Content creators from around the world have just under a week left to try and win the the first ever “One Billion Award”, a million dollar prize that recognises excellence in content creation. The prize is being offered by New Media Academy, the organiser of Dubai-based content creator event The 1 Billion Followers Summit.
Believed to be the largest award of its kind, the One Billion Award aims to promote the positive role of content creation and encourage creators of meaningful and impactful content that inspires and shapes purposeful change. Applications must be made through the 1 Billion Followers Summit website, by the November 30 deadline. A judging panel will evaluate entries in December, before selecting ten finalists.
The Summit itself takes place from January 11-13, and the award winner will be named on the final day. Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs in the UAE government, said, “The launch of this award embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, for establishing the UAE as a hub for innovative and impactful content creation. It serves as an inspiring platform for a generation of new voices and reinforces the potential for positive and meaningful change those voices embody, promoting a culture of giving, compassion and communication without borders or boundaries. It also underlines the opportunity young people today have to shape their own future prosperity through creating powerful and relatable narratives.”
Applicants need to provide details about their projects via the entry portal. Among key criteria, the content should have scientific, cultural, humanitarian, and social value, promoting unity and supporting sustainability. Content should be innovative and original and adhere to the standards and policies of social media platforms and meet established quality and design standards. The content should foster and demonstrate interaction and engagement with a broad audience. The award is also open for third party nominations of content creators who contribute to their communities and promote informative content, caring values and messages of social good.
The 2025 Summit will be the third edition. Last year’s event drew around over 7,000 participants, including more than 3,000 content creators. Over 300 million social media interactions were generated, with numerous alliances sealed between creators and production companies. This year, around 5000 content creators will attend. There is also a broad-based conference and workshop programme at the Summit.
New Media Academy is a hub for content creation and education that aims to spearhead the presence of Arabs across social media platforms It was launched in June 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
