Best Strategy

A masterful strategy is more than a blueprint — it’s the backbone of success. We're looking for campaigns driven by clear objectives, innovative planning, and flawless execution that resulted in exceptional business outcomes. Bring your strategic brilliance to light. Judges will look for originality, coherence, and demonstrable business impact that proves strategy was the driving force behind results.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed native advertising campaigns showcasing outstanding strategic direction, creative integration, and proven outcomes.

What the grand jury looks for: 

• Strategy & Insight: Were the objectives specific and measurable, and did one clear strategy drive every creative and distribution choice?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did the planning bring fresh thinking, approaches or structures?
• Native fit & brand integration: Was the strategy seamlessly aligned with the brand, the creative execution and distribution?
• Results: Did the strategy demonstrably drive the results, and could it inspire other markets or contexts?

Most Effective Campaign

Results matter, and this award goes to the campaign that can prove its effectiveness with hard numbers. From ROI to impact metrics, show us how your branded content delivered undeniable business value. Judges will look for clarity of objectives, strength of measurement, and demonstrable success.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed branded content campaigns showcasing measurable effectiveness and business impact.

What the grand jury looks for:

• Strategy & Insight: Were the goals well defined and measurable from the outset?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did creative and strategic choices contribute directly to effectiveness?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did the content deliver value to the audience that translated into results?
• Results: Were significant results (ROI, sales, conversions, brand lift, long-term value) proven with credible, transparent data?

Best Data-Driven Campaign

Turning numbers into action is key. This category honors campaigns that used data as a compass to guide strategy, optimize performance, or personalize content, yielding impressive results. Judges will look for creativity in data application, clarity of insight, and measurable effectiveness.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed data-driven branded content campaigns showcasing originality, audience relevance, and proven business results.

Technology providers enter 'Tech Partner of the Year'.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Was data used to meaningfully inform strategy, targeting or content creation?
• Creativity & Innovation: Was data applied in a fresh or inventive way, in production or distribution?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did data make the content more relevant or personal for the audience?
• Results: Was data used to monitor and optimise the campaign, with measurable outcomes?

Best Cross-Channel Campaign 

In an age of fragmented attention, seamless storytelling across multiple platforms is key. Show us how you orchestrated a campaign that spanned different channels, harmonised for maximum impact and reach, all while maintaining a cohesive and compelling message. Judges will look for creativity, integration, and measurable effectiveness in orchestrating campaigns across diverse touchpoints.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed cross-channel branded content programs showcasing originality, consistency, and strong results.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Did each channel have a clear role in one coherent plan?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did the campaign carry a compelling, original narrative across channels?
• Native fit & brand integration: Was the brand message consistent across channels and native to each platform?
• Results: Did it achieve measurable reach, engagement or conversions across channels?

Best Small Budget Campaign

Doing more with less is an art form. If your branded content campaign delivered extraordinary results on a budget of €40,000 ($50,000) or less, this category is for you. Show us how creativity beat constraints. Judges will look for originality, ingenuity, and evidence of how smaller budgets can still produce big results.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed branded content campaigns on small budgets, showcasing how creativity and resourcefulness drove success.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Were limited funds (€50,000 or less) allocated smartly to maximise impact?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did fresh ideas make a small budget go further?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did the content connect meaningfully with its target audience?
• Results: Did it deliver measurable results relative to its budget?

Best B2B Campaign

B2B marketing isn't about selling features; it's about building trust and relationships. This category honors work that built trust, delivered relevance, and demonstrated how branded content can inform, entertain, and inspire in the B2B space. Judges will look for creativity, strategic fit, and measurable business impact.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed B2B-focused branded content campaigns showcasing originality, audience resonance, and proven results.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Was the content tailored to industry-specific challenges and decision-making contexts?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did it engage professional audiences in a fresh, memorable way?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did it build trust and meaningful interaction with target professionals?
• Results: Did it deliver measurable outcomes such as awareness, leads, relationships or conversions?

Best B2C Campaign

This category celebrates branded content that reached consumers in meaningful ways. It honors work that informed, entertained, or inspired everyday audiences while strengthening brand relevance and loyalty. Judges will look for creativity, resonance, and measurable business impact.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed B2C-focused branded content campaigns showcasing originality, audience connection, and proven results.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Was the campaign built on a real understanding of consumer needs and behaviour?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did it deliver engaging, memorable content in fresh formats or platforms?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did it capture consumers' attention and resonate without disrupting?
• Results: Did it achieve measurable awareness, engagement or sales uplift?

Best Brand Awareness Campaign

Raising awareness is more than getting noticed; it's about being remembered. This award celebrates branded content campaigns that raised awareness in ways that were memorable and impactful. It honors work that went beyond visibility, making the brand truly unforgettable through creative execution, smart strategy, and audience relevance. Judges will look for originality, clarity of message, and evidence of lasting brand impact.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed branded content campaigns focused on brand awareness, showcasing creativity, reach, and proven results.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Were the brand's positioning and value conveyed clearly?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did the campaign deliver a compelling, original brand message?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did it capture attention and resonate with the intended audience?
• Results: Did it achieve measurable reach, recognition or brand lift?

Best Local Campaign

Sometimes, going local is the most effective strategy. We want to see campaigns that were crafted specifically for local audiences, with insights and cultural understanding that made all the difference. Judges will look for creativity, audience resonance, and clear evidence of results at the local level.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed branded content campaigns designed for local markets, showcasing cultural relevance, originality, and measurable impact.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Did the campaign reflect a deep understanding of the local audience and culture?
• Creativity & Innovation: Was it original and tailored to the local context?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did it resonate with local communities and inspire interaction or loyalty?
• Results: Did it deliver measurable results within the local market?

Best Long-Term Campaign (running for at least 12 months)

Some stories are marathons, not sprints. This award celebrates branded content programs that stand the test of time. Running for at least 12 months, these programs showcase the power of long-term partnerships and the ability of branded content to evolve, adapt, and deliver impact year after year. Judges will look for cases that demonstrate consistency, innovation, and measurable success over time.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands with long-term branded content programs (running for at least 12 months) that have proven the enduring value of sustained collaboration.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Did the program evolve and adapt strategically to stay effective?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did the content stay fresh across the program's lifetime?
• Native fit & brand integration: Does it show a trusted, flourishing partnership between brand and publisher?
• Results: Has it shown cumulative results over time, not just a one-off spike??
   

Best Use of Storytelling

A good story is unforgettable. We’re seeking campaigns that harnessed the power of narrative to resonate with audiences on a deeper level. It honors work that used storytelling to spark emotion, build connection, and make brand messages unforgettable. Judges will look for originality, authenticity, and measurable impact in the way stories were crafted and delivered.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed storytelling-led branded content campaigns showcasing creativity, audience resonance, and proven results.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Did the story serve the brand's goals and values?
• Creativity & Innovation: Was the story engaging, well structured and memorable, possibly in a new format?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did the storytelling feel authentic and resonate emotionally with the audience?
• Results: Did it deliver measurable awareness, engagement or brand lift?

Best Design

Design isn't just about looking good; it's about communicating effectively and creating a brand experience that captivates. This category celebrates the campaigns where design elements:color, typography, graphics, were not only aesthetically striking but also purposeful in communicating clearly and creating a captivating brand experience. Judges will look for creativity, coherence, and measurable impact driven by design.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed design-led branded content campaigns showcasing originality, strong execution, and audience resonance.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Did the design make the brand message clearer and easier to understand?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did the design stand out, with every element crafted to a high standard and consistent across the campaign?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did the visual presentation improve the audience's experience?
• Results: Did design contribute to measurable awareness, engagement or conversions?

Most Creative Campaign

Bold ideas, brilliant execution, and work that makes everything around it look ordinary. We’re looking for sophisticated commercial beauty, innovation to die for and mad creative mindsets brought to life in a one-of-a-kind campaign that makes everything else fade away compared to this master stroke.

It honors work where bold ideas, innovative execution, and outstanding craft came together in a way that captured attention and elevated branded content to artful storytelling. Judges will look for originality, ingenuity, and the ability to deliver both creative brilliance and measurable impact.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed branded content campaigns showcasing exceptional creativity, breakthrough ideas, and industry-leading execution.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Was the bold idea grounded in a clear purpose for the brand?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did it bring a fresh, one-of-a-kind idea to life with exceptional craft, pushing boundaries?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did the creativity create a memorable experience for the audience?
• Results: Did it deliver measurable results alongside creative excellence?

Best Series of Sponsored Articles

Crafting a journey through multiple pieces of content isn’t easy, but when done well, it can be transformative. This category celebrates a series that guided readers seamlessly, offering consistent value, while making the brand's message shine through in each article. It honors campaigns that delivered sustained value, kept audiences coming back, and ensured the brand’s message shone through in every piece of content. Judges will look for creativity, coherence, and measurable impact across the full series.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed multi-article branded content series demonstrating strong storytelling, continuity, and results.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Was the series planned as a journey, with a clear role for each article?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did narrative or thematic links captivate readers across the series?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did the brand message stay natural and the quality high in every article, keeping readers coming back?
• Results: Did the series achieve measurable awareness, engagement or loyalty?

Best Series of Sponsored Videos

Sometimes, one video just isn't enough. This award celebrates branded content programs that unfolded across a series of sponsored videos, using narrative and visual storytelling to engage viewers over time. It honors campaigns that developed consistent themes, stayed true to brand goals, and delivered value across multiple episodes or installments. Judges will look for creativity, continuity, and measurable results.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have produced sponsored video series showcasing strong storytelling, audience engagement, and business impact.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Was the series planned with consistent themes that served the brand's goals?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did narrative and visual storytelling captivate viewers across episodes?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did tone and brand message stay coherent and natural, encouraging return viewing?
• Results: Did the series achieve measurable awareness, engagement, loyalty or conversions?

Best Use of Text

Words have power, and you wielded them masterfully. This award is for text-based native content that captivated readers, driving engagement through impeccable writing and storytelling. It celebrates branded content campaigns that demonstrated the power of words. Judges will look for creativity, craft, and measurable impact achieved through the written word.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed text-driven branded content campaigns showcasing originality, audience engagement, and proven results.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Did the writing serve clear objectives for the brand?
• Creativity & Innovation: Was the text original, polished and memorable?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did it capture readers and feel native to the publication?
• Results: Did it achieve measurable awareness, engagement or conversions?

Best Use of Video

Did your video content leave a lasting impression? We’re looking for branded content video campaigns that combined creativity, relevance, and measurable impact, setting a new bar for excellence in branded content. Judges will look for originality, audience resonance, and measurable impact.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed video-led branded content campaigns showcasing creativity, storytelling strength, and proven results.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Was the video well suited to the audience and the platform?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did it deliver a compelling narrative with fresh techniques or formats?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did it capture and hold attention, with a natural role for the brand?
• Results: Did it achieve measurable awareness, engagement, conversions or brand lift?

Best Infographic

Numbers can be intimidating, but you transformed data into visual art. This award recognizes infographics that simplified the complex, made abstract ideas clear, and left a lasting impression on the audience. Judges will look for creativity, clarity, and measurable impact in the way information was visualized.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed infographic-led branded content campaigns showcasing originality, audience resonance, and proven results.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Did it simplify complex information so it was easy to understand?
• Creativity & Innovation: Was the visualisation original and aesthetically engaging?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did it encourage sharing, interaction or deeper understanding, aligned with the brand message?
• Results: Did it contribute to measurable awareness, engagement or conversions?

Best Branded Podcast

A great podcast doesn’t disrupt — it engages listeners seamlessly, while building authenticity and brand trust. We’re looking for branded podcast content that provided value, wrapped in storytelling so engaging that it fostered trust while keeping audiences coming back for more. Judges will look for creativity, relevance, and measurable impact. 

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, creators and brands that have developed podcast-led branded content programs showcasing originality, strong storytelling, and proven results.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Was the podcast a smart choice for the brand's goals and audience?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did compelling narratives, themes or new formats engage listeners?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did it feel authentic, build trust and keep listeners coming back?
• Results: Did it achieve measurable listenership, engagement, trust or conversions?

Best Print Publication

Print isn’t dead when done well. This category celebrates branded content that thrived in print media, offering content so relevant, original, and compelling that it deepened the reader’s connection to the brand while demonstrating the lasting power of print. Judges will look for creativity, execution, and measurable impact in a print-first environment.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed print-branded content programs showcasing originality, strong storytelling, and proven results.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Did the content fit the target audience and the print medium?
• Creativity & Innovation: Was the narrative fresh, with layout, typography and imagery executed to a high standard?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did it deepen the reader's connection to the brand?
• Results: Did it deliver measurable awareness, engagement or brand affinity?

Best Use of Social Media

Social platforms are crowded, but you managed to break through. This category celebrates branded content campaigns that broke through the noise on social platforms. It honors work that was perfectly tailored to social media environments, driving engagement and brand impact without being disruptive. Judges will look for creativity, platform relevance, and measurable success in leveraging social media for branded content.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed social media–focused branded content campaigns showcasing originality, audience resonance, and clear business results.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Was the content well adapted to the chosen platforms and their audiences?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did it use the platforms' features in an original way?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did it feel native to the feed and spark interaction and sharing?
• Results: Did it achieve measurable reach, engagement, conversions or brand lift?

Best Use of Online Media

Is your campaign impossible to ignore, yet seamlessly integrated into online media? We’re rewarding branded content that drew people in, offered value, and stood out in the digital landscape while seamlessly integrating into online media environments. It honors work that captured attention, offered value to audiences, and created impact without being disruptive. Judges will look for creativity, audience relevance, and clear evidence of results.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed online media–focused branded content campaigns demonstrating originality, strong execution, and measurable outcomes.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Was the content relevant to both the platform and the audience?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did it deliver fresh, compelling content that stood out online?
• Native fit & brand integration: Was it seamlessly integrated into the online environment without disrupting?
• Results: Did it achieve measurable awareness, engagement, conversions or ROI?

Best AFP (Online & Broadcast)

This award celebrates branded content programs delivered as advertiser-funded programming (AFP) across online and broadcast platforms. It honors content that informed or entertained audiences while achieving clear brand goals, proving the enduring power of broadcast storytelling in a digital-first world. Judges will look for creativity, audience resonance, and measurable results that highlight the value of AFP formats.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed AFP content for online or traditional broadcast channels, showcasing strong storytelling, seamless integration, and proven business impact.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Did the program achieve clear brand goals through the AFP format?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did compelling narratives or formats engage audiences, bridging online and broadcast?
• Native fit & brand integration: Was the brand presence natural, relevant and non-disruptive?
• Results: Did it achieve measurable awareness, perception shifts or commercial outcomes?

Best Influencer Partnership

This award celebrates branded content campaigns built on strong influencer collaborations. It honors partnerships where influence aligned authentically with brand values, producing content that resonated with audiences and delivered measurable impact. Judges will look for creativity, authenticity, and results that go beyond vanity metrics.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed influencer partnerships demonstrating authenticity, audience relevance, and proven business outcomes.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Was the influencer a credible, natural fit for the brand and its audience?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did the collaboration produce engaging, original content?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did it feel authentic and build meaningful connection with followers?
• Results: Did it deliver results beyond vanity metrics, such as brand lift, conversions or sales?
   

Best Event (In-person & Virtual)

Whether in-person or virtual, events have the power to connect. This award celebrates branded content campaigns that leveraged events, whether in-person or virtual, as a powerful part of their strategy. It honors programs that created moments to inspire, inform, and engage audiences while delivering brand impact. Judges will look for creativity, seamless integration of the event into the broader content strategy, and measurable results.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed in-person or virtual event programs showcasing how experiences can deepen audience connection and strengthen branded content outcomes.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Was the event effectively connected to the broader branded content strategy?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did the experience stand out through original formats or technologies?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did it foster meaningful interaction, participation or dialogue?
• Results: Did it deliver measurable attendance, engagement or business results?

Best Interactive Campaign

This award celebrates branded content campaigns that invited audiences to actively engage with content, creating memorable brand experiences. It honors work that went beyond passive consumption to involve users through formats such as quizzes, gamified content, immersive storytelling, or other interactive approaches. Judges will look for creativity, originality, and clear evidence of impact.

Who should enter: Brands, publishers, agencies, and tech vendors that have developed interactive branded content campaigns demonstrating how engagement can deepen brand connection and deliver measurable results.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Was the interactive experience aligned with the brand's objectives and the audience's needs?
• Creativity & Innovation: Were interactive formats used inventively, with a seamless, intuitive experience?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did it invite active participation and deepen the brand connection?
• Results: Did it achieve measurable participation, awareness or business outcomes?

Best AI-Powered Campaign

This award celebrates branded content campaigns that have harnessed artificial intelligence to elevate creativity, targeting, or distribution. It honors work where AI enhanced audience engagement, scaled content intelligently, or unlocked new ways of storytelling. Judges will look for originality, effectiveness, and clear evidence of how AI created added value.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, and brands that have developed AI-powered branded content campaigns showcasing innovation, measurable results, and the potential of AI to transform branded content.

What the jury looks for

• Strategy & Insight: Was AI integrated purposefully and transparently, not as a gimmick?
• Creativity & Innovation: Did AI enable new forms of storytelling, content creation or execution?
• Native fit & brand integration: Did AI make audience interactions deeper or more meaningful?
• Results: Did it deliver measurable results and improve efficiency, scale or personalisation?

Best Industry Research

This award celebrates research projects that have expanded knowledge and understanding of native advertising and branded content. It honors studies that delivered fresh perspectives, credible insights, and actionable knowledge that help shape the future of the industry. Judges will look for rigor, originality, and evidence of how the research has advanced conversations in the field.

Who should enter: Publishers, agencies, brands, academic institutions, or research companies that have conducted studies providing valuable insights into the role, impact, and future of native advertising and branded content.

What the grand jury looks for

• Strategy & Insights: Did the research address an important question or challenge in native advertising and branded content and was the research methodologically sound, transparent, and trustworthy?
• Creativity & Innovation:  Did it provide new perspectives or uncover findings not widely known before?
• Native Fit & Brand Integration: Has the research influenced practice, strategy, or discussion in the industry?
• Results:  Did it deliver measurable results and improve efficiency, scale, awareness or business outcomes

Creative Technology Excellence

This award celebrates the smartest use of content creation platforms and tools in branded content and native advertising. From audio and podcast platforms to design, AI, and creative production tools, it honors the cases where technology empowered storytelling, enhanced creativity, and delivered measurable impact. Judges will look for originality in how tools were applied, the quality of the resulting content, and the tangible outcomes achieved.

Who should enter: Content creation platforms and tools in collaboration with brands, publishers, or agencies that can showcase a strong business case built on creative technology.

What the grand jury is looking for 

• Creativity in Application: Was the tool used in an inventive or original way?
• Craft & Quality: Did the tool enable higher production values or storytelling depth?
• Impact & Effectiveness: Did the case show measurable improvement in outcomes?
• Innovation: Did the use of the tool demonstrate new possibilities in branded content?
   

Branded Content Agency/Studio of the Year (over 20 employees)

This award honors a large brand studio, agency or in-house marketing department that has consistently raised the bar in branded content and native advertising. It celebrates organizations that have demonstrated creativity, innovation, and measurable impact across their body of work. Judges will look for strong strategic thinking, outstanding execution, and proof of influence on the industry.

Who should enter: Agencies and brand studios with more than 20 employees that can showcase how their work has inspired clients, audiences, and the wider branded content and native advertising community.

*Eligibility: To be considered for this award, the agency/studio must submit work in at least one additional category.
 

Branded Content Agency/Studio of the Year (under 20 employees)

This award honors a smaller, agile brand studio, agency or in-house team that has delivered exceptional branded content and native advertising work. It celebrates creativity, originality, and innovation that has impressed clients as well as customers and inspired the wider industry. Judges will look for strong performance across projects, the quality of ideas and execution, and evidence of impact over the past year.

Who should enter: Agencies and brand studios with fewer than 20 employees that can showcase how they have consistently punched above their weight and demonstrated industry leadership through their work.

*Eligibility: To be considered for this award, the agency/studio must submit work in at least one additional category.

Branded Content Tech Partner of the Year

This award honors a technology partner that has elevated branded content and native advertising through outstanding service, innovation, and measurable results. It celebrates platforms that have driven the industry forward by enabling publishers and brands to achieve growth, monetization, and meaningful impact. Judges will look for excellence in customer success, innovation in technology, and evidence of business outcomes that demonstrate real value creation.

Who should enter: Technology providers and platforms, including:

• distribution and amplification platforms (native ad exchanges, content recommendation, email and CRM automation)
• analytics and measurement tools (performance tracking, attribution, brand lift)
• audience insight and research providers (audience measurement, trend and market intelligence)

Show how your technology delivered results for clients.

Branded Content Marketer of the Year

Who is the trailblazer in branded content and native advertising - the marketer who has consistently excelled by pushing boundaries, proving the value of native strategies, and setting new standards for excellence? This award honors an individual whose vision, creativity, and leadership have inspired the industry and demonstrated the true potential of branded content. Judges will look for originality, measurable impact, and a proven record of success.

Who should enter: Marketers who have established themselves as leaders in branded content and native advertising, delivering work that has impressed clients, engaged audiences, and influenced peers across the industry.