Guide to a successful Kvistly quiz event

Everything you need to know to host a great game

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5 min read

You’ve created your first quiz — now it’s time to play! Whether your event is an online meeting or an offline gathering, this A–to–Z guide will help you prepare, host, and manage your game for the best quiz experience and maximum enjoyment.

Before

How many questions?

When preparing a quiz, we’ve found that 10–15 questions are ideal. This keeps the quiz short and dynamic, lasting about 20 minutes — just enough to keep everyone engaged without feeling overwhelmed. Of course, the exact number can depend on the type of event you’re hosting. Add a few light-hearted or fun questions to maintain lively mood.

How many participants?

The Kvistly mechanics work best with more players, making the quiz more engaging and exciting. While it’s possible to play solo or with just 2 people, the game truly shines with larger groups — ideally 10 or more participants.

Make sure your plan allows for the required number of participants to avoid disrupting the experience.

What do I need to host a game?

Kvistly works on any device and is perfect for offline events, online meetings, and hybrid setups. Simply share the game screen via Zoom or display it on a projector for in-person audiences.

How to manage a quiz

Consider what setup will be most comfortable for you to run the quiz.

  • Option 1: Manage the game using the Game Dashboard on a laptop.
  • Option 2: If you need mobility, you can also host the quiz from your smartphone. Open Spectator Mode on a laptop connected to the projector and use your mobile device to control the game via the Dashboard

Check the setup for offline events

Ensure your screen, internet connection, and all devices are functioning properly. Share the game link with participants ahead of time so they’re ready to join without delay.

How to run your first quiz thumbnail

How to run your first quiz

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4 min video

Set up the right timings

Before starting, set the pace for your quiz. In a Kvistly quiz, you can adjust all stages of the game process—from the context phase to switching rounds. Here’s a guide to ideal timings for dynamic games:

Game Settings Screenshot
  • Context Phase: This is where the context of the question is displayed. 10 seconds is usually enough for participants to prepare for the question.
  • Bet Phase: Participants place their bets. Allow around 10 seconds for everyone to decide if they’re confident in their answer.
  • Answer Phase: Participants answer the quiz question. 15–20 seconds is sufficient for thinking and choosing an answer.
  • Round Switch: We recommend handling this manually, especially if you plan to discuss the results with your audience.

For first-time players, we suggest setting longer time slots. As participants become more familiar with Kvistly, you can shorten the time for context reading, betting, and answering.

During the event

Whether you’re running a training session or an icebreaker for a team meeting, these tips will help make your event more engaging for your audience:

Prepare your audience

Since Kvistly quizzes feature unique betting mechanics at their core, it’s important to explain the rules beforehand. We recommend describing the betting mechanics clearly and encouraging participants to react with emojis to keep the energy high.

Keep participants engaged

To maximize engagement, encourage participants to make more bets. The more people participate, the more dynamic the game becomes. Statistically, those who bet more often have higher chances of winning. For example, you could say, “John, I bet you know this one!” to spark some friendly competition.

Share real-time feedback

As the host, you can see players’ performance in real-time, including who is answering correctly and placing smart bets. Use this to your advantage by calling out players to keep the energy high. For instance, you can say, “Wow, we already have some correct answers rolling in!” or “Great bets coming through — let’s see if they pay off!” Giving instant feedback like this not only encourages friendly competition but also keeps everyone engaged and excited throughout the game.

Prizes for motivation

Adding an incentive for the winner(s) makes the game even more thrilling! Consider offering a gift card to a favourite store, some corporate merchandise, or internal points that participants can redeem for learning and development opportunities or other perks.

Conclusion

Hosting and managing a quiz doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper preparation, a positive attitude, and tools like Kvistly, you can create an engaging and memorable event that your participants will truly enjoy. Remember, it’s not just about the questions — it’s about connecting with your audience and making the experience fun for everyone.

Now it’s your turn—go out there and host an amazing quiz!