THE 14TH ANNUAL SHORTY AWARDS

The Shorty Awards honor the best of social media and digital. View this season's finalists!

MDLBEAST - Soundstorm 2024

Entered in Live Events, Multicultural Community Engagement, Music & Dance

Objective

Since its inception just six years ago, Soundstorm has become a transformative force, exemplifying the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape. By attracting some of the world’s most iconic artists—such as Metallica, Eminem, Calvin Harris, and Camila Cabello—the festival has not only elevated the region's profile on the global stage but also established Saudi Arabia as a vibrant hub for multi-genre music enthusiasts. Soundstorm serves as a unifying platform where people from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate music and immerse themselves in Saudi culture, all set to an unparalleled soundtrack.

The overarching goal has been to build a global community through music, amplifying the Saudi narrative while fostering inclusivity and creativity. Through groundbreaking social media campaigns, MDLBEAST has extended its reach across the globe, resonating with audiences worldwide and solidifying Soundstorm’s reputation as a cultural phenomenon.

Additionally, MDLBeast partnered with TikTok and Snapchat through a Branded Mission utilizing an AR effect and content creators to invite audiences to co-create a first ever AR Branded Mission with AR with guaranteed scale, resulting in high reach and engagement while amplifying organic visibility.

 

Strategy

The project’s success was driven by a dynamic social media strategy designed to amplify energy in real-time. High-impact visuals, interactive engagement, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content ensured a deeply immersive experience.

A key pillar was spotlighting Saudi talent, placing local artists alongside global superstars to create a culturally rich and inclusive narrative. By integrating regional voices, the project fostered deep audience engagement while celebrating homegrown creativity.

The execution focused on three core elements:

  1. Real-Time Engagement: Live updates, interactive polls, and Q&A sessions kept fans actively involved. Social channels became an extension of the event itself, turning moments into shared experiences.
  2. Immersive Technologies:  Augmented reality filters, gamified activations on TikTok and Snapchat, and influencer takeovers maximized participation and reach.
  3. Fan-Centric Storytelling: Content prioritized experiential moments, featuring behind-the-scenes footage and artist interactions, making fans part of the narrative.

Challenges included managing real-time content coordination across multiple platforms, requiring a synchronized live content hub for seamless execution. Another hurdle was maintaining authenticity in branded activations, resolved through culturally relevant influencer collaborations that blended naturally into the experience.

By amplifying local talent, leveraging cutting-edge digital tools, and placing fans at the core, the project redefined audience engagement, bridging the gap between physical and digital experiences with lasting impact.

 

Results

Soundstorm dominated the conversation, achieving record-breaking engagement and global media attention. Beyond promoting a festival, the campaign helped shift perceptions, elevating local talent and positioning Saudi Arabia as a serious player in entertainment. The impact extended far beyond the event itself, ensuring lasting visibility for the region’s music scene.

Key Metrics:

Snapchat results: 

Tiktok results: 

By amplifying local talent, leveraging cutting-edge digital tools, and placing fans at the core, the campaign redefined audience engagement, making a lasting cultural impact.

Media

Video for MDLBEAST - Soundstorm 2024

Entrant Company / Organization Name

MDLBEAST

Links