More businesses are using Facebook and Instagram to connect with audiences and tell stories than ever before and the Facebook Awards showcase the power of Facebook and Instagram as creative canvases.

The 2015 Awards represented their biggest and most inspiring creative collection yet. Facebook reviewed over 2700 submissions from 160 countries that offered a snapshot of the state of creativity and innovation across Facebook, Instagram and the entire industry.

With so many countries outside the U.S submitting their work for the 2015 Awards, it was clear Facebook had to further internationalise this year's awards so they could celebrate more work in more countries. But more internationalisation is only one of the new things they are doing this year:

What's new in 2016

Internationalizing the Awards Program

All countries will now have the ability to be recognised for great work within their region, with local creative executives from each region as judges at the Regional Voting Events. Regional awards: Best of APAC, Best of EMEA, Best of LATAM and Best of NA.

The top winners from each Regional Voting Events will move to the Global Judging Event.

The judging process is in three rounds this year due to the volume of entrants - April: Members of the Facebook Creative Shop will review the submissions and announce those moving on to the Regional Voting Events - May: Regional Voting Events take place and Best of APAC, LATAM, NA, and EMEA are selected; and June: The top winners of each Regional Voting Events will move to the Global Judging Event in NYC, where Global Creative Council will select the best campaigns in each category.

Facebook Awards + SMB

For the first time ever, the Facebook Awards will recognise small business advertisers who have earned effective, eye-opening results. Winners of this category will also receive FB Ad Credits.
 
Updated Categories
Recognising more aspects of creative excellence in marketing and effective business results. 
  • Best Use of Facebook family of brands: Awarded to the most creative, original and well-executed Facebook and/or Instagram campaign concepts. Example: Lexus 1000 to 1; 
  • Innovation: Awarded to campaigns that aren’t only creative, but engage audiences in ways we’ve never seen before. Example: GT Ride – Viral Gaming for Kia; 
  • Small business: Awarded to those who successfully captured the attention of local audiences and drove gained results with creative thinking on Facebook and Instagram; 
  • Social for good: Awarded to charitable/non-profit org campaigns that creatively and successfully raise awareness and drive positive social change using Facebook or Instagram. Example: ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, Kafa; and 
  • Integrated: Awarded to campaigns that creatively use Facebook as part of a larger, overall media mix. Example: P&G Always “Like a Girl”
All Mobile Entry & Judging Process
For the first time ever, the entry and judging process will be entirely mobile.

For more information, visit the website.