For years in our industry, the success of a creator has been boiled down to a single, often hollow metric: follow count. But at CreatorFest, we know that what happens behind the lens is where the real magic (and the real work) resides.

That is why we are incredibly proud to announce the launch of the Creator Craft Awards (or as we’re already calling them, The Crafties).

These awards are a long-overdue recognition of the architects of the creator economy. We are moving past vanity metrics to celebrate the technicians, the entrepreneurs, and the visionaries who have turned a side hustle into a profession.

The Crafties are designed to honour professional mastery. Whether you are a solo storyteller or the CEO of a multi-platform media empire, these awards focus on the strategic vision and technical artistry required to build a lasting career in content.

We have broken the awards down into four distinct pillars:

Category Group

What it Celebrates

Genre & Cultural Excellence

Leaders in specific verticals (from Tech to Travel) who shape modern culture and drive deep niche engagement.

Craft, Impact & Leadership

The “how” and “why.” This honours technical production mastery, creator-led businesses, and those driving social change.

Individual Excellence

The year’s standout achievements, including Emerging Creator and the pinnacle Creator of the Year.

Community Awards

The heart of the industry. These non-juried awards are decided by the fans and celebrate the bond between creators and their audience.

Judged by Peers, Not Algorithms

We’ve curated a powerhouse panel of veteran creators, brand strategists, and industry pioneers to serve as our jury.

Every entry undergoes a rigorous, multi-phase review. Our judges are looking for quality of craft, not who has the loudest megaphone. From initial scoring to the final selection, our process is designed to be fair, thorough, and focused entirely on the impact of your work.

We believe that turning content into a career requires more than just virality; it demands strategic vision, technical artistry, and a relentless focus on creativity. We trade vanity metrics for true mastery, recognising the pioneers who turned a side hustle into a powerhouse profession. Entry to the Awards is free and accessible to all creators – this is your opportunity to step out from behind the camera and into the spotlight. 

Abigail Sharp, Awards Manager

How to enter (it’s easier than you think)

We want to see the person behind the handle. To keep the playing field level, entry is free and accessible to all creators. You don’t need a production studio to enter. We’re asking for:

  • A 2–3 minute video: Use simple tools like Loom, Zoom, or a phone screen capture.
  • No polish required: We aren’t judging the production quality of your entry video. Instead, we are judging your story and your craft.
  • Supporting links: Submit a few links to your best content to support your application.

Save the date!

The hustle has evolved, and it’s time the recognition did, too. This is your opportunity to step out from behind the camera and into the spotlight.

  • Entries Close: 6th May 2026
  • Winners Announced: Tuesday 14th July at CreatorFest (Magazine London)

Click here to learn more and enter the Crafties.