NI Social Media Awards 2025
This year, we celebrate those who stay true to their vision, use their platform with purpose, and lead by example.
Let them doubt your reach.
Let them mimic your content.
Let them question your relevance.
You keep building. You keep leading.
This year, we celebrate those who stay true to their vision, use their platform with purpose, and lead by example.
Let them doubt your reach.
Let them mimic your content.
Let them question your relevance.
You keep building. You keep leading.
Globally renowned judges
SOCIAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
20 + awards categories
SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED MONDAY 15 september ON HERE
Be Part Of It
With new categories, a bold new theme and the biggest celebration of social media talent in Northern Ireland,
this year’s awards will be the most meaningful yet.
Enter now or nominate someone brilliant. And save the date.
Because this year ‘Let Them’. You have got work to do.
The Northern Ireland Social Media Awards (NISMAs) honours and recognises the businesses, individuals, freelancers, agencies and teams who are leading the way in digital and social media marketing.
Now in its sixth year, the awards celebrate creativity, innovation and measurable results across platforms, highlighting those who use social media not just for likes, but for real impact.
This Year’s Theme: Let Them
Our 2025 theme is Let Them – a bold statement of confidence, resilience and unapologetic authenticity in the ever-evolving world of social media. Whether you’re a creator growing your audience, a brand pushing boundaries, a public sector team adapting to change, or a start-up making your voice heard – this theme is for you.
The awards are judged by an independent awards team, made up of leaders in the social media marketing industry throughout the world.
Returning to host the event are the much-loved duo Annette Kelly (Little Penny Thoughts) and Gerry Lavz. Guests will enjoy entertainment from Ireland’s leading a cappella vocal band Ardú, followed by dancing to close the night in style.
What is New This Year?
We have refreshed the categories to better reflect the diversity of businesses, industries and creators thriving in Northern Ireland. Whether you are a solo freelancer, a fast-growing micro brand or a national organisation, there is a category for you.
The winners will be announced at a glittering gala dinner on Saturday 18 October 2025 at the Europa Hotel, Belfast.
Award CATEGORIES
BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
> START-UP
(for businesses under three years old)
> MICRO / SMALL BUSINESS (sponsored by KOBAULT)
(open to businesses with up to 50 employees.)
> SME / LARGE ORGANISATION (sponsored by THE GREEN EAST)
(for medium-large sized businesses with over 50 employees.)
> CHARITIES, NONPROFITS & SOCIAL ENTERPRISES
> HOSPITALITY & TOURISM (sponsored by NORTHERN LIGHTS EVENT HIRE)
> RETAIL (sponsored by MAD COLOUR)
> HEALTHCARE OR AESTHETICS
> PUBLIC SECTOR OR EDUCATION
> MEDIA, PODCASTS, BROADCAST OR PUBLISHING (sponsored by BNL PRODUCTIONS)
BEST SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
> BEST SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN (sponsored by NORTHERN MORTGAGES)
> BEST INFLUENCER CAMPAIGN
(sponsored by WEST COAST COOLER)
> BEST LOW BUDGET CAMPAIGN
(for campaigns delivered with a budget under £5,000 that used clever content, smart insight or creative execution to deliver strong ROI.)
> MOST IMPACTFUL CAMPAIGN (sponsored by LITTLE PENNY THOUGHTS)
> BEST CAMPAIGN – HOSPITALITY & TOURISM (sponsored by ADORN DRESS HIRE)
> BEST CAMPAIGN – RETAIL
> BEST CAMPAIGN – PUBLIC SECTOR OR NOT-FOR-PROFIT(sponsored by MOURNE STARS)
INFLUENCER/CONTENT CREATOR
> FOOD / DRINK / HOSPITALITY CONTENT CREATOR OF THE YEAR (sponsored by STACKED)
> HAIR / BEAUTY CONTENT CREATOR OF THE YEAR (sponsored by BELLAMIANTA)
> FASHION / LIFESTYLE / WELLNESS CONTENT CREATOR OF THE YEAR (sponsored by O’NEILLS)
> HOME / FAMILY CONTENT CREATOR OF THE YEAR (sponsored by MB MOTORS)
> SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR (sponsored by VERMILION COSMETIC CLINIC)
> RISING CREATOR OF THE YEAR (sponsored by DUKE STREET)
(this award recognises a new content creator who has under 25000 followers and has shown exceptional growth, creativity, and potential. Someone who has shown great audience growth and a unique style that engages and inspires their community.)
> AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD (sponsored by BELFAST LIVE)
(this award is entirely decided by public vote. it will go to the finalist who receives the highest number of verified votes across all public categories — a true reflection of audience support and connection.)
INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM OF THE YEAR
> DIGITAL MARKETER OF THE YEAR
> BEST SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM – IN-HOUSE (sponsored by FIONA BROWN COMMUNICATIONS)
> BEST SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM – AGENCY
> CONTENT CREATOR OF THE YEAR (sponsored by STARVIEW HOT TUBS AND OUTDOOR LIVING)
SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM
> BEST USE OF INSTAGRAM
> BEST USE OF TIKTOK
> BEST USE OF FACEBOOK
OVERALL SOCIAL MEDIA EXCELLENCE
> RISING BRAND OF THE YEAR (sponsored by TED & STITCH) (this award is judged from all submissions and recognises a brand that has seen significant digital growth through strong social media strategy, engagement and visibility.)
> BEST OVERALL USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA (this award is selected by the judges and is not open to public entry. it recognises outstanding use of social media across strategy, creativity, engagement and impact.)
> JUDGES’ CHOICE AWARD (sponsored by DIGITAL TWENTY FOUR) (this special award recognises an outstanding individual, organisation or brand who made a significant impact in Northern Ireland through social media this year.)
Get In Touch
Contact us for more information about the awards, entry requirements or the event. Please fill in the form or give us a call.
- +44 7737 122 955
- awards@nisocialmediaawards.com