Snapchat announces ‘The Snappys,’ its first-ever creator awards show
TL;DR
Snapchat is launching 'The Snappys,' its first creator awards show on March 21, celebrating creators across categories like Spotlight MVP and cultural impact, with a live event featuring DJ Khaled. This follows similar initiatives by Instagram and TikTok, positioning social platforms as entertainment industry players.
Key Takeaways
- •Snapchat's 'The Snappys' awards show debuts on March 21 to honor creators in categories such as Spotlight MVP, Best Storyteller, and cultural impact.
- •The event includes a live ceremony at Snap's Santa Monica headquarters, hosted by Matt Friend, with DJ Khaled receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- •This move aligns with trends set by Instagram and TikTok, which have also launched creator awards to recognize and elevate user-generated content.
- •Snapchat aims to position itself as more than a social app, emphasizing creators as artists and cultural leaders in the entertainment industry.
Snapchat announced on Wednesday that it’s hosting its first-ever awards show on March 21. The social media giant says the awards show, called “The Snappys,” is designed to celebrate “the creators shaping culture on Snapchat.”
Creators will receive awards like “Spotlight MVP,” “Best Storyteller,” and “Breakout Creator of the Year,” alongside awards across fashion, beauty, sports, music, food, and games. Additional categories include collaboration, comedy, and cultural impact.
“Together, these honors reflect the many ways creators spark conversations, build community, and define culture on Snapchat,” the company wrote in a blog post. “The Snappys reinforces Snapchat’s ongoing commitment to celebrating creators not just as users, but as artists, entertainers, and cultural leaders.”
Snapchat is the latest social media platform to launch awards for creators. Meta-owned Instagram introduced a new “Ring” award last October to recognize creators around the world. Instagram announced the 25 winners online, and each winner received a physical custom ring designed by English fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, along with a digital golden ring around their Instagram profile.
In November, TikTok launched its first-ever TikTok Awards show in the U.S. Like Snapchat, Instagram handed out category-specific awards, like “Creator of the Year,” “Video of the Year,” “Muse of the Year,” “Breakthrough Artist of the Year,” and more. It’s worth noting that TikTok has also hosted awards shows in other countries, including Germany, Mexico, and Korea.
Snapchat’s awards are more in line with TikTok’s, as it will also host a traditional awards show where the winners will be revealed live at the event. The company says the show will bring together “creators, industry leaders, and special guests.” One of the “special guests” is DJ Khaled, who will be receiving Snapchat’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.”
By launching awards, Snapchat and its rivals are positioning themselves as more than just social media apps and as notable players in the entertainment industry.
Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit
1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediately.
Offer ends March 13.
Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit
1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediately
Offer ends March 13.
The Snappys will be hosted by comedian and creator Matt Friend and will take place at Snap‘s Santa Monica headquarters. Snapchat says it will release more details, including lists of nominees, in the coming weeks.