The Complete List of 2018 Shorty Awards Nominees: Celebrating Social Media’s Best and How to Cast Your Vote!
The Shorty Awards are back, and 2018 marks a special milestone: their 10th anniversary! This prestigious event, dedicated to honoring the most influential and innovative content creators across social media platforms, is set to light up New York City on April 15. The highly anticipated list of nominees has finally been unveiled, showcasing an incredible array of talent from the digital world. From breakout sensations like Tiffany Haddish and music powerhouses like Cardi B, to beloved viral personalities and groundbreaking brands, this year’s lineup truly reflects the dynamic landscape of online influence.
Known for recognizing excellence in short-form content on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, and beyond, the Shorty Awards celebrate individuals and organizations who master the art of engaging their audiences. In past years, the awards have celebrated prominent figures like Chrissy Teigen, Shay Mitchell, and global music phenomenon BTS, underscoring the growing importance of digital presence and fan interaction. This unique awards ceremony puts the power directly into your hands, the fans! Your votes will determine who takes home the coveted trophies. So, after you explore the impressive roster of nominees below, be sure to click HERE to cast your vote and support your favorites!
Below is the comprehensive list of nominees for the 2018 Shorty Awards, carefully curated to highlight the best of the best in social media creativity and impact. Dive in and discover who made the cut!
ACTOR
This category celebrates actors who have effectively leveraged social media to connect with fans, share their lives, and extend their personal brands beyond traditional roles, showcasing their authentic personalities.
- Ansel Elgort
- Busy Phillips
- Constance Wu
- Elisabeth Moss
- Ethan Wacker
- Gal Gadot
- James Van Der Beek
- Lil Rel Howery
- Riz Ahmed
- Terry Crews
- Tiffany Haddish
- Tracee Ellis Ross
CELEBRITY
Recognizing major public figures who demonstrate exceptional engagement and influence across various social media platforms, this category highlights celebrities who truly understand how to captivate a digital audience.
- Amber Rose
- Andy Cohen
- Donald Glover
- Erykah Badu
- Jimmy Kimmel
- Jordan Peele
- Kris Jenner
- Mia Farrow
- Miley Cyrus
- Rihanna
- RuPaul
- Snoop Dogg
COMEDY
This award honors comedians and comedic content creators who excel at delivering humor in short-form, shareable formats across social media, bringing laughter to millions.
- Billy Eichner
- Carl Reiner
- Demetri Martin
- Eric Andre
- Hasan Minhaj
- Julio Torres
- Kristen Schaal
- Lena Waithe
- Liza Treyger
- Margaret Cho
- Michelle Wolf
- Vir Das
DANCE
Celebrating dancers, choreographers, and dance groups who utilize social media platforms to showcase their talent, inspire others, and share the joy of movement with a global audience.
- Backpack Kid
- Brown Girls Do Ballet
- Gaurav N Chandni
- Isabella Boylston
- Jabbawockeez
- Kyle Hanagami
- Les Twins
- Lil’ Buck
- Merrick Hanna
- Taylor Sieve
- Tessa Brooks
- Werk for Peace
MUSIC
This category recognizes musicians and musical artists who have significantly impacted social media with their music, videos, and fan interactions, connecting with listeners in innovative ways.
- Amine
- Cardi B
- Chloe x Halle
- Dua Lipa
- John Mayer
- Kesha
- Khalid
- Lil Dicky
- Logic
- Phish
- Schoolboy Q
- SZA
TV SHOW
Honoring television series that have built strong online communities, generated significant social buzz, and effectively engaged viewers through their social media presence and unique digital content.
- 13 Reasons Why
- American Vandal
- Big Mouth
- Blackish
- Handmaid’s Tale
- Insecure
- Rick & Morty
- Riverdale
- Shark Tank
- The Good Place
- The Simpsons
- This is Us
EMOJI
Recognizing the most popular, impactful, or culturally significant emojis of the year, celebrating their role in modern digital communication and expression.
- Avocado
- Bowie
- Clown Face
- Eyes
- Facepalm
- Gotcha
- Meh
- Rainbow
- Puerto Rican Flag
- Starry Eyed
- Unicorn
- Up to no good
GIF
This category highlights the most memorable and widely shared GIFs that captured the internet’s attention, becoming integral parts of online conversations and reactions.
- A Clap for the Ages
- Blinking White Man
- Chance at the Grammys
- Get Out
- Help Me
- I’m Pickle Rick!
- Johnson/Hanks 2020
- Kris Bryant’s World Series Smile
- Lavar Ball Enters First Take
- Salt Bae
- Winona Ryder’s Grammy Face
- YAS MERYL
Celebrating individual Instagram posts that went viral, sparked conversations, or achieved iconic status due to their creativity, impact, or sheer popularity.
- Beyonce’s Birth Announcement
- Blacktip Reef Shark
- Boss Baby
- Caption this…
- Flower Power
- I can’t believe I still…
- Ok we’re ready
- #PuberMe
- Solar Eclipse
- The New Guard
- Vegas Strong
- Who’s that in the mirror
MEME
Honoring the most influential and pervasive internet memes that defined online culture and humor, spreading rapidly across platforms and becoming global phenomena.
- Distracted Boyfriend
- Eating Tide Pods
- Expanding brain
- Finally Whippin BowWow Challenge
- I love my curvy wife
- Law and Order Spotify Playlists
- Retire bitch
- Right in front of my salad
- Roll Safe
- Snapchat hotdog
- The Floor is…
- Tiny Trump
ANIMAL
This category recognizes pets and wildlife accounts that have captured hearts and garnered massive followings on social media, showcasing the adorable, fascinating, and often hilarious world of animals.
- Albert (albertonwheels)
- Black Jaguar-White Tiger
- bubalahpoochie
- Cash Cats
- Cincinnati Zoo
- Esther the Wonder Pig
- Louboutina (Loubie)
- Manny The Selfie Cat
- Mike Coots
- NORBERT
- The Look of Lal
ART
Celebrating artists and art accounts that creatively use social media platforms to display their work, engage with art enthusiasts, and inspire new perspectives through visual content.
- Alexa Meade
- Blake Kathryn
- Charlotte Love
- Chris Hong
- Dan Hogman
- Hanksy NYC
- Jon Burgerman
- Nick Misani
- Penelope Gazin
- Toyin Ojih Odutola
- Vashti Harrison
- Web Comic Name
BEAUTY
Honoring beauty influencers, makeup artists, and brands that have made a significant impact on social media, sharing tips, tutorials, and trends that inspire and educate their vast audiences.
- Alex Faction
- Arshia Moorjani
- Jake Warden
- Jazmina Daniel
- Jordan Hanz
- Nià the Light
- Nyma Tang
- Patricia Bright
- Raw Beauty Kristi
- Simply Nailogical
- Sydney Szramowski
- Thomas Halbert
FASHION
This award recognizes fashion influencers, stylists, and brands who define trends, inspire personal style, and engage a global audience through their distinctive presence on social media.
- Accidental Icon
- Benjamin Kicks
- Danielle Prescod
- Derek Blasberg
- Lainy Hedaya
- Luka Sabbat
- Mickey Boardman
- Nikki Ogunnaike
- Pia Arrobio
- Rochelle Johnson
- Victoria Beckham
- What Fran Wore
FOOD
Celebrating chefs, food bloggers, and culinary personalities who captivate audiences with their delicious creations, recipes, and unique gastronomic content on social media.
- Binging with Babish
- Candice Kumai
- Daym Drops
- Desserted in Paris
- First We Feast
- FoodBabyNY
- Holly Fox
- Joy The Baker
- Matt Stonie
- Nusret (SaltBae) Gökçe
- Rachael Ray
- Rosanna Pansino
HEALTH & WELLNESS
This category honors individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting health, fitness, and mental well-being through informative and inspiring content on social media platforms.
- Akin Akman
- DJ Townsel
- Dr. Mike
- Elyse Fox
- Emily Skye
- Joe Holder
- Katie Willcox
- Koya Webb
- Luis Badillo Jr.
- Remi Ishizuka
- Sophia Gall
- Valerie Sagun
HOUSE & HOME
Recognizing interior designers, DIY enthusiasts, and home decor experts who share their creativity and expertise, inspiring others to transform their living spaces through engaging social media content.
- Andy & Candis Meredith
- Brady Tolbert
- Château de Gudanes
- Dabito
- Emily Henderson
- I Have This Thing With Floors
- Kelly Wearstler
- LaurDIY
- Mandi Gubler
- Sherry & John Petersik
- Tessa Neustadt
- The Sorry Girls
JOURNALIST
Honoring journalists and reporters who utilize social media as a powerful tool for news dissemination, insightful commentary, and connecting with a wider audience on important current events.
- Amina Khan
- Annie Karni
- April D. Ryan
- Chris Geidner
- Elle Reeve
- Ellen McGirt
- Felipe Dana
- Jason Concepcion
- Jodi Kantor
- Joshua Topolsky
- Michelle Ye Hee Lee
- Ronan Farrow
LGBTQ+
This award celebrates LGBTQ+ voices and allies who use social media to foster community, advocate for equality, share personal stories, and promote understanding and acceptance.
- Alok V Menon
- Amy Ordman
- Arlo Sullivan
- Aydian Dowling
- Ethan Hethcote
- Lateef Thynative
- Miles McKenna
- Raymond Braun
- Stephanie Frosch
- Trace Lysette
- Trixie Mattel
- V Squared
LIFESTYLE
Recognizing influencers and creators who inspire their audiences with their everyday lives, offering insights into fashion, travel, well-being, and personal development through engaging social media content.
- Ariella Noa Charnas
- Christine Mai Nguyen
- Freddy Rodriguez
- Jason Cheung
- Katie Sturino
- LaTonya Yvette
- Lauren Elizabeth
- Mackenzie Horan
- Mick Batyske
- Nabela Noor
- Paloma Elsesser
- Sai De Silva
LITERATURE
Celebrating authors, poets, and literary accounts that engage readers, discuss books, and promote the love of reading and storytelling through their presence on social media.
- Atul Gawande
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Cleo Wade
- Colson Whitehead
- Curtis Sittenfeld
- Darcie Wilder
- Dwight Garner
- Jonny Sun
- Jon Ronson
- Kevin Kwan
- Owen King
- Rebecca Traister
MEME/PARODY ACCOUNT
Honoring accounts that specialize in creating, curating, or satirizing internet culture through memes and parody content, often going viral and shaping online humor.
- _diplo_
- Adam The Creator
- beigecardigan
- Bros Being Basic
- Comment Awards
- daddyissues_
- Fake Science
- FuckJerry
- hilariousbabies
- Kim Kierkegaardashian
- NotSportsCenter
- Unspirational
PARENTING/FAMILY
This category recognizes parents and families who share their experiences, offer advice, and entertain audiences with heartwarming and relatable content about family life on social media.
- Action Movie Kid
- Cute Girls Hairstyles
- Elsie Larson
- Fathering Autism
- Laura Izumikawa
- Live Sweet
- MAZELEE
- Pam Stepnick
- Ryan Toys Reviews
- Sarah Grace Club
- Sholom Ber Solomon
- Two Gay Papas
SPORTS
Celebrating athletes, sports journalists, and commentators who use social media to engage fans, share insights, and provide a unique perspective on the world of sports.
- Brooke Ence
- JJ Watt
- Jemele Hill
- Donald De La Haye
- Hillary Knight
- Katie Ledecky
- Kevin Durant
- Kristaps Porzingis
- Laila Ali
- Lolo Jones
- Richard Sherman
- Serena Williams
WEB SERIES
Honoring original web series that captivate audiences with their storytelling, production quality, and innovative use of online platforms to deliver episodic content.
- Buddy System
- Escape the Night
- Guidance
- Hot Ones
- Jay Versace is Stuck in the 90s
- Mr. Student Body President
- OMG We’re Coming Over
- Real Bros of Simi Valley
- Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television
- Speechless with Carly Fleischmann
- The Breakdown
- Worth It
WEIRD
This unique category recognizes individuals and accounts that create wonderfully bizarre, unconventional, or delightfully strange content that stands out and goes viral on social media.
- dubstep4dads
- Adam Ellis
- Animated Text
- da share z0ne
- If you high
- James Fridman
- Krang T. Nelson
- NOT A WOLF
- Poppy
- Shavaunna
- slimeysugar
- The Report of the Week
BREAKOUT YOUTUBER
Celebrating emerging YouTube creators who have seen a rapid rise to prominence, captivating audiences with their fresh content and unique online personalities.
- Austin McConnell
- Beau Brown
- Elle Mills
- Emma Chamberlain
- Julius Dein
- Karina Garcia
- Kraig Adams
- Luke Korns
- Michael Dapaah
- Molly Burke
- Olivia Jade
- Teala Dunn
CREATOR OF THE DECADE
A special recognition for creators who have maintained exceptional influence, innovation, and relevance throughout the past decade, shaping the landscape of online content creation.
- Casey Neistat
- Dude Perfect
- Gigi Gorgeous
- Hannah Hart
- Jenna Marbles
- Lilly Singh
- Liza Koshy
- Markiplier
- MKBHD
- Philip DeFranco
- Rhett & Link
- Tyler Oakley
INSTAGRAMMER
Honoring individuals and accounts that consistently produce outstanding and highly engaging content on Instagram, mastering the platform’s visual storytelling capabilities.
- Betches
- Boop My Nose
- But Like Maybe
- Coco Pink Princess
- Eva Chen
- Howard Lee
- Lil Mayo
- My Day With Leo
- Pete Souza
- The New Yorker Cartoons
- Topher Brophy
- TSA
LIVE STREAMER
Recognizing personalities who excel in real-time broadcasting, captivating audiences with their live performances, interactions, and spontaneous content across various streaming platforms.
- Antonio Brown
- Ariel Viera
- Brent Morgan
- Bryce Xavier
- Dick Vitale
- Emma McGann
- Liz Cook
- Ron Waxman
- Scott Rogowsky
- Tasmin Lucia-Khan
- Thomas Kuc
- Vin Diesel
MUSER
This category celebrates top creators on Musical.ly (now TikTok), who master short-form video content, lip-syncs, and creative performances to entertain and engage their massive fanbases.
- Adam Jernberg
- Alicja Mocek
- Anna Catify
- Annie LeBlanc
- Case Walker
- Chuch the Cavalier
- Felipe Farias
- Isaiah Xavier
- Jayden Bartles
- Lucas and Marcus
- Lucki Starr
- Rebecca Zamolo
SNAPCHATTER
Honoring individuals who master the ephemeral art of Snapchat storytelling, creating engaging, humorous, and authentic content that resonates with their audience.
- Amanda Cerny
- Andy Burgess
- Chris D’Elia
- Chrissy Teigen
- Eva Longoria
- Geeohsnap
- Kelly Oxford
- Laura Perlongo
- Giorgio Copter
- Phil the Culture
- Ross Smith
- Spencer Pratt
TWITCH STREAMER
Recognizing professional gamers and entertainers who have built thriving communities and deliver top-tier live content on Twitch, captivating viewers with their skills and personalities.
- Aphromoo
- Deadmau5
- Faker
- Grimmmz
- Jenna & Julien
- KayPeaLoL
- Kitty Plays
- LoserFruit
- nl_Kripp
- Pokimane
- ProfessorBroman
- Shroud
VLOGGER OF THE YEAR
Celebrating the most compelling and influential video bloggers who consistently produce engaging daily or weekly vlogs, offering a window into their lives and experiences on YouTube and other platforms.
- Alex Wassabi
- Aspyn and Parker
- Scotty Sire
- CatCreature
- iJustine
- Jason Nash
- Kade Speiser
- Margot Lee
- Meghan Rienks
- Negin Mirsalehi
- Todd Smith
- Wil Dasovich
YOUTUBE COMEDIAN
Honoring YouTube creators who excel in comedic skits, parodies, and stand-up performances, making audiences laugh with their unique brand of humor delivered through video content.
- Abdulaziz Baz
- Anwar Jibawi
- Brandon Rogers
- Candace Lowry
- Chris Klemens
- dangmattsmith
- Danny Gonzalez
- F0XY
- Hannah Stocking
- Miel Bredouw
- Rudy Mancuso
- Tana Mongeau
YOUTUBE ENSEMBLE
Recognizing groups of creators or collaborative channels that produce high-quality, entertaining content together, showcasing teamwork and collective creativity on YouTube.
- @Pack
- dareUS
- De’arra & Ken
- Dolan Twins
- Dude Perfect
- Funk Bros
- Legendary Shots
- Niki and Gabi
- Sugar Pine 7
- Team 10
- Walk Off The Earth
- Vlog Squad
YOUTUBE MUSICIAN
Celebrating musicians and musical groups who leverage YouTube to share their original music, covers, and creative performances, building a dedicated fanbase through their video content.
- 80 Fitz
- Brooklyn & Bailey
- Desmond Dennis
- DeStorm Power
- Fresh Big Mouf
- Kurt Hugo Schneider
- Leslie Wai
- MattyBRaps
- Our Last Night
- PostmodernJukebox
- The Filharmonic
- Vidya Vox
YOUTUBE OF THE YEAR
The top honor for a YouTube creator who has demonstrated exceptional impact, influence, and consistent quality across all aspects of their channel throughout the year.
- Andrea Russett
- Cody Ko
- Coyote Peterson
- David Dobrik
- Eva Gutowski
- Gabbie Hanna
- Jack Douglass
- Jake Paul
- Juanpa Zurita
- Lele Pons
- Safiya Nygaard
- Yuya
ACTIVISM
This category honors individuals and groups who effectively use social media platforms to champion social causes, raise awareness, and mobilize communities for positive change.
- Amber Tamblyn
- American Ferrera
- Cameron Russell
- Dan Savage
- Deray McKesson
- Eileen Kelly
- Erica Garner
- Kailash Satyarthi
- Kareem Abdul Jabbar
- Laurie David
- Tarana Burke
- Xiuhtezcatl Roske-Martinez
EDUCATION
Recognizing educators and channels that deliver insightful, engaging, and accessible learning content across social media, making knowledge fun and widely available.
- Angela Duckworth
- CrashCourse
- Joe Hanson
- Leland Melvin
- Meet Arnold
- Henry Reich
- Physics Fun
- Primitive Technology
- The Financial Diet
- The School of Life
- Tom Scott
- Upulie Divisekera
GAMING
Celebrating gamers, streamers, and content creators who dominate the gaming world on social media, entertaining and informing audiences with their gameplay, commentary, and reviews.
- Airforceproud95
- Chad Wild Clay
- cybernova games
- DashieGames
- Fangs
- iMAV3RIQ
- ItsFunneh
- MangoTango
- Gaming Historian
- PushingUpRoses
- runJDrun
- Sylvibot
PODCAST
Honoring podcasts that have captured listeners’ imaginations, delivered compelling audio content, and built strong communities around their discussions and storytelling.
- Another Round
- Bodega Boys
- How Did This Get Made
- Lady Lovin
- Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations
- Pardon My Take
- Pod Save America
- Politically Re-Active
- S Town
- The Daily
- The Joe Rogan Experience
- VIEWS
TRAVEL
This category recognizes travel influencers, bloggers, and adventurers who inspire wanderlust and share breathtaking journeys, tips, and cultural insights through their captivating social media content.
- Bon Traveler
- Céline Bossart
- Damon and Jo
- Exploring with Josh
- Fly with Stella
- Juan-Peter Schulze
- Kara and Nate
- Adventurous Kate
- She is Not Lost
- The Place I Was Telling You About
- The Points Guy
- Travel Babbo
The 2018 Shorty Awards are not just a celebration of talent; they are a testament to the incredible power of social media to connect, entertain, and inspire millions worldwide. From groundbreaking activism to hilarious comedy, and from stunning visual art to the pulse of popular music, these nominees represent the pinnacle of digital creativity. Now that you’ve reviewed the full list of these inspiring creators and innovators, it’s time for you to make your voice heard! Head over to the official Shorty Awards website and cast your votes before it’s too late.
Who do you believe has truly made the most significant impact on social media this past year? Which nominee’s content consistently brightens your feed or sparks important conversations? We want to hear from you! Share your predictions and tell us who you’ll be voting for in the comments section below. Let’s celebrate the best of digital content and look forward to another decade of incredible social media innovation!