Who Is This For?
The Shorty Awards honor the most creative and innovative work in digital and social media from brands, agencies, nonprofits, and creators around the world. As a premier international awards program, the Shortys recognize excellence in original content, digital campaigns, and platform strategies that break through the noise. Judged by the Real Time Academy, the competition celebrates standout ideas, whether they’re selling products, building awareness, driving engagement, or shaping culture through social and digital platforms. From real-time activations to bold storytelling, the Shorty Awards shine a spotlight on the work redefining what’s possible in the digital space.
Book a 1:1 ConsultationYour Work Deserves Recognition
Entering the Shorty Awards is about amplifying your work, boosting your team's credibility, visibility and morale.
Global Recognition
Elevate your brand on a worldwide stage, getting your innovative work in front of industry leaders.
Amplify your Team
Boost awareness for your organization. Show off your team’s capabilities to a broader audience and become an industry leader.
Validate Excellence
Receive independent validation of your team's dedication and the effectiveness of your creativity and innovation.
Join Industry Leaders
Become part of an exclusive community of visionary brands leading the way in the digital space.
Boost Credibility
Enhance your organization's reputation, building confidence with consumers, partners, and employees.
Showcase Innovation
Highlight your creative strategies and groundbreaking approaches to inspire others in the industry.
Explore The Shorty Categories
From campaigns, to single posts, activation, design and podcast, find the perfect category for your project, campaign, industry or unique goal.
Campaign
Categories related to overarching campaigns, from integrated multi-channel efforts to global initiatives.
Learn More →Content and Media
Categories focusing on excellence in creative content, branded content and more.
Learn More →Industry
Categories specific to different business sectors and how they use digital initiatives within their industry.
Learn More →Influencer & Celebrity Partnerships
Categories celebrating collaborations between brands, non-profits, agencies, and creators.
Learn More →Overall Presence
Categories that recognize creative and innovative strategies for the year-round presence in a specific social platform.
Learn More →Platforms & Technology
Honoring the most effective strategies within social media platforms and the implementation of technologies for specific projects.
Learn More →Strategy & Engagement
Categories highlighting effective strategies for audience engagement, community building, and measurable success.
Learn More →Podcast
Honoring the most innovative and creative podcasts from different industries and themes.
Learn More →Video
Honoring the use of digital tools to build innovative and creative videos, from documentaries to comedy videos and live videos.
Learn More →Key Dates
Deadlines and Fees
- Open Entries: October 28, 2025
- Early Deadline: December 4, 2025 | 449 USD
- Regular Deadline: January 29, 2026 | 549 USD
- Late Deadline: February 19, 2026 | 699 USD
*Fees apply per category. Dates are subject to change.
Verified non-profits can receive a 100 USD discount per entry per category by submitting verification documents (e.g. non-profit incorporation or tax-exempt documents) online before checkout.
Live Show: TBD
SUBMITTING AN ENTRY
All deadlines are at 11:59 PM EDT.
NOTE: Entries are only considered complete after being published. ALL entries must be published to be eligible for judging. You will be able to upload entry details after the payment is cleared. Payment can be made securely by credit card using our online entry form. Entry fees are non-refundable. You may enter the same project into multiple categories.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible, the work entered must have been at least partially live between January 1st, 2025 and February 19th, 2026. Unless otherwise noted in the category description, spec work and incomplete work are not eligible.
