13th Annual Shorty Awards Categories

The Shorty Awards honor the talented agencies, brands, and industry leaders behind the best and most innovative work on social media and digital channels, campaigns, websites and applications.

By Campaign
By Design
By Industry
By Overall Presence
Campaign by Platform
Content and Media
Influencer & Celebrity Brand Partnership
Strategy & Engagement
Video by Platform
Video Content
Virtual
Websites & Apps
Of the Year

From the 12th Annual Shorty Awards Best in Activism

While so many focus on using social media to grow their own brands, the true heroes are the ones using it to affect positive change in the world. From climate change to racism to LGBTQ+ issues and more, these activists are using the connective powers of the web to bring about social justice. Whether they are organizing marches, raising money or on the ground themselves, these people are making the world a better place.

If you’re a brand looking for recognition for your use of social media in this space, enter the Best Social Good Campaign Shorty Award.

Winner

Activism
winner
Greta Thunberg
17 year old Greta Thunberg has learned the power of using social media to transform her voice into a global movement on her rapid rise to international acclaim through grassroots efforts. Greta’s social media calls to action led to 2019’s #FridaysForFuture #schoolstrike4climate, rallying students and environmental supporters across the globe in ad…

Finalists

Activism
finalist
Amanda Nguyen
Amanda Nguyen helped provide justice for millions of sexual assault survivors by preserving proof of her own. "I realized that I had a choice. I could accept the injustice or rewrite the law. And so I rewrote it." The force behind the Sexual Assault Survivors' Rights Act and founder of civil rights nonprofit Rise, "the most successful legislative …
Activism
finalist
Bindi & Robert Irwin
Sibling conservationists and TV personalities Bindi and Robert Irwin have had a year of milestones. Children of the late-renowned "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin and co-stars of Crikey! It's the Irwins, the animal-loving duo have become sensations in their own right. Amassing 5M combined Instagram followers tuning in for their ongoing @AustraliaZoo…
Activism
finalist
Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi
Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi is making an immesurable impact on the world as founder of the organization Stand To End Rape Initiative. Her worked earned her the impressive honor of both Commonwealth Person of the Year as well as being named as one of Time’s 100 Next Leaders of Tomorrow. After five years of dedicated work, her charity’s efforts have r…
Activism
finalist
Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier
Conservation photographers and filmmakers Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier are changing the world together through their shared lens. The two conservation powerhouses, with over 7M Instagram followers, traverse the globe to share their independent and combined experiences with a focus on "art, science and conservation." Creating a global stir…
Activism
finalist
Shaymaa Ismaa’eel
Her smile in the face of bigotry was seen and felt around the world. Shaymaa Ismaa’eel became a global icon for combating hatred with love, inspired by her Prophet’s saying, "smile is charity." To combat the racist sentiments being spewed by protesters, Shaymaa flashed a smile and a peace sign in front of the haters, and her selfie unwittingly spa…

Nominees

Activism
Amandla Stenberg
Named for the Zulu and Xhosa word for "power," actor, feminist, musician and activist Amandla Stenberg is the embodiment of her name. From an early rise to fame at age 12, Amandla’s acting has shared the spotlight with her formidable activism, starting with a school project Tumblr video, "Don't Cash Crop My Cornrows," that sparked viral discourse about cult…
Activism
Dutee Chand
India’s first openly gay athlete is running her way into the record books, history books and heart of millions of people around the world. Dutee Chand made waves, headlines and then some in 2019 for her bravery and refusal to be anyone other than herself. While winning races and setting personal records, Dutee also managed to break down barriers for LGBTQ a…
Activism
José Andrés
José Andrés was already a world renowned Michelin-starred chef when he decided to step up to the plate and focus his culinary abilities on people in need. A superstar in and out of the kitchen, José is a natural on social media, growing his Twitter and Instagram followings to 810K+ and 390K+ respectively. Initially credited with bringing small plates to Ame…
Activism
Nadya Okamoto
Nadya Okamoto is #PeriodProud. Launching her global "Menstrual Movement" inspired by her own personal struggles and the feminine hygiene struggles of homeless women, the Harvard student brought significant change and attention to period poverty in a few short years. From her nonprofit’s 2014 inception, PERIOD is now the largest youth-run NGO, as Nadya’s eff…
Activism
Schuyler Bailar
Watch out! Schuyler Bailar is freestyle swimming down the lane, kickflipping his way towards progress and representation in sports. The NCAA D-1 swimming standout made waves, figuratively and literally, when he completed his swimming career with times in the top 15% of all time. As the 1st trans D1 NCAA men’s athlete, Schuyler’s garnered some serious attent…
Activism
Sinéad Burke
Irish influencer Sinéad Burke believes "design should include everyone." The educator, writer, speaker and activist is a globally recognized champion of inclusive fashion. Frustrated by the lack of apparel options for someone with achondroplasia, Sinéad called upon the fashion industry to bring awareness and change to the clothing and beauty industries, bol…

About the Shorty Awards

The Shorty Awards honor the best of social media.

Millions of people participate in The Shortys to recognize individuals and organizations producing great content on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitch, TikTok, Snapchat, and the rest of the social web.

winners have been announced. follow us to see who won!