The Internet never stops evolving. Through each of its eras in the past three decades, The Webby Awards has defined excellence online. To make our milestone year our biggest yet, we sifted through online discourse and our Judges’ takes to dig into what it means to honor excellence on the Internet in 2025.

To increase the breadth of work we recognize in our 30th year, we’re expanding our categories. We’re excited to spotlight the new frontiers we see: AI, creator-driven businesses, immersive experiences, fresh storytelling and more. See where your work can fit across our new honors.

New Dedicated Suite of Honors for Artificial Intelligence. 

To reflect AI’s growing impact across industries, we now feature dedicated honors celebrating excellence in AI-powered applications, innovations, and experiences. Tools like GPT-5, Claude, DeepL, Hitachi, and Fracttal are reshaping how we work and create, opening unprecedented possibilities for a new generation of creatives, while also challenging us to define excellence in this new era.

To reflect the breadth of innovation happening with artificial intelligence, the Webbys now feature an expanded suite of categories across AI Experiences & Applications and AI Features & Innovation:

• Dedicated honors for AI Experiences & Applications, including: Best AI Use in Travel, Transportation & Hospitality; Creative Tools; Data Visualization & Reporting; E-commerce & Retail; Education, Learning & Training; Consumer Applications; Financial Services; Health & Wellness; Productivity & Work Tools; Public Service & Activism; Entertainment & Media; Arts, Culture & Events; Creativity & Storytelling; Marketing or Branding; and Visual Design.
• New honors for AI Features & Innovation, including: Best AI Agent; AI Innovation in Energy & Sustainability; AI Innovation in Healthcare & Life Sciences; Best AI Technical Achievement; Best AI User Experience (UX); Best Product or Service; Best Real-Time Engagement; Best Responsible AI Implementation; Best Use of AI Voice & Conversational Interface; and Experimental & Innovation.
• In addition, AI honors are embedded across the competition, from Best AI Integration in Social to Best Creative Use of AI & Technology in Website Features & Design, ensuring excellence in AI is recognized wherever it shapes creativity, innovation, and impact.

Brand New Suite of Categories for Creator Business  

Creators are no longer just shaping culture—they’re building businesses, launching products, and transforming how brands connect with audiences. To reflect this shift, the Webbys now feature dedicated Creator Business categories that honor the partnerships, innovations, and community-building defining this new era. What’s new?

• A dedicated suite of Creator Business honors for Best Brand Partnership & Integration; Best Creator-to-Creator Collaboration; Best Creator-Driven Launch; Best Cross-Platform Presence, and more.
• Expanded honors for Best Duo or Group; Best Livestream; Best Newsletter or Written Series; Best Longform or Shortform Series; Best Creative Use of AI & Technology and more.
• New categories for General Creator, including Real Estate, Podcast, and Entertainment or Meme

Social & Games Get a New Look 

Social and gaming communities are the lifeblood of the Internet. For the first time ever, we’re merging these media types as gaming expands to foster communities online. Not only did they get a new look, but we’re expanding recognition for each medium with:

• Expanded Social honors for Best Social Video Series – Longform, Best Social Video Series – Shortform and Best Community or Fan Engagement – Organization/Institution.
• New Games honors for Best Community Experience, Best AR Filter or Immersive Experience and Best Community Engagement.

Podcast and Video Honors Expanded

Short form is on an ongoing spike, with millions engaging with their favorite creators and podcasters on their devices. As audio and video storytelling keep raising the bar, so do we. We’ve added new categories to match the new wave of work, with:

• Expanded offerings in Podcasts, including: Best New Podcast, Best Video Podcast and Best Video Podcast Host.
• Exciting new honors in Video & Film, including Best Use of Immersive, Best Documentary Storytelling, and Documentary: Midform.

New Recognitions in Advertising, Media & PR 

Campaigns are becoming smarter, bolder, and more data-driven. As we see best–in-class examples of top advertising online, we noticed that new formats are taking center stage. We’re recognizing the work that’s leading with:

• New categories for Video Ad: Midform, Best Direct Response Campaign, Best Use of Data & Analytics and Best Use of AI & Machine Learning. 

Honors Recognizing Excellence in Emerging Tech 

The frontier of immersive tech is unlocking new ways to experience culture and storytelling. This year’s new categories include breakthrough recognition for Immersive in Apps, Software & Immersive, with awards for: 

• Best Immersive Arts, Fashion & Culture
• Best Immersive Storytelling & Experiences
• Best VR Headset Experience
• Best Immersive Technology Innovation

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Entries Are Now Open For The 30th Annual Webby Awards!

Secure best pricing and enter by the Early Entry Deadline on Friday, October 24th. Discover the industry titans judging work this year and the impact of a Webby Win on your business.