On Monday, April 11, the 8th Annual Shorty Awards was held to honor 2015’s most influential social media stars.
Each and every day, talented individuals are recognized for content they share on social media accounts. Whether it’s posting a video to their YouTube channel, a six-second video to their Vine, a photo to their Instagram or a Tweet to their Twitter, these stars know their fan base will view this content.
These social media stars influence thousands upon thousands of lives everyday. But now it was up to their fans’ votes to recognize their talent, against other talented individuals.
Of these 40 categories, hundreds of nominees were recognized but there were only spots for one or two winners for each. As several of the winners were able to accept their awards on stage, others were unable to attend and sent their regards in videos.
This year’s host for the “Oscars of social media” was YouTuber, Mamrie Hart. Aside from Hart, several other stars presented awards to winners: Frankie Grande, Al Roker, Gigi Gorgeous, Chris Gethard, Lele Pons, Olivia Jordan, Hannah Hart, Alysia Reiner & Jackie Cruz, Todrick Hall, Redfoo, Rhett & Link.
And actually, fans were able to watch along on a YouTube live stream while the event took place at New York City’s TimesCenter.
Instagrammer of the Year :: Baddie Winkle
Best in Fashion Instagram :: Christian Siriano
Favorite TV Show :: The Late Late Show With James Corden
Periscoper of the Year :: Season & Snare
“The power of live streaming is really small voices can make it big,” said the account holder. He continued to explain that they played their biggest show in their living room
Best Podcast of the Year :: Ear Biscuits
Younower of the Year :: Merrell Twins
“(This is) proof to be yourself,” said one of the twins.
Best Journalist of the Year :: Katie Couric (presented by Muck Rack)
“Now I can’t imagine life without social media. It’s allowed me to interact with people in a more intimate way and most of the time, that’s great, but other times, not so much.. And that’s when I’ll block your ass,” said Couric in a video she sent. The short clip ended with edits of the journalist wearing a hat and sunglass, while smoking, with “Thug Life” written in the corner.
Best in DIY :: ThreadBanger
Best in Food :: Hannah Hart
Best in Parenting :: SACCONEJOLYs
Best Parody Account :: Emo Kylo Ren
“Internet is where all my friends are,” said the account holder.
Best Celebrity :: Jimmy Fallon
Vine of the Year :: Why the fuck you lyin’
Best Vine Comedian :: Mikaela Long AND Meech On Mars
Best Vine Artist :: Zach King
In the video the magician sent, he cracked a big ice block and there was the glass fin award left standing.
Vine Musician of the Year :: Us The Duo
“Thank you for the Shorty Award,” sang the duo in the video they sent.
Viner of the Year :: King Bach
“I want to give a message and it’s not to fear fail,” said Bach. He said that in order to succeed, one has to make mistakes and learn from them.
Best Animal :: JiffPom
“Thanks rubber toys and treats,” his owner said on behalf of the pomeranian.
GIF of the Year :: Pizza Rat
Best Comedian :: Kevin Hart
Best Author :: Sarah Dessen AND J.K. Rowling
Best in Healthy Living :: Jessamyn Stanley
“I’m glad I can be that for some people,” Stanley said when explaining that she would’ve liked to have had an inspiration when she was younger.
Best in Activism :: Janet Mock
Best YouTube Musician :: Lindsey Stirling
Best Web Series :: Good Mythical Morning
Best Blogger :: Momma’s Gone City
Best in Education :: Khan Academy
Best Actor :: Dwayne Johnson
Best Social Good Campaign :: Love Has No Labels AND Connor’s Cure
Large Agency of the Year :: R/GA
Best in Dance :: Misty Copeland
Best in Art :: Matija Erceg
Best YouTube Ensemble :: Prank vs Prank
Best in Weird :: Bill Wurtz
Best in Gaming :: Rooster Teeth’s “Let’s Play”
Best in Science :: I Fucking Love Science
Snapchatter of the Year :: DJ Khaled (@djkhaled305)
Best YouTube Comedian :: Roman Atwood
The prankster came dressed as a clown, as well as had some words of encouragement. He wanted to make a point to fans.. That they shouldn’t care what others think or say behind their backs because “there’s a reason they’re behind you.”
Best YouTube Guru :: Sprinkle of Glitter
YouTuber of the Year :: Casey Neistat
Cofounder and CEO of Sawhorse Media, Greg Galant gave some shout outs after the 28 award was given. He asked for a round of applause for the judges, as well as the partners of the Sporty Awards: Univision, Muck Rack, Delmondo, 1893, Now and Musical.ly.
As for the music was controlled by DJ Flula. As well as Nico & Vinz’s performance after the 33rd award was presented.
The night couldn’t have gone as swiftly without every part involved, those behind the scenes, the stars nominated and especially their fans.
Written by Jordan Crowley
