Content Creator Awards responds to creators influence on culture and commerce with Cars.co.za partnership and three new categories!

The creator economy is no longer a niche corner of the internet. It has become one of the most influential forces shaping how South Africans discover products, consume entertainment, engage with brands and participate in culture.

Recognising the growing impact of creators across every aspect of modern media, the Content Creator Awards has announced a new partnership with Cars.co.za and the introduction of two new award categories for 2026.

Now in its fourth edition, the awards celebrate the creators, brands and agencies producing the content that captures attention, sparks conversation and influences behaviour across South Africa’s digital landscape.

“The Content Creator Awards continues to champion creators not simply as influencers, but as entrepreneurs, entertainers, storytellers and cultural drivers who are shaping the future of media in South Africa,” says Manuela Dias de Deus, founder of the awards and the agency behind them One-eyed Jack.

One of the clearest examples of this shift can be seen in the automotive sector.

For decades, motoring conversations were largely driven by traditional media and specialist publications. Today, some of the country’s most influential automotive content comes from creators documenting real-life experiences online, from first-car purchases and family road trips to practical ownership advice, off-road adventures and aspirational dream car content.

Consumers are turning to creators they trust for insights that feel authentic, relatable and relevant to their everyday lives. In recognition of this evolution, the Content Creator Awards has partnered with Cars.co.za as the official Automotive Category Partner.

Nicole Capper Austin, Chief Marketing Officer at Cars.co.za, believes creators are playing a significant role in making automotive content more accessible, emotional and engaging for South African audiences.

“Our goal is to produce content that is useful, locally relevant and genuinely helps South Africans navigate the realities of mobility and car ownership with greater confidence. Through the Cars.co.za Automotive Content Award, we’re excited to recognise creators who are contributing meaningfully to that conversation.”

The winner of the Automotive Content Award will receive a R10,000 cash prize courtesy of Cars.co.za.

Reflecting a changing creator landscape

Alongside the new partnership, the awards have introduced three additional categories that reflect the rapid evolution of online content creation and audience behaviour.

“Online platforms have become some of the most powerful storytelling spaces in South Africa,” says Dias de Deus. “These new categories reflect the incredible diversity of creativity we’re seeing across the creator economy, from comedy and  music to niche communities and lifestyle storytelling. We want the awards to grow alongside the industry and continue creating meaningful opportunities for creators to be recognised, discovered and celebrated.”

Music & Audio

Sound of Tomorrow Award

The Sound of Tomorrow Award recognises emerging music creators and artists who are using digital platforms to build audiences, create momentum and establish themselves as exciting new voices in South African music.

As social media increasingly becomes the first place audiences discover new music, the category acknowledges the creators and artists leveraging content to build communities and accelerate their careers.

Best Comedy Content Creator Award

South African humour has found a thriving home online, with creators generating millions of views through skits, satire, characters, parody and observational comedy.

From iconic characters and sharp satire to skits, parody and beautifully awkward everyday observations, the category recognises creators consistently building communities through humour and entertainment. 

Podcast of the Year Award

As podcasts continue to shape public discourse and create new opportunities for creators to connect with audiences, this category honours the voices driving the medium forward.

Arts & Entertainment

The Podcast of the Year Award celebrates creators who are producing compelling audio content that informs, entertains and engages listeners. From insightful interviews and thought-provoking discussions to storytelling, culture, business and comedy, the category recognises podcasts that have built loyal audiences through consistency, creativity and meaningful conversations.

The Awards

Built around integrity and industry growth, the awards also continues to support the South African Content Creator Charter and responsible digital publishing standards aligned with the IAB and Advertising Regulatory Board.

Key Dates

• Entries Open: 14 May 2026
• Entries Close: Sunday, 28 June 2026
• Workshops & Industry Sessions: July 2026
• Awards Ceremony: October 2026

How to Enter

• Visit Content Creator Awards
• Entrants must be 18 years or older.
• Multiple entries allowed across categories (one per category).