Google has launched the 2026 YouTube Works Awards Southeast Asia (SEA) in collaboration with professional services organization Deloitte, shining a spotlight on the region’s most creative and results-driven campaigns on YouTube.
The awards celebrate brands, agencies, and creators who combine storytelling flair with measurable business impact.
The 2026 edition will feature returning categories such as The Big Bang for standout launch campaigns; Multiformat Storytelling for effective storytelling across Shorts, long-form, and Connected TV format; and Brands & Creators, which honors impactful collaborations between creators and brands.
Additional categories include Masters of Media, Best of Festive, Best of Market, Agency of the Year, and The Grand Prix, which is awarded to the best overall campaign in Southeast Asia.
This Year, YouTube Works Awards is introducing the Best Use of AI for Creative category, which recognized campaigns that leverage generative AI to enhance creativity, personalize content at scale, and foster novel audience engagement. Submissions in this category will be evaluated for “Human-AI Synergy,” assessing how human talent leveraged AI as a catalyst for innovationt driving technological innovation.
Filipino campaigns have previously made their mark, with GCash reaching the regional stage in 2025 for its #GSafeTayo video ad campaign, the sole Philippine entry competing against other Southeast Asian campaigns.
Deloitte will oversee the methodology and judging process, with winners selected by a distinguished panel of marketing, media, and creative leaders from across the region.
Entries may be submitted through the official portal until April 30. The eligibility period for submissions covers campaigns run from March 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.
