"The response to this year's awards has been incredibly encouraging," says Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder of the Content Creator Awards and the agency behind them, One-eyed Jack.

"We've heard from creators across the country who are still putting the finishing touches on their entries, selecting the work they're most proud of and trying to fit submissions into already demanding schedules," adds Dias de Deus. "We want to make sure great work has every opportunity to be seen, so extending the deadline felt like the right thing to do."

As the creator economy matures, so does the need for smarter tools that understand influence. The 2026 edition of the awards welcomes Humanz as the Official Creator Intelligence and Data Partner, says the agency.

Humanz uses AI-powered technology to provide deeper creator insights, helping identify meaningful engagement, audience connection and creator impact in a way that's more transparent and data-informed, adds the agency.

At this year's awards, Humanz will support the judging and shortlisting process with performance insights that help ensure standout creators are recognised not just for reach, but for real audience resonance, says the agency.

Why Enter

The Content Creator Awards has aimed to become a recognised benchmark for excellence in South Africa's creator economy. Being shortlisted or winning places creators alongside industry talent and aims to provide independent recognition of the quality, influence and impact of their work, says the agency.

For creators, brands and agencies alike, the awards aims to represent a standard of excellence in an increasingly professional and competitive industry, adds the agency.

Enter at Content Creator Awards

Key Dates:

  • Entries Open: Thursday, 14 May.
  • Entries Close: Sunday, 5 July.
  • Press Launch and Nominee Announcement: July.
  • Workshops and Industry Sessions: July to August.
  • Awards Ceremony: October.
  • Entrants must be 18 years or older.
  • Multiple entries allowed across categories (one per category).

For more information, visit www.contentcreatorawards.co.za. You can also follow One-eyed Jack on Facebook, or on X.

*Image courtesy of contributor