ContentLoop
Subathon Playbook

Subathon Between Goals
Kill dead air with a 15-minute loop

What to do between subathon milestones: a simple 15-minute submit → vote → execute loop that keeps chat involved without burning you out.

Feb 03, 2026
6 min read
By ContentLoop.gg

The problem with “waiting”

Between goals, subathons turn into passive time dilation: you’re live, but nothing progresses until the next sub. The fix is to run interaction beats on a timer.

The 15-minute loop

01

Collect (2–3 min)

2–3 min

Ask for options with a tight constraint (e.g. “next challenge”, “next topic”, “next game mode”). Keep it short.

02

Vote (3–5 min)

3–5 min

Put 3–5 options in a vote. Lurkers will click. You get a clear winner without thinking.

03

Execute (7–10 min)

7–10 min

Run the winning option. Time-box it. Then reset back into collection.

3 loop examples (copy the structure)

Example

Challenge loop

  • ›Submit: “next challenge”
  • ›Vote: 3–5 curated challenges
  • ›Execute: 10 minutes of the winner
Example

Topic loop

  • ›Submit: “next topic”
  • ›Vote: 3 topics
  • ›Execute: 8 minutes of storytime / Q&A
Example

Game loop (variety)

  • ›Submit: “next game”
  • ›Vote: 3 games
  • ›Execute: 15-minute test drive

Common Questions

Why does a subathon feel slow between milestones?
Because the stream becomes passive: you wait for the next number to tick up. You need interaction beats that create momentum independently of subs.
How often should I run an interaction loop?
Every 10–20 minutes. Frequent loops prevent long dead-air stretches and give lurkers low-friction ways to participate.
What if chat is small?
Even small chats work. Use shortlists (3–5 options), and keep the actions quick. Lurkers will vote when typing feels awkward.
Do I need fancy tools for this?
No. You can do it manually with a list and a poll. Tools just reduce cognitive load and keep ideas visible.

Make the loop effortless

Put submissions and votes on a board so the best option is always visible. You just execute.

Launch a Board Read the Subathon Protocol

No credit card required • Setup in 60 seconds

Want a challenge list? See Subathon Challenges .