How To Do The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Correctly

by Michael Sitver · Published August 13 · Updated August 16

The ALS Ice bucket challenge has gone super-viral, and everyone’s joining in on the fun – including the President of the US. Now, we’re teaching you how to do the challenge properly.

Whether you want to blow your friends away with an amazing video, spread the challenge to your group of friends, or just do the basic challenge, this tutorial will teach you all you need to know about the challenge.

Step 1: Be nominated (optional).

Normally, people are nominated by friends to do this, via social media, but you’re more than welcome to do this on your own.

Step 2: Donate to an ALS charity

The point of the challenge isn’t just to raise awareness. It’s meant to raise money. Donate as little as $5 to an ALS-related charity. Even $5 makes a difference.

Step 3: Gather a bucket of ice.

Find a container that will not leak, and fill it with some ice, and water. Let it sit for a few minutes, while you do the next steps. That way, some of the ice will melt, giving you a nice refreshing shower of cold water, without too much of the painful ice. We don’t want any concussions!

I’m taking on the #icebucketchallenge to take on #ALS

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Step 4: Find a friend, and a camera (or a makeshift-tripod) to film you

You probably don’t want to be holding a camera selfie-style, while doing the challenge, because water and electronics don’t mix.

Most people use cell phone to film challenges, and that’s perfectly alright, but please shoot it normally (in landscape mode), rather than sideways (portrait mode), because it makes for better video.

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Find a friend to hold the camera during the challenge, or alternately, use some books to prop up your phone/camera. If you do use something besides a person, make sure that you’re within the frame of the camera when you film the challenge.

If you want to be fancy, film it in slow-motion, or zoom in on your face right after the challenge, to showcase your reaction to the ice-cold water. Also, HD video is appreciated.

Step 5: Film the challenge

At the start of your video, read the script from step 6, to vocally announce who nominated you (if anyone), and who you nominate. This is also a good time to mention if you donated, as it may motivate others to donate as well.

Next, pick up the bucket of ice water, and carefully lift it over your head, and dump it over yourself.

Note: You don’t have to go it alone. Invite a friend to do the challenge with you, if you want to suffer together. Also, make sure you wear clothing that you don’t mind getting wet, and do the dump outside, or in a waterproof area like a shower.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella takes on the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS (video below)

Step 6: Post your video to Facebook.

Upload your video to Facebook. To accompany your video, write out a message describing the challenge, your nominations, and who nominated you. Use Facebook’s “tagging” feature to tag people by name, so they are aware of being nominated. You should also repeat this information in the video. We’ve written out a sample, which you can use for your own video.

“Thanks [friend’s name] for nominating me! I would like to nominate [friend],[friend], and [friend]. You have 24 hours to complete the challenge, or you must donate $100 to ALS research [the donation part of the script is optional]”.