Call for Entries Deadline:
Jan. 22, 2027

Recognizing the social media marketing work that stops the scroll and proves its impact

Great social media work gets noticed. Exceptional social media work stops the scroll, shifts perception, moves audiences and gives people a reason to engage, share or buy.

PR Daily's Social Media Marketing Awards celebrate the campaigns, strategies, creators and teams behind the work other marketers wish they had thought of first. From brand awareness and influencer partnerships to community management, social commerce, AI-powered strategy and platform-specific work across Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and beyond, this is where smart strategy meets standout execution and results worth talking about.

The best social media work starts with an insight and ends with impact. Maybe you found a new way to reach an audience that stopped scrolling past your brand. Turned a single platform into a genuine point of purchase. Built a community people actually wanted to join. Partnered with the right creator instead of the biggest one. Got a brand cited by name in an AI answer engine. If the work earned real attention and delivered against the goal, we want to see it.

Earning recognition from PR Daily gives that work a longer life. It puts credible third-party validation behind your results, gives your team or client something meaningful to celebrate and creates a proof point you can share with leadership, clients, partners and the wider social media industry.

Brands, agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions, government organizations, independent practitioners and social media professionals around the world are invited to enter. Submit your own strongest work, put forward a client campaign you are proud of or recognize a colleague, creator or team whose contribution deserves the spotlight.

 

So take another look at the campaigns, launches, platforms and results your team is still talking about. One of them may belong among the year's best social media marketing work.

Social Media Marketing Awards 2027

CATEGORIES

CATEGORIES

 AI-Powered Social Strategy

Brands are turning to AI for everything from content calendars and audience targeting to predictive performance modeling and generative creative. The strongest entries here show a real AI-driven decision behind the strategy, not just a passing mention of a tool, and what that decision actually changed about the outcome.

 Annual Report

An annual report has to do two things at once: communicate real financial and organizational substance, and still be something people actually want to read. Entries are judged on how well design and storytelling carry that weight together, in print or digital form.

 App

A mobile or web app built and launched to serve a brand's audience belongs here, whether that's a customer-facing tool, an internal utility or a product extension. Adoption and usability matter more to judges than feature lists.

 Brand Awareness

Getting a brand in front of new audiences is one thing. Making it stick is another, and that's what separates the entries that win this category from the ones that just reached a lot of people. Judges want proof of actual recall or recognition, not reach alone.

 Brand Storytelling

Some campaigns are built around a single tactic. This category is for the ones built around a narrative, a clear creative arc that gives audiences a reason to feel something about a brand beyond its product. Judges weigh emotional resonance alongside results.

 Cause Marketing

A percentage-of-sales donation, a co-branded awareness push or a product tied directly to a mission: cause marketing pairs commercial goals with support for a specific cause. What separates a strong entry is a cause that feels authentic to the brand rather than bolted on for the campaign.

 Collaborative Social Media Communications

Two or more organizations, departments or outside partners working toward one shared social message: that's the territory of this category. Make the collaboration itself visible in the entry, not just a credit line, and show what it made possible that neither side could have pulled off alone.

 Community Management

Building and sustaining an engaged audience on social platforms is ongoing work, not a single campaign. Judges want to see specific moderation, conversation and relationship-building tactics, and the stronger community they produced over time.

 Content Marketing

A sustained content strategy, built from articles, video, guides or other owned material to attract and retain an audience over time, is the subject of this category rather than a single piece of content. The strongest entries connect that content plan to a real business outcome like leads, retention or authority in a specific space.

 Crisis Management

How an organization communicates through a real reputational, operational or public safety crisis says more about its strategy than almost anything else it does. Judges look for speed, clarity and tone under pressure, and a response that protected trust rather than just minimized damage.

 CSR/ESG Communications

This is the category for how an organization talks about its ongoing corporate responsibility, sustainability or governance commitments to employees, investors or the public, distinct from a single cause-driven campaign. Judges look for substance behind the message, not just a well-produced report.

 Data & Insights/Measurement

Behind most winning campaigns is a dashboard, an attribution model or a piece of research that turned raw data into a decision someone actually acted on, and that work is what this category honors. Show the insight itself, not just the tools used to find it.

 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Campaign

DEI needs to be the actual subject of the work here, not a value mentioned in passing, whether that shows up through representation in creative, an internal culture initiative made public or a campaign addressing a specific equity issue. Judges weigh authenticity and impact over good intentions.

 Edutainment

Teaching an audience something real while still keeping them engaged enough to finish it is a harder balance than it sounds, and it's exactly what this category rewards. The best entries prove both halves: what people learned, and that they stuck around long enough to learn it.

 Email Communications

A single high-performing send or a full nurture sequence both belong in this category, as long as the entry can point to real open, click or conversion data behind the creative and subject line strategy. Judges weigh results over polish alone.

 Employee Engagement

Internal campaigns and programs built to boost morale, participation or connection among employees sit here, distinct from how a company markets itself externally as an employer. Judges want measurable change in how employees actually felt or behaved, not just evidence that a program existed.

 Employer Branding

How an organization markets itself as a place to work, to attract candidates, retain talent or shape its reputation in the job market, is the focus of this category. Judges look for a clear point of view about what makes the employer genuinely different, not a generic careers page refresh.

 Facebook

Facebook work in this category leans into what the platform still does better than most: community groups, local targeting and reaching audiences other platforms miss. Judges want to see that specific strength put to use, not a general social post that happened to run here too.

 Healthcare Campaign

Hospitals, health systems, pharmaceutical brands, insurers and other healthcare organizations face real regulatory and trust constraints that most other entrants don't, and this category recognizes work that navigates those constraints while still landing a creative, resonant message.

 Influencer Campaign

Paid or gifted partnerships with individual creators belong here, and the entries that stand out are the ones where the creator was chosen for genuine audience alignment rather than reach alone. Explain why that specific creator was the right fit and what the partnership actually delivered.

 Instagram

This category rewards Instagram work that uses the platform's specific toolset, Reels, Stories, carousels, shopping tags, with real intention rather than as a repost of content that ran everywhere else. The strongest entries make a clear case for why this particular format served the idea.

 Integrated Marketing

Pulling together channels beyond social alone, email, PR, paid media, experiential or more, under one coordinated strategy and message is what separates this category from a single-channel campaign. Judges want evidence the channels actually worked together, not a list of tactics that happened to run at the same time.

 Interactive Experiences

Augmented reality filters, polls, quizzes and gamified content all belong in this category, as long as the goal is participation rather than passive viewing. Judges weigh how well the interaction served the brand's actual goal, not novelty for its own sake.

 Intranet

An internal platform built to inform, connect or serve employees is judged here on usability, adoption and how well it replaced the friction of whatever came before it. Point to real engagement data, not just a redesign.

 LinkedIn

Thought leadership posts, employee advocacy and executive visibility all work differently on LinkedIn than anywhere else on this list, and the best entries are built around that difference. Judges look for a strategy shaped by how professionals actually use the platform, not content ported over from consumer channels.

 Marketing Campaign

This is the broadest category in the program, covering a complete campaign built around a specific goal, a launch, a seasonal push or a broader brand moment. Strategy, creative execution and measurable results all matter, so make a clear case for what set this particular campaign apart.

 Media Relations Campaign

Securing coverage, managing a press strategy or building relationships with journalists and outlets toward a specific goal: that's earned media work, and it's what this category is built around. Judges look for coverage that was genuinely earned through strategy, not just a list of placements.

 Micro-Influencer Campaign

Smaller, highly engaged creators rather than big-name talent are the focus here, chosen for niche relevance and trust with a specific audience rather than reach. Show why smaller was the deliberate right choice, not a budget compromise.

 Multichannel Campaign

Running across more than one social platform with a single connected strategy is the baseline for this category, but judges are really looking at how well each platform reinforced the others rather than simply repeated the same post everywhere.

 Paid Social Media Campaign

Boosted content, programmatic social ads or a full paid media plan all belong here, judged on targeting strategy, creative and return on spend. The strongest entries separate what the paid strategy specifically contributed from what organic reach alone would have delivered.

 Pinterest

People come to Pinterest to plan and discover, not to scroll passively, and the strongest entries here are built around that intent, whether through product pins, idea boards or shoppable content. Judges want evidence the strategy understood that difference.

 Podcast

An owned or sponsored podcast built to reach and engage a specific audience over time is the subject of this category, judged on content quality, consistency and audience growth. Point to real listenership or engagement data, not just that episodes got produced.

 Public Relations Campaign

This category covers a broader PR strategy than media relations alone: reputation management, stakeholder communications and crisis preparedness all belong here too, as long as the work is built around a specific goal. Judges look for strategic thinking across the full PR toolkit.

 Reddit

Reddit users can tell when they're being advertised to, so the entries that do well here earned attention through genuine participation in a community rather than a polished brand message. Judges weigh authenticity heavily, since content that reads like an ad rarely performs well on this platform.

 SEO Strategy

The technical and content work behind how a brand actually gets found belongs here, from traditional search rankings to newer ground like AI answer engines, generative search results and how a brand gets cited in tools like ChatGPT or Google AI Overviews. Judges want a clear strategy behind the visibility gained, not just a ranking or traffic number on its own.

 Social Commerce

Shoppable posts, livestream shopping, in-app checkout or creator-driven affiliate sales all belong here, as long as the social platform became an actual point of purchase. Judges weigh real commercial results, not just the format used to sell.

 Social Listening and Real-Time Response

How a brand listens to what's happening on social platforms and responds in real time, whether that's a cultural moment, a trending conversation or direct audience feedback, is the territory of this category. Judges want the listening itself to drive a specific, well-timed action, not just a monitoring report.

 Social Media Campaign

A winning Social Media Campaign entry starts with a clear goal, a product launch, a reputation shift or another measurable business outcome, and builds organic (non-paid) content to get there, whether on one platform or several. Judges weigh strategy, creative execution and real results, not follower counts or reach alone.

 Specialty Campaign

Strong work that doesn't fit neatly anywhere else on this list has a home here, judged on the same core standards as any other entry: a clear goal, smart execution and real results. If you're unsure where a campaign belongs, this is often the right place for it.

 Thought Leadership Campaign

Original research, commentary, speaking platforms and owned content that stakes out a real point of view all belong here. This category is about positioning an individual or organization as a credible voice on a specific topic, and judges look for a genuine perspective, not just frequent posting on industry topics.

 TikTok

TikTok rewards work built for its specific pace and tone, whether that's trend participation, an original series or a creator collaboration. Judges want proof the strategy moved at the platform's speed, not content adapted from somewhere else.

 Twitter/X

Real-time response, newsjacking a cultural moment or an ongoing brand voice in public conversation, Twitter/X rewards work that depended on the platform's immediacy. Judges look for timing that couldn't have landed anywhere else.

 User Generated Content

Content created by customers, fans or employees rather than the brand itself is the focus here, judged on how that content was sourced, curated and put to strategic use. Show what made people want to create in the first place.

 Video

Video content built for social or digital distribution belongs here, whether that's a single standout piece or an ongoing series, judged on craft, storytelling and how well it performed with its intended audience. Entries can run any length, as long as the format served the story rather than the other way around.

 Websites and Blogs

A brand's primary website, including any blog or resource section built into it, is the subject of this category, judged as an ongoing marketing asset rather than a one-time project. Judges weigh design, structure and how well the whole property serves the people visiting it, from first click to blog post.

 Website Redesign or Relaunch

A specific overhaul of an existing site belongs in this category, judged on the problem the old site had, the thinking behind the new one and the measurable difference it made. Before-and-after context matters more here than visual polish alone.

 Wellness Campaign

Physical, mental or emotional wellbeing is the subject of this category, whether that shows up as a brand campaign, an internal employee initiative or a public health message. Judges look for a message that feels genuinely supportive rather than performative.

 YouTube

YouTube rewards a different kind of strategy than most social platforms, built around search, watch time and subscriber relationships rather than quick impressions. Entries can be a single standout video or a broader channel strategy.

AWARDS OF DISTINCTION

 Agency of the Year

Agency of the Year looks past any single campaign to recognize the agency whose entire body of work set the pace for the industry this year. Judges weigh breadth, consistency and creative ambition across multiple clients, not just one standout project.

 Campaign of the Year

Campaign of the Year is the program's top distinction, reserved for the single campaign judges agree defined the year in social media marketing. These entries compete against every category at once, so only work built to stand out anywhere belongs here.

 Professional of the Year

Professional of the Year honors the individual whose judgment, leadership and body of work shaped social media marketing at their organization or across the industry this year. A single great campaign isn't enough. Judges are looking for a track record.

 Team of the Year

Team of the Year recognizes the in-house group whose collective work raised what their organization could do in social media this year, not any one campaign or person. Judges want evidence of real collaboration behind a body of work that reflects the team's full range.

HOW TO ENTER

All entries must be submitted through the online entry form.

1. Choose your category. Review the Social Media Marketing Awards categories and select the category or categories that best reflect your campaign, strategy, platform work or nominee.

2. Tell the story behind the work. Give judges a clear understanding of the challenge or opportunity, your goals, audience insights, strategy, execution and what made the approach effective.

3. Show the results. Include meaningful metrics and supporting materials such as creative assets, platform data, analytics, media coverage, testimonials, videos or links that help demonstrate impact.

4. Submit and complete payment. Submit your entry by January 22, 2027. Entries will remain open through the late deadline of January 29, 2027, with an additional late fee.

If the same work is a strong fit for more than one category, you may submit it in multiple categories. Each entry is evaluated independently, giving your work additional opportunities for recognition.

ENTER

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

PR Daily's Social Media Marketing Awards are open to organizations, agencies, in-house teams, independent practitioners and vendors worldwide. Eligible entrants may represent corporations, private companies, nonprofits, educational institutions, government organizations, associations and other sectors.

You may enter work completed by your own organization or team, submit work on behalf of a client or recognize an eligible colleague, creator or team. Self-nominations are also welcome in applicable individual categories.

All entries must be submitted in English. Campaigns, platforms and professional achievements must fall within the eligibility period established for the 2027 Social Media Marketing Awards.

If the same work is a strong fit for more than one category, you may submit it in multiple categories. Each entry is evaluated independently.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. 

This year’s program is open to any work executed between Jan. 1, 2026, and Jan. 29, 2027, inclusive.

ENTRY FEES

The fee for this program is $550 per entry into standard categories, and $600 per entry into our Awards of Distinction category.

A late fee of $325 per entry will be added to all entries received after 11:59 p.m. Central time, January 22, 2027.

Do you have a campaign or project you'd like to enter into multiple categories? Pay the original entry fee, and then only $250 for each additional category!

All entries are non-returnable and non-refundable.

W-9 Form / Tax ID Number Request

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PR Daily's Social Media Marketing Awards?
PR Daily's Social Media Marketing Awards is a global recognition program honoring outstanding social media marketing campaigns, strategies, platforms and professionals. The awards recognize work that combines clear objectives, audience insight, strong strategy, creative execution and measurable results across the social media marketing profession.
Why should I enter PR Daily's Social Media Marketing Awards?
Entering gives your social media work the opportunity to earn respected third-party recognition from PR Daily. Finalist and winner recognition can validate results, celebrate the people behind the work, strengthen credibility with executives and clients and provide a meaningful proof point for pitches, presentations, internal communications and future campaigns. Recognition also gives teams a chance to benchmark their work alongside successful social media programs from organizations and agencies across industries.
Who can enter?
Brands, agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions, government organizations, independent practitioners and social media professionals worldwide may enter. Entries can recognize work produced by an in-house team, an agency for a client, a creator partnership, an individual professional or another eligible organization. All submissions must be in English.
Can an agency enter work on behalf of a client?
Yes. Agencies may submit eligible social media work created for their clients. Agencies and clients may also collaborate on the entry to ensure the submission clearly explains the strategy, execution, partnership and results behind the work.
Can I enter a colleague, client or team?
Yes. Applicable categories recognize social media professionals and teams as well as campaigns and strategies. You may nominate yourself, recognize someone within your organization or submit an entry on behalf of a colleague, client or team.
What types of social media work can be entered?
PR Daily's Social Media Marketing Awards recognize work across the social media marketing profession, including brand awareness, influencer and creator partnerships, community management, content marketing, social commerce, AI-powered strategy, platform-specific work, paid social, employer branding and other social media marketing initiatives. Review the category descriptions to identify the strongest fit for your work.
Can I enter the same work in multiple categories?
Yes. A campaign, strategy or initiative may be entered in more than one category when it genuinely fits multiple areas of recognition. Each entry is evaluated independently. Consider adjusting each submission to focus on the goals, strategy, execution and results most relevant to that specific category.
What do the judges look for in an entry?
Judges look for a clear challenge or opportunity, well-defined goals, meaningful audience insight, sound strategic thinking, strong execution and evidence of results. The strongest entries do more than describe what was created. They explain why decisions were made, how the work addressed a real marketing or business need and what happened as a result.
What results or metrics should I include?
Include results that connect directly to the goals of your work. Depending on the entry, useful measures may include engagement, reach, follower growth, conversions, sales, sentiment, earned media, search or AI visibility, or other relevant business and marketing outcomes. Not every entry needs the same metrics. Judges are looking for evidence that demonstrates whether the work achieved what it set out to accomplish.
Does my campaign need a large budget or platform to compete?
No. Strong social media work is not defined by budget or platform size alone. Judges consider the challenge, strategy, creativity, execution and results in the context of the work. A focused campaign with limited resources can be highly competitive when the entry clearly demonstrates smart decision-making and meaningful results.
How much does it cost to enter?
The standard entry fee is $550 per entry. Awards of Distinction entries are $600. A $325 late fee applies to each entry submitted after the January 22, 2027 entry deadline. Late entries will be accepted through January 29, 2027.
When is the entry deadline?
The entry deadline is January 22, 2027. Entries submitted after the standard deadline will be accepted through the January 29, 2027 late deadline, with an additional late fee.
How will finalists and winners be recognized?
Finalists will be recognized, and category winners revealed, at a live awards event in June 2027. Recognition gives organizations, agencies, teams and professionals an opportunity to celebrate their achievements alongside social media marketing peers and share their accomplishment with colleagues, clients and industry audiences. Winning work may also receive visibility across PR Daily's editorial, marketing and social channels, along with resources that help recipients promote their recognition.
When will finalists or winners be notified?
Judging timelines vary. Entrants will receive a post-entry email with the expected notification timeline and next steps shortly after the program closes.
How do I choose the right category?
Start with the primary goal and strongest proof point of your work. Consider what the campaign or strategy was designed to accomplish, which audience or platform it served and which part of the work you most want judges to evaluate. If the work clearly demonstrates excellence in more than one area, you may enter multiple categories. Each category is judged independently.

Additional Questions

If you have any questions about the program or problems submitting your entry, please call Brendan Gannon at 312-960-4407 or email [email protected].

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you are interested in sponsoring one of Ragan Communications’ award programs, please contact Hannah Lavelle at 312-960-4628 or email [email protected].