Google has opened submissions for the 2026 edition of the YouTube Works Awards Southeast Asia, spotlighting campaigns that combine creativity with measurable business impact across the region’s fast-growing digital economy.
Organized in partnership with Deloitte, the annual awards recognize brands and agencies that effectively use YouTube to drive return on investment, audience engagement, and broader marketing results.
This year’s program retains several core categories, including The Big Bang for product launches, Multiformat Storytelling across video formats, and Masters of Media for strategic execution.
Other categories highlight creator collaborations, festive campaigns, and top-performing local entries, alongside Agency of the Year honors and the Grand Prix for the region’s best overall campaign.
A new category, Best Use of AI for Creative, marks a notable addition for 2026, reflecting the growing role of artificial intelligence in advertising.
The category will recognize campaigns that use generative AI to enhance creative development — whether through large-scale personalization, new forms of audience interaction, or innovative production techniques.
Entries will be evaluated based on “human-AI synergy,” focusing on how teams use technology to augment, rather than replace, creative thinking.
AI-powered creativity drives growth, entries open regionwide
“AI is increasingly becoming a collaborative partner in unlocking new creative frontiers,” said Prep Palacios, noting that the company aims to promote responsible and transparent use of the technology in marketing.
The awards come as Southeast Asia continues to see strong growth in digital video consumption, with brands investing more heavily in content that delivers both reach and measurable outcomes.
Prep Palacios, Google’s new country manager for the Philippines
Philippine participation has also gained traction. In 2025, fintech platform GCash advanced to the regional stage with its #GSafeTayo campaign, the only entry from the country to compete against other Southeast Asian markets.
For the 2026 edition, Deloitte will oversee the judging process, with winners to be selected by a panel of marketing, media, and creative leaders from across the region.
Submissions are open until April 30, 2026, covering campaigns that ran between March 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026.
