, check out Stanley—your partner for Instagram growth. He understands your voice, keeps you accountable, and will help you consistently craft content.

Does my dream need to be a business idea?

Not necessarily! But we are looking for Dare to Dream submissions that highlight the impact your dream can have on the world and show alignment with Stan’s values, so it’s crucial you highlight the deeper purpose behind your dream—even if it’s not a business.

What are you looking for in my Dare to Dream video?

There are four elements we want to see in your video: Authenticity, Impact, Alignment, and Storytelling.

Here’s what that means:

• Authenticity is about showing us who you really are and how personally connected you are to your business or business concept.
  
  
• Impact speaks to the ripple effect of your dream. Who will your business help? How are you lifting up communities or making a difference in the world?
  
  
• Alignment is how your vision fits in within our own here at Stan. Our values are: Creator First, Be Resilient, Take Ownership, Be Empathetic, Data-Driven, Spark Joy, and Integrity. The closer you match our own values, the better.
  
  
• Storytelling. This is both the simple stuff (like having a beginning, middle, and end) and the more complex (like how you illustrate your dream’s impact). We’re not looking for one specific type of story, but we are looking for submissions that paint a cohesive picture of who you are and what winning would do for you. It ultimately all comes down to this: can you demonstrate the potential for growth in yourself and those who engage with your business in two minutes or less?

For more details about what we think makes a stand-out Dare to Dream video, check out our article on how to tell a great story.

Any tips on what to talk about in my submission video?

Your video should give us a window into who you are and what drives you. You only have two minutes to make a compelling case for why you should win Dare to Dream, so try to focus your video on:

• Your why. The deeper purpose that drives your dream. This is what gives your story meaning and makes viewers want to root for you. Ask yourself: Why does this dream matter to me on a personal level?
  
  
• Your struggles. What’s standing in the way of pursuing your dream? A lack of finances, resources, confidence, or something else? Being open about your struggles can help make your story feel compelling, relatable, and authentic.
  
  
• Why now matters. Explain what you stand to lose if nothing changes, and what could happen if you’re given a chance now. Maybe winning would finally give you the stability to leave a job, invest in tools, pay overdue bills, or scale your mission. Tell us about it.
  
  
• Your impact and action plan. We want to hear about how this opportunity would impact your life, your content, your business, and your broader community. And we’d love to hear specifics about what you’d do if you win. 
  

For more tips on how to answer the Dare to Dream prompts and create a winning video, check out our Dare to Dream storytelling guide.

Can I see the videos from previous Dare to Dream winners?

Absolutely! Last year’s winners all approached their Dare to Dream videos differently. The grand prize winner, Joel Roache, created a cinematic-style video that highlighted the challenges he’d been facing, what inspired his dream, and what he wants to build.

Top five winner, Marissa Ramos, used her video submission to share specific metrics, examples, and relatable anecdotes that illustrate what she does as a speech therapist and why it matters. It’s one of the things that helped her video stand out.

BC Serna captivated our hearts with his video by showing up with vulnerability and openly sharing his story. He explained his purpose, how his whole life led to this moment, and how the challenge could help him reignite The Traveling Good Tour.

NYC-based designer and sketch artist, Cait Lam, made her video entry all about her journey and specific action plan if she were to win $100,000—what it would go toward and how it would amplify her mission.

And certified doula, Chelsea Eckler’s video, beautifully showcased the ripple effect her dream could have on the lives of women and their communities around the world.

When will winners be selected?

The top six winners will be selected by February 20, 2026, and the grand prize winner will be announced by February 23, 2026, via phone call, email, and Stan’s official social media channels.

Heads up! You must respond within 5 days of our contact in order to claim your prize. Otherwise, it’ll go to the next runner-up winner.[/callout]

How will I be contacted if I win?

The top six winners will be contacted directly via email or phone, so be sure to check your inbox after the challenge closes!

I signed up for Dare to Dream. What next?

Sit tight and keep an eye on your inbox! We’ll announce the winners by February 20, 2026, via phone call, email, and Stan’s official social media channels. In order to claim your prize, you must respond to us within 5 days, so make sure your notifications are on.

Your Dream Is Closer Than You Think

This year’s Dare to Dream challenge closes on January 31st, and we want to see you win. So if you haven’t already, sign up for Stanley, share your video, and verify your submission for a chance at $100,000.

What are you waiting for? Give your dream everything you’ve got. Enter the Dare to Dream Challenge today.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. 
For full Official Rules, visit daretodream.stan.store/officalrules.