Driving Positive Change Is Never Easy | Learn How Impact Awards Winners Do It 👏

Johnny O’Dell & Edna Salcedo

Friday, November 12th, 2021


Driving positive change is never easy – companies, politicians, citizens and more have tried it, but in reality, it can take years to make it happen. It is just like raising a child, it takes years to teach them how to walk, how to talk, how to read; the same happens when trying to change people’s behaviours or perspectives. 

Making it happen, doing it right and making it meaningful takes time. Learn from the stories of Impact Awards winning campaigns who have shown that time is key for creating positive change.


You can’t imagine the Rewards by Barbarian, AdCouncil and AdoptUSKids

image

Last year, Barbarian partnered with the AdCouncil and AdoptUSKids to help teenagers in foster care find their new homes. To showcase their work, Barbarian created an emotional video that followed the life of an adopted teenager connecting with his new family. This first campaign primarily focused on deeper emotional connections tied to this rare, yet vital stage of adoption. 

For the 2021 Impact Awards, Barbarian built on their previous campaign with a second phase, where they not only told the story of a child meeting his new parents, but showed how the connection to their new family evolved over time. This story was told through a short film about the relationship between a mother and her adopted teenage daughter over the course of one year. The campaign was a success, and Barbarian saw a spike of 1.8M visits to their site, compared to 353K visits from their previous campaign.

Barbarian, alongside the AdCouncil and AdoptUSKids, won again at this year’s Shorty Impact Awards, demonstrating that a compelling strategy to change the world’s perspective can help create the change we want to see.

Silent No More – Giving voice to mental illness by Our Better World

image

For the past few years, Our Better World, Singapore International’s digital storytelling initiative, has dedicated themselves to reducing the stigma towards people with mental health conditions. In 2019, they focused on mental health in youth, and in 2020 they turned their attention to caregivers and awareness, with three vital goals:

  • Raise awareness and reduce stigma by shedding light on the invisible weight of caregivers and their own experience of stigma and isolation.
  • Increase empathy and appreciation for caregivers’ indispensable role in the recovery of those they care for.
  • And inform caregivers of the support that is available to them and encourage them to reach out for that support.

 To accomplish this, Our Better World told three incredible stories about mental health caregivers from Singapore, Indonesia and India. The campaign racked up over 4 million views across multiple social media platforms, and, more importantly, raised awareness and encouraged people to seek support. One of the caregivers affected by the campaign said, “For the first time I saw a story talking about caregivers, which is often an ignored element,” while another said, "There is help (for caregivers), and it is not a crime to seek help as a caregiver.” Because of their impact, Our Better World was shortlisted in this year’s Shorty Impact Awards.

OUTLOUD: Raising Voices by JJLA

image

 Last year, OUTLOUD: Raising Voices was set to showcase LGBTQ+ musicians during a live event concert at SXSW. But then…COVID hit and the festival was cancelled. With the world flipped upside down and no end in sight, OUTLOUD decided to turn their idea into a groundbreaking Facebook web series that featured the best PRIDE performers. As the organizers stated, “The series showed that even in a time of separation, the LGBTQ+ community could still come together to celebrate PRIDE in a unique and innovative way!” Their series, which surpassed a million views across its nine episodes, won Silver in 2020. 

This year, OUTLOUD partnered with Pride Live and Stonewall day for a three-day livestream concert on twitch, showcasing some of the most talented LGBTQ+ performers around the world. The show amassed millions of views and became the most watched live music experience on Twitch. Additionally, OUTLOUD gave a platform to some amazing non-profits and raised money for pride organizations all around the country. Their efforts this year earned them another Silver in 2021. We can’t wait to see what they do next year!


Throughout these campaigns, we see persistence, and a well-thought strategy that’s applied year over year; with the purpose of using time for reminding people about the things happening around them. 

These campaigns were all winners at this year’s Shorty Impact Awards for demonstrating outstanding engagement, creativity, strategy and impact. Take a look at the full list, and learn from the most impactful companies of 2021.

Make sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for social news, general Shorty announcements, and more!

Who are the Impact & Phenom Awards winners?

image


Shorty Awards Team
– Tuesday, November 9th, 2021

After many weeks of judging, and a week of celebrating the short(y)list, the final announcement has commenced!! 🥳 

The 2021 Shorty Impact Awards winners have been selected by top experts in the industry for demonstrating excellence in creativity, engagement, strategy and impact ✨ As for the Phenom Awards, winners were selected by our special Phenom jury, who evaluate individuals and teams in accordance to their leadership, creativity, and impact. Awards are categorized as Grand, Gold and Silver: 

  • A Grand award is the highest honor you can get, which is optionally awarded by the jury to one single entry in a medium that has surpassed all the other winning entries in that medium in every aspect, setting a new standard that entries in the coming year(s) will strive to match.
  • A Gold award is designated to the work that showed excellence in ALL areas of engagement, strategy, creativity and impact under the selected category.
  • A Silver award is designated to the work that showed excellence in most areas for engagement, creativity, strategy and impact under the selected category. 

Congratulations to all brands, agencies, nonprofits, individuals and teams whose efforts from 2020-2021 drove positive change in our world. This year’s Shorty Impact Awards and Shorty Phenom Awards winners are [Drum roll 🥁] :

image


GRAND 

  • dentsu draws the line against malaria to help end it for good by Dentsu International 

GOLD

Animal Rights & Welfare

  • Wildlife Watch by Edelman UK

Conservation and Preservation

  • Wasteminster: A Downing Street Disaster by Method & Madness

Gender and Equality 

  • FiftyFifty by Edelman UK
  • Meet the Girl Who Lawmakers Want to Ban From Playing Sports by Human Rights Campaign

Racial Justice

  • Colors of the World by dentsuMB

Social Justice & Human Rights

  • Proud Parent by 360i

Sustainability & Renewable Energy

  • Buy Back Friday by Edelman UK

SILVER

Arts & Culture

  • Proof Advertising brings “live music” back by Proof Advertising

Conservation & Preservation

  • Redefining Trash TV by Small Girls PR

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

  • Children Belong in the Conversation: HP Empowers Families to Tackle Tough Conversations by HP Inc.
  • Football is for Everyone by 72andSunny
  • It’s a Sin, Time Capsule by Lupine Creative
  • #Creators4BIPOC from Logitech For Creators by Logitech

Gender Equality

  • Barbie You Can Be Anything Series by Mirrored Media

Grassroots Efforts

  • YouTube Regrets Reporter by Mozilla

Humanitarian Aid & Developing Nations

  • Airbnb.org commits to provide free housing to 20,000 Afghan refugees by Airbnb

Public Safety

  • Mental Health is Health by ViacomCBS
  • #StayTheFFHome by Freeform

Youth & Family

  • AdCouncil AdoptUSKids - You Can’t Imagine the Reward by Barbarian
  • Meet the Girl Who Lawmakers Want to Ban From Playing Sports by Human Rights Campaign

Public Health

  • WA Notify by C+C
  • You Will See Me by Wild Card Creative Group
  • Pandemica by Titmouse Inc. and hive

Racial Justice

  • Re-Imagine L.A. County (Measure J) by Swell Creative Group

Reproductive Health

  • Thanks, Birth Control Campaign by Power to Decide

Self-Defined

  • Lenovo New Realities by Zeno Group

Veteran Service & Support

  • Make it Mean More by CPB
image

GOLD

TikTok

  • TikTok For Good presented by ATTN: by ATTN:

SILVER

Emerging Platform

  • Full Transparency by Verizon by Huge

Multi-Platform

  • Barbie You Can Be Anything Series by Mirrored Media
  • Pinterest’s Creator Code by Pinterest
  • Take Care With Peanuts by Peanuts Worldwide- Secret Order Studios/Anti Agency Group/Influence & Inspire Consulting 
  • Star Trek Day by Paramount+

Twitch

  • OUTLOUD: Raising Voices feat. Pride Live & Stonewall Day by JJLA
image

GOLD

Call to Action

  • #EqualEverywhere: Champions for Change by UN Foundation
  • #MentalHealthAction TikTok Challenge by ViacomCBS

Chatbots

  • Multilingual disaster response chat bot by American Red Cross

Fundraising

  • March of Dimes: Signature Chefs by OBERLAND Inc.

Live Events

  • Asia Rising Together by 88rising

Real Time Response

  • Football is for Everyone by 72andSunny

User Generated Content

  • #WhereWereYou UGC Campaign by Iron Light Labs

SILVER

Call to Action

  • BLK presents “Vax That Thang Up” feat. Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, and Mia X by BLK (a Match Group company)
  • Drag Race “Say Love” PSA w/ The Trevor Project by ViacomCBS
  • (HOME)Room by Seed

Fundraising

  • The Supper Series by The Supper Series

Live Events 

  • DISRUPT THE STIGMA with Hollister Co. by Hollister Co.
  • Star Trek Day by Paramount+

Television

  • CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute by CNN
  • Roll Up Your Sleeves Presented by Walgreens by ATTN:
image


SILVER

Clapback

  • Read Between the Lies by Truth Initiative

Single Post or Activation

  • BLK presents “Vax That Thang Up” feat. Juvenile, Manniee Fresh, and Mia X by BLK (a Match Group company)
  • Boomer Stoop: Pronouns by ViacomCBS
image

GOLD

Brand Partnership

  • QuickBooks x Compton Girls Club: Business G.IRL Incubator by TBWA\Chiat\Day LA

Entertainment Partnership

  • Judas and the Black Messiah by Participant

SILVER

Brand Partnership

  • Pfizer and the Historic Biopharma Industry Pledge to #StandWithScience on Coronavirus Vaccines by Real Chemistry
  • Vote Early Day by ViacomCBS

Celebrity Partnership

  • Why Not Both? Ft. Roy Wood Jr., Maria Bamford, and Aparna Nancherla by ViacomCBS

Entertainment Partnership

  • #CroodsCare Feeding America Campaign by Universal Pictures

Influencer Partnership

  • For the Love of Gaming by Softgiving

Non-Profit Partnership

  • Mental Health Action Day by ViacomCBS
  • NowThis NEXT by NowThis, Group Nine Media
  • #GiveThanksNotPranks by DonorsChoose
image

Self-Defined

  • Jaime Gill – Creative Consultant
image

Communications Team

  • Aligning Education, Skills & Meaningful Jobs - IBM CSR, Research, Emb(race) and Skills Academy Communications Team from IBM

Community Team

  • Call for Code Team - Activating Global Developers to Drive Progress from IBM

Social Media Team

  • NowThis TikTok Team from NowThis, Group Nine Media
  • Social Media Team from The Trevor Project
image

Large Agency

  • Edelman UK

Mid-Sized Agency

  • ATTN:

Small Agency

  • Mirrored Media
image

Large Brand

  • ViacomCBS

Mid-Sized Brand

  • Paramount+

Small Brand

  • BLK (a Match Group company)
image

Large Non-Profit

  • Human Rights Campaign

Mid-Sized Non-Profit

  • Mozilla

Small Non-Profit

  • Iron Light Labs


Learn more about this year’s winners’ campaigns on our site. The Shorty Awards is celebrating all winners through Twitter, and Instagram. Go celebrate with us and share, re-share, tag, repost and enjoy!

Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for any upcoming shows or general information about the Shorty Awards!

Top trends from the 2021 Impact Awards

image

Christina Waterman & Edna Salcedo

November 5th, 2021


The Shorty Impact Awards exist to honor the brands, agencies and organizations who have used social media to improve society. Socially conscious campaigns are recognized for their creativity, strategy, engagement and overall impact.

We are honored to unveil the trends found amongst our 2021 Impact Awards shortlist recipients along with the key insights on what made these campaigns successful.

Mental Health – one of the biggest crises from 2020 to present 🧠

We live in turbulent times which were further exacerbated by the pandemic, and issues surrounding mental health needs have become more than critical. This year, we saw many brands raise their voices to address how mental health is just as important as physical health and spoke out against harmful stigmas. Mental Health America explains that with the persistence of the pandemic, mental health problems continue to rise, making 2021 the year with highest anxiety and depression issues. Our Better World did right with their “Silent No More - Giving Voice to Mental Illness’’ campaign. In 2020, their focus on mental health shifted from education to storytelling. Through a series of videos, they raised awareness on mental health, increased worldwide empathy for caregivers, and informed the caregivers about the resources and support available to them. This campaign taught us that it’s not enough to just talk about mental health, but taking action is even more important.

Rising support for LGBTQ+ communities 🏳️‍🌈

This year we’ve seen an increase in the work created to raise awareness not only about being inclusive, but also about support and health education for LGBTQ+ communities. An example of a company that took a step forward to raise the voices of the LGTBQ+ community is JJLA with OUTLOUD: Raising Voices. They partnered with Pride Live to livestream a 3 day music concert on Twitch. They created a space and platform for discovering LGBTQ+ musicians and artists across the country. This campaign was all about connecting, raising awareness, and giving people the chance to celebrate Pride with pride! 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 👏🏻👏🏼👏🏽👏🏾👏🏿

It’s no secret that the approach to and importance of DEI initiatives in companies has seen a major uptick in recent years. Getting it right is hard, but getting it wrong comes with serious repercussions. This year we saw a big push into spreading the message of inclusivity, equality and diversity. How can we do this right? Crayola is a great example – with the strong belief that children should be able to accurately color themselves the way they see themselves it in the outside world, Crayola created a new color palette that could accurately represent the diverse world that we live in. For the launch, they released their #TrueSelfie campaign with the premise that teachers would use the new color palette for self-portrait exercises with their students. #TrueSelfie highlights the beautiful, unique, truly representative and inclusive portraits drawn by children.

Other shortlisters represented the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion by talking about equal rights for women, increasing cultural understanding, and more. In today’s world, it is crucial to be inclusive, diverse and open-minded to create respect and to be able to represent the world that we want to live in.

Influencer and Creator marketing – a pandemic boom 💥

For companies, it can be difficult to connect with their social audiences without the help of influencers and creators. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to use real people to generate emotion, drive change and raise awareness on causes that matter. ATTN: did it right with TikTok for Good, a new channel featuring top influencers, celebrities and creators supporting and fundraising for the causes they care about the most. TikTok for Good represents a global impact hub that amplifies the voices of creators who take real action to generate change.

The pandemic is here to stay 😷

From awareness to education, we’ve seen many brands create compelling, meaningful and innovative campaigns from the onset of COVID-19. This year, we saw a shift in the way that brands talked about the effects of the pandemic. We saw them creating awareness about other public health crises brought on by COVID, such as mental health issues and other serious side effects. One example of this work is from shortlister Warner Media, which created an impactful PSA for a mask and vaccine education initiative called “It’s Up to You”. “Mask Up America” campaign’s purpose was to increase the number of vaccinated people and to create a more unified global community for the future.


As companies, it’s up to us to set examples and try to make positive changes to our world. Take a look at this year’s Shorty Impact Awards shortlist to see who has inspired us this year. Winners will be announced on November 9th

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us to stay updated on everything that’s happening at the Shorty Awards!

The 2021 Impact Awards shortlist is out!

image

The Shorty Impact Awards, honoring social good on social media, is kicking off celebrations with the release of the 2021 shortlist! Read on for more details about the online ceremony and learn how you can join us in recognizing the most impactful social campaigns of the past year. Be sure to tune in to this week’s episode of Shorty Stories: LIVE, featuring Laurie Keith, VP of Media, Social & Emerging at AdCouncil; Dmitrii Osipovskii, Interactive Creative Director at PPK and Adele Mulford, Director, Creative at Make-A-Wish; who will be sharing their expertise on the social impact space on social media. Tune in on Twitter this Thursday, October 4th at 4pm EDT/1pm PST. 

After many rounds of judging and  debates, the Shorty Impact Jury has come to their conclusions!  We are excited to announce the most creative, strategic, engaging impact work that made it to the 2021 shortlist: 

image

Arts & Culture

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Arts & Culture. Examples include, but are not limited to, exhibits, museums or other cultural institutions, artists, artwork or initiatives that inspire artistic creation.


  • Asia Rising Together by 88rising
  • Proof Advertising brings “live music” back by Proof Advertising

Civic Engagement

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Civic Engagement. Examples include, but are not limited to, a program, project, or initiative that encourages the public to engage in any aspect of the political process or issues of public concern.


  • Coach the Vote Campaign by Amplify Voices
  • Factory 360 Inc. by Factory360
  • OWN Your Vote by OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network & NowThis, Group Nine Media

Disability Awareness

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Disability Awareness. Examples include, but are not limited to, a program, project or initiative that educates the public on disabilities and/or provides opportunities and equity for the disabled.


  • In The Know: Disability Pride Month by In The know

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Examples include, but are not limited to, initiatives that promote inclusivity and equity for people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and create collaborative, supportive and respectful environments.


  • Children Belong in the Conversation: HP Empowers Families to Tackle Tough Conversations by HP Inc.
  • Football is for Everyone by 72andSunny
  • It’s a Sin, Time Capsule by Lupine Creative
  • #Creators4BIPOC from Logitech For Creators by Logitech

Gender Equality

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Gender Equality. Examples include, but are not limited to, equal pay, equal job opportunities, equal representation in a company, executive team or board, equal access to healthcare and equal opportunities for participation in sports.


  • Barbie You Can Be Anything Series by Mirrored Media
  • FiftyFifty by Edelman
  • Meet the Girl Who Lawmakers Want to Ban From Playing Sports by Human Rights Campaign
  • #EqualEverywhere: Champions for Change by UN Foundation

Education & Community

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Education & Community. Examples include, but are not limited to, initiatives where schools, family and communities work together to address educational success inside and outside the classroom and more.


  • #MusicSaves by Save The Music

Financial Literacy

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Financial Literacy. Examples include, but are not limited to, financial management, budgeting, investing and initiatives that support informed and effective decision-making concerning financial resources.


  • QuickBooks x Compton Girls Club: Business G.IRL Incubator by TBWA\Chiat\Day LA

Public Safety

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Public Safety. Examples include, but are not limited to, initiatives carried out or promoted by a public agency for public purposes involving, directly or indirectly, the protection, safety, law enforcement activities, and criminal justice system of a given community.


  • Mental Health is Health by ViacomCBS
  • #StayTheFFHome by Freeform

Youth & Family

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Youth & Family. Examples include, but are not limited to, protecting at-risk youth and providing the civil, legal, educational, and institutional support that they need to lead positive, productive lives and/or providing guardians with supportive materials to do so.


  • AdCouncil AdoptUSKids - You Can’t Imagine the Reward by Barbarian
  • Meet the Girl Who Lawmakers Want to Ban From Playing Sports by Human Rights Campaign
  • Nextdoor + Party City - Halloween Treat Map + Virtual Experience by Nextdoor

Conservation & Preservation

Honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Conservation & Preservation. Examples include, but are not limited to, efforts that preserve, guard or protect an environment or ecosystem.


  • Redefining Trash TV by Small Girls PR
  • Wasteminster: A Downing Street Disaster by Method & Madness

Sustainability & Renewable Energy

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Sustainability & Renewable Energy. Examples include, but are not limited to, efforts that support the research, development or implementation of new technology or resources that improve processes and more.


  • Buy Back Friday by Edelman

Animal Rights & Welfare

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Animal Rights & Welfare. Examples include, but are not limited to, efforts that promote or support the well-being of animals by ensuring basic needs are fulfilled in terms of food, shelter and health, and more.


  • Wildlife Watch by Edelman

Humanitarian Aid & Developing Nations

This award honors outstanding cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Humanitarian Aid & Developing Nations. Examples include, but are not limited to, efforts that promote or support ongoing structural issues, particularly systemic poverty, that may hinder economic, institutional and social development in any given society or programs designed to save lives and alleviate suffering during and in the immediate aftermath of emergencies.


  • Airbnb.org commits to provide free housing to 20,000 Afghan refugees by Airbnb 
  • Miles4Migrants by The Points Guy and Lonely Planet
  • USA for UNHCR’s Refugee Youth Storyteller’s Celebration by USA for UNHCR

Social Justice & Human Rights

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Social Justice & Human Rights. Examples include, but are not limited to, efforts that promote and protect the rights and freedoms of all individuals and groups or initiatives that seeks to address and dismantle systemic structural and interpersonal inequities based on class, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability status and any intersection(s) thereof.


  • Proud Parent by 360i
  • Spirit Day 2020 by GLAAD

Racial Justice

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Racial Justice. Examples include, but are not limited to, efforts that support the implementation of equal opportunities in any given establishment, as well as legal, moral, and political equality for people of all races.


  • Becoming America by the Pop Culture Collaborative 
  • Colors of the World by dentsuMB
  • PayPal Uses the Power of Storytelling to Support Black-Owned Businesses by PayPal
  • Re-Imagine L.A. County (Measure J) by Swell Creative Group
  • These Hands by The SpringHill Company

Veteran Service & Support

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Veteran & Service Support. Examples include, but are not limited to, initiatives that support military personnel and veterans, their families and their communities such as health research, mental and more.


  • Make it Mean More by CPB

Public Health

Honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Public Health. Examples include, initiatives that support and protect the health of the population as a whole and more.


  • dentsu draws the line against malaria to help end it for good by Dentsu
  • Mask Up America by WarnerMedia
  • Pandemica by Titmouse Inc. and hive
  • Ready for Summer by C+C
  • Spread the Facts by C+C
  • WA Notify by C+C
  • You Will See Me by Wild Card Creative Group
  • #StayTheFFHome by Freeform

Mental Health

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Mental Health. Examples include, but are not limited to, providing community awareness, advocacy, financial resources and education to those affected by mental health issues.


  • DISRUPT THE STIGMA with Hollister Co. by Hollister Co.
  • Mental Health Action Day by ViacomCBS
  • Not a Hero, But a Human by Trusted Health
  • Silent No More - Giving Voice to Mental Illness by Our Better World - Singapore International Foundation

Reproductive Health

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to Reproductive Health. Examples include, but are not limited to, initiatives that support healthy sex lives and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to use reproductive systems.


  • Delivering Hope by Critical Mass
  • Thanks, Birth Control Campaign by Power to Decide

Grassroots Efforts

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media through Grassroots Efforts that highlight, support and/or bring attention to a particular cause that is in early stages of public awareness and was produced and maintained with limited resources.


  • YouTube Regrets Reporter by Mozilla

Self-Defined

This award honors cause-related campaigns on social media that highlight, support and/or bring attention to a particular cause that is not listed in the above categories. Entrants may provide the title of the category and description in order to ensure proper judging.


  • In The Know: Body Acceptance Month by In The know
  • Lenovo New Realities by Zeno Group
  • SUMMER REDISCOVE(RED) by (RED)


image

LinkedIn

This award honors brands, agencies and organizations that leverage their overall cause-related presence on LinkedIn and use its native tools to drive engagement, build community and effectively establish a brand voice.


  • The 5 into 1 by Seed to Branch Ltd

TikTok

This award honors brands, agencies and organizations that leverage their overall cause-related presence on TikTok and use its native tools to drive engagement, build community and effectively establish a brand voice.


  • TikTok For Good presented by ATTN:

Twitch

This award honors brands, agencies and organizations that leverage their overall cause-related presence on Twitch and use its native tools to drive engagement, build community and effectively establish a brand voice.


  • OUTLOUD: Raising Voices feat. Pride Live & Stonewall Day by JJLA

Youtube

This award honors brands, agencies and organizations that leverage their overall cause-related presence on YouTube and use its native tools to drive engagement, build community and effectively establish a brand voice.


  • Anthony Padilla’s “I Spent A Day With…” by Pressalike Productions

Multi-Platform Campaign

This award honors brands, agencies and organizations that leverage their overall cause-related presence on multiple social media platforms and use their native tools to drive engagement, build community and effectively establish a brand voice.


  • Barbie You Can Be Anything Series by Mirrored Media
  • Expanding and Empowering the Worldwide Wildlife Community by Firebelly Marketing
  • MIKA x Indeed x Pride: #SoundtrackofEmpathy by HangarFour Creative
  • Pinterest’s Creator Code by Pinterest
  • Star Trek Day by Paramount+
  • Take Care With Peanuts by Peanuts Worldwide - Secret Order Studios/Anti Agency Group/Influence & Inspire Consulting

Emerging Platform

This award honors brands, agencies and organizations that leverage their overall cause-related presence on an emerging social media platform and use its native tools to drive engagement, build community and effectively establish a brand voice.


  • Full Transparency by Verizon – Huge
image

Call to Action

This award honors the use of cause-related social media to encourage an audience to take action or further engage (Call to Action) with the brand or organization in a meaningful way. Examples include, but are not limited to, volunteering, making donations, purchasing promotional products, engaging in a survey or signing up for newsletters.


  • BLK presents “Vax That Thang Up” feat. Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, and Mia X by BLK (a Match Group company)
  • Drag Race “Say Love” PSA w/ The Trevor Project by ViacomCBS
  • #EqualEverywhere: Champions for Change by UN Foundation
  • (HOME)Room by Seed
  • #MentalHealthAction TikTok Challenge by ViacomCBS

Chatbots

This award honors the use of cause-related social media to engage a community by use of Chatbots. Examples include, but are not limited to, rule-based chatbots, AI chatbots, and intellectually independent chatbots.


  • Multilingual disaster response chat bot by American Red Cross

Fundraising

This award honors the use of cause-related social media and native social media features in order to Fundraise for a particular initiative. Examples include, but are not limited to, donation buttons, live “telethons,” social walkathons and more.


  • March of Dimes: Signature Chefs by OBERLAND Inc.
  • The Supper Series 

Live Events

This award honors the use of cause-related social media in coordination with a Live Event or Live Event Series in order to engage a community and drive awareness. Examples include, but are not limited to, concerts, conferences, marches, rallies, meetups, virtual and hybrid events.


  • Asia Rising Together by 88rising
  • DISRUPT THE STIGMA with Hollister Co. by Hollister Co.
  • Star Trek Day by Paramount+

Television

This award honors the use of cause-related social media in coordination with Television shows, series and specials in order to further engage a community and drive awareness. Examples include, but are not limited to, live or pre-recorded broadcast television and traditional cable programs.


  • CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute by CNN
  • Roll Up Your Sleeves Presented by Walgreens by ATTN

Real Time Response

This award honors the use of cause-related social media that required a rapid (relevant to the timeliness of the issue) or Real Time Response to customer needs, a relevant event, cultural phenomenon, or other brand. Examples include, but are not limited to, customer service responses, support of public issues, live news coverage and posts.


  • Football is for Everyone by 72andSunny

User Generated Content

This award honors the use of cause-related social media that engages the community by inspiring User-Generated Content (UGC). Examples include, but are not limited to, unsolicited fan-based/user-generated art, social media challenges, contests, pledges or campaigns that directly incorporated user generated content. 


  • #WhereWereYou UGC Campaign by Iron Light & Common Sense Society
image

Clapback

This award honors a single cause-related social media rebuttal or response (Clapback) that displays exceptional, brand-defining voice. 


  • Read Between the Lies by Truth Initiative

Single Post or Activation

This award honors cause-related single posts and/or activations that garnered significant attention by “going viral”. The post or activation may have disrupted the space in a way that was notably recognized by a broad audience.


  • BLK presents “Vax That Thang Up” feat. Juvenile, Manniee Fresh, and Mia X by BLK (a Match Group company)
  • Boomer Stoop: Pronouns by ViacomCBS
image

Brand Partnership

This award honors the use of cause-related social media that leverages a Business-to-Business Partnership to the benefit of both parties. Examples include, but are not limited to, co-branding, collaborative live thought leadership sessions, shared content, special promotions and sweepstakes.


  • Pfizer and the Historic Biopharma Industry Pledge to #StandWithScience on Coronavirus Vaccines by Real Chemistry
  • QuickBooks x Compton Girls Club: Business G.IRL Incubator by TBWA\Chiat\Day LA
  • Vote Early Day by ViacomCBS

Celebrity Partnership

This award honors the use of cause-related social media that leverages a Celebrity Partnership to the benefit of both parties. Celebrity Partnerships differ from Influencer Partnerships in that the celebrity in question is not typically known as an influencer on social media. Entries in question can be entered into either category. Examples include, but are not limited to, celebrity representation on any social channel, celebrity takeovers on social media, or custom product collections designed by a celebrity.


  • Why Not Both? Ft. Roy Wood Jr., Maria Bamford, and Aparna Nancherla by ViacomCBS
  • #SAVEWITHSTORIES by Save the Children

Entertainment Partnership

This award honors the use of cause-related social media that leverages a Entertainment Partnership to the benefit of both parties. Examples include, but are not limited to, endorsement on an entertainment program (television, movies, etc.) or creative collaboration with an entertainment program. 


  • Judas and the Black Messiah by Participant
  • #CroodsCare Feeding America Campaign by Universal Pictures

Influencer Partnership

This award honors the use of cause-related social media that leverages an Influencer Partnership to the benefit of both parties. Influencer partnerships differ from celebrity partnerships in that the influencer in question is typically known for their social media presence. Entries in question can be entered into either category. Examples include, but are not limited to, endorsement by an influencer on any social channel, influencer takeovers on social media, or custom product collections designed by an influencer.


  • For the Love of Gaming by Softgiving

Non-Profit Partnership

This award honors the use of cause-related social media that leverages a partnership with a Non-Profit organization to the benefit of both parties. Examples include, but are not limited to, social events that support or drive awareness around a non-profit cause or a custom product collection that supports that cause.


  • It’s a Sin, Time Capsule by Lupine Creative
  • Mental Health Action Day by ViacomCBS
  • NowThis NEXT by NowThis, Group Nine Media
  • Our Stories Are Your Stories by Mi2 Media llc
  • #GiveThanksNotPranks by DonorsChoose


Stay tuned for the winner announcements coming up next Tuesday, November 9th! Follow us on social and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date!

Learn about the impactful jury for the 2021 Shorty Impact Awards!

image

Since 2016, the Shorty Impact Awards has spotlighted the work that has created positive impact around the world. In 6 short years, we’ve awarded companies such as Digitas, Nike, Edelman, Nickelodeon, HBO and others, whose efforts have proven to be the most impactful on social media! 

In order to honor impact, we are committed to evaluating entries according to 4 pillars: creativity, strategy, effectiveness and the people behind the work. For us, it is crucial to have the most experienced people in the industry to choose the work that best represents cause-marketing through social media.

As an awards show honoring diversity of opinion and perspective through the work submitted, we are committed to choosing judges that best represent that same level of diversity. We’re proud to say that more than 40% of our jurors come from underrepresented communities and women make up the majority of jury seats (nearly 60% to be exact). 100% of our jury members are experts in their field and have made a name for themselves in the professional social media community.  “We want our juries to represent the world that we want to live in,” said Christina Waterman, Marketing Director at Shorty Awards. We believe that a jury like this will bring in new perspectives and a fair judgment for all our entrants. 

Likewise, our juries were built in an equitable fashion categorized by brand, agency, and nonprofit to have fair representation amongst the different industry players. The 4 juries, which is a total of 40 people, is divided into 12 engagement jurors, 12 creativity jurors, 12 strategists and 4 people leaders. Meet and learn about the jurors here!

As with any good team, our juries will be guided by the leadership of our Jury Chairs. For each of the juries, there is one Jury Chair who will guide the group and make the final call in the event of ties or differences in opinion.  Meet our Jury Chairs and learn more about them on our website. 

image

These are the faces of the Shorty Impact Awards. Finalists will be announced at the beginning of November 2021. More information about the winners and the exact dates of the announcement will be released soon! Stay tuned for more and subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media 👏

About the Shorty Awards

The Shorty Awards honor the best brands, agencies and organizations on social media! Visit shortyawards.com to see past winners.

Shorty Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates about the Shorty Awards contest, the awards ceremony, and follow social news.

Subscribe