The brands that move us forward aren’t just creating ads; they’re creating change. They’re shaping culture, building communities, and proving that purpose and creativity can coexist and thrive in the digital space.
For more than a decade, the Shorty Impact Awards has recognized brands using innovation and storytelling to connect, build, and transform. From bold campaigns that shift perspectives to initiatives that spark real-world progress, these are the brands redefining what it means to lead with purpose.
As we head into 2025, with new challenges and opportunities, these 8 brands continue to show how creativity, technology, and heart can fuel impact. Whether you’re a marketer, a creator, or a purpose-driven leader, their stories offer lessons in how to build connection, inspire action, and create lasting change.
Here’s to a decade of unforgettable ideas, and to the impact that still lies ahead.
From search to social impact, Google’s mission to make information universally accessible continues to empower people and communities everywhere. Their initiatives foster connection and participation, using emotion, creativity, and innovation to bring people together and inspire change.
Top Campaigns:
- Google Black-Owned Friday 2023
- 16th Shorty Awards: Winner in Branded Content, YouTube Partnership, Long Form Video
- Women Will Presents The Divide and The Data Explorer
- 4th Shorty Social Good Awards: Winner in Data Visualization
Al Jazeera
With a mission to tell stories of justice, Al Jazeera continues to show the power of truth in storytelling. Through emotionally charged journalism, they reveal the realities of communities often left unheard, proving that information can move hearts and change systems.
Top Campaigns:
- Why Eating This Fish Could Save Coral Reefs
- 4th Shorty Impact Awards: Winner in Instagram
- AJE Video
- 9th Shorty Impact Awards: Winner in User Generated Content
MTV Entertainment
From TV to social impact, MTV Entertainment has evolved into a leading voice for diversity, equity, inclusion, and mental health. Their content celebrates empathy and representation, proving that entertainment can be a catalyst for awareness, healing, and social change.
Top Campaigns:
- RuPaul's Drag Race LGBTQ Herstory Month 2023 Celebrating Latinx Icons
- 9th Shorty Impact Awards: Winner in YouTube, Branded Content
- Don't Leave Me Behind: Stories of Young Ukrainian Survival
- 8th Shorty Impact Awards: Winner in Emergency Relief
IBM
From cutting-edge tech to meaningful change, IBM demonstrates what happens when innovation meets intention. Their purpose-driven initiatives, from workforce development to humanitarian solutions, highlight how technology can bridge gaps, elevate diversity, and empower progress.
Top Campaigns:
- IBM + Yara: Building a Digital Farming Platform
- 5th Shorty Social Good Awards: Winner in Business to Business
- Code & Response
- 4th Shorty Social Good Awards: Winner in Global Campaign, Business to Business, Storytelling, Emergency Relief
Meta
Meta continues to leverage the power of connection to build communities, amplify diverse voices, and create safe, inclusive spaces online. Through programs that empower creators and strengthen social bonds, they remind us that connection is the foundation of impact.
Top Campaigns:
- Lifting Black Voices UK
- 5th Shorty Social Good Awards: Winner in Organic Promotion
- Feeding America - Summer Hunger
- 3rd Shorty Social Good Awards: Winner in Poverty & Hunger
Warner Media
Warner Media harnesses the cultural power of storytelling to drive empathy and progress. From celebrating LGBTQ+ artistry to revisiting history through a more compassionate lens, their work shows how entertainment can push conversations beyond screens and into real communities.
Top Campaigns:
- Max Presents: The Art of Drag
- 9th Shorty Impact Awards: Winner in Arts & Culture
- Warrior Season 3 - Interactive AR Mural Experience
- 8th Shorty Impact Awards: Winner in Extended Reality
Verizon
Verizon uses communication and technology to bridge gaps across communities, internally and externally. From music and gaming initiatives to digital education programs, their work reflects a deep understanding of how connection fuels innovation and belonging.
Top Campaigns:
- FEMAIL
- 17th Shorty Awards: Winner in Email & Newsletter
- 9/12: The Untold Story of Reconnecting New York
- 14th Shorty Awards: Winner in Storytelling, UX/UI, Immersive, Employee Engagement, Emerging Platform
WWE
Beyond the ring, WWE channels the energy of sports entertainment into emotional, community-driven impact. Through its athletes and partnerships, WWE advocates for children, families, and disability awareness, proving that even competition can inspire compassion.
Top Campaigns:
- WWE Celebrates 40 Years of Make-A-Wish Wish Granting
- 8th Shorty Impact Awards: Winner in Sports
- WWE's first-ever no makeup photo shoot
- 5th Shorty Social Good Awards: Winner in Sports
The Brands Shaping Society
These brands aren’t just shaping the digital landscape; they’re shaping the future. From innovation and creativity to purpose-driven impact, their work offers lessons in how to connect, inspire, and create meaningful change. Whether you’re looking to partner, learn, or simply be inspired, exploring their campaigns is a chance to see how vision and action come together to move industries, communities, and lives forward.
Dive in, be inspired, and discover how these leaders are setting the standard for purpose-driven innovation in 2025.
And who knows, you could be next. Submit your work to the Shorty Awards and join the ranks of brands making an impact. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the weekly listing and stay inspired!
