2025 Award Categories
Submission deadline Midnight, Tuesday 26 August 2025
Shortlist announced Friday 19 September 2025
Awards CereMony Saturday 18 October 2025
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