What is cascade and popcorn bidding and how does it work?

Important: Please check the auction homepage and lot page details to see if cascade and/or popcorn bidding is applicable to each specific auction.

Note: Popcorn and cascading bidding are available on desktop and with our latest version of the app (must be version v7.3.8 or later). Directions on how to upgrade can be found in our article, “How to Download Artsy's Mobile App”.

Cascading and popcorn bidding allows for you to bid with ease when you are interested in multiple lots in the same auction. As every lot closes in a rolling order, you will be able to fully focus on an individual lot without missing out on others.

Cascade bidding ensures auction lots close at staggering times, one after another. 

Tip: For example, the first lot of an auction might close at 6:00pm, the second lot would close at 6:01pm, then the third lot at 6:02pm, etc.

Popcorn bidding extends each lot’s closing time by a set increment (for example, two minutes) if any bid comes in with less than two minutes until closing. This allows for other bidders to have ample time to counter back with another bid if they choose. 

Tip: For example, if the second lot is scheduled to close at 6:01:00pm, and a bid comes in on that lot at 6:00:32pm, then the new close time would extend to 6:02:32pm.

Please pay close attention to specific lot’s end times, as each lot closes individually. Refer to each lot’s countdown timers that are listed on each lot page. 

[Left: Desktop View, Right: App View]

The highest bidder will win the lot after the final popcorn bidding extension expires as noted on the count down timer.