Mar 29, 2011 11:38 GMT  ·  By

The developers of IM+ for iOS have announced a contest where participants get the chance to win an iPad 2 by filming themselves using the company’s instant messaging application.

SHAPE Services encourages users (and non-users) of their popular IM+ chatting application to shoot a video of themselves in an unusual or funny way using the app, then post the footage to YouTube with all the necessary tags attached, and keep their fingers crossed.

“Shoot a video of yourself using IM+ in an unusual or funny way, post the video on YouTube, and send us the link along with your contact information,” reads a summary of the contest rules.

“Your reward: 16GB Apple iPad 2 WiFi. Be sure to read the rules carefully, as you have to follow some specific instructions. Deadline for entry: May 31st, 2011.”

Specifically, users must make a video of themselves using IM+ on their iPhone, or whatever handset they have that supports IM+.

The app also doesn’t have to be the full version, which costs money to download and use.

Contestants can just as well get a chance to win that iPad 2 by downloading and using the free implementation of IM+.

Download your preferred version on the iTunes App Store.

Download IM+ Download IM+ Pro

Users must then post their video on YouTube following all the rules (more on that below), and then send SHAPE Services the link and contact information to [email protected].

As for the rules set in place by SHAPE, users’ videos must feature original, non-copyrighted content, and specifically showcase the use of any version of IM+.

“Users are encouraged to appear in the video, but it is not required,” Shape said.

More details, such as how the video needs to be titled, what tags to use, and how to gain more views, can be found on the SHAPE Services website here.