Snapchat is venturing into the awards show arena with “The Snappys,” its first-ever event dedicated to recognizing the creators who have cultivated a significant presence on the platform. The show, designed to celebrate “the creators shaping culture on Snapchat,” will capture place on March 31 at Snap’s Santa Monica headquarters, bringing together influencers, industry leaders, and special guests, according to announcements made on February 25, 2026 via Snapchat’s newsroom and The Hollywood Reporter.
The inaugural awards show will be hosted by comedian and creator Matt Friend, who has built a following on Snapchat itself. Friend expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Snapchat has always been the place where I can be completely myself – it’s where some of the most creative, original voices are building real communities every single day,” as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. He added that hosting the show feels “full circle” given his own growth on the platform.
The Snappys will honor creators across a range of categories, including entertainment, comedy, music, sports, and beauty. Specific awards will include “Spotlight MVP,” “Best Storyteller,” and “Breakout Creator of the Year,” alongside recognition for excellence in fashion, food, and games. Additional categories will acknowledge collaboration, comedy, and cultural impact as detailed in TechCrunch. Snapchat’s head of content partnerships, Jim Shepherd, emphasized that the awards show is “a reflection of how powerful the creator community on Snapchat has develop into.”
DJ Khaled to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to DJ Khaled, recognizing his influence as a creator, artist, and entrepreneur. This honor acknowledges his lasting cultural impact and contributions to the platform, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Snapchat’s move to establish an awards show aligns with a broader trend among social media giants to recognize and reward their creator ecosystems.
Snapchat is not the first platform to launch creator awards. Meta’s Instagram introduced the “Ring” award in October 2025, offering custom rings to 25 creators globally as noted by TechCrunch. TikTok also launched its first U.S. Awards show in November 2025, with categories like “Creator of the Year” and “Video of the Year.” However, Snapchat’s approach mirrors TikTok’s by hosting a traditional awards show with a live reveal of winners, rather than simply announcing them online.
The Snappys Awards Show represents Snapchat’s commitment to celebrating creators not merely as users, but as artists and cultural leaders. The event aims to foster a stronger connection between the platform and the individuals who drive engagement and shape trends within the Snapchat community. The show is expected to be “unexpected, unfiltered, and all about Snap Stars,” as Matt Friend described it.
As Snapchat continues to evolve as a platform for creative expression, The Snappys Awards Show signals a significant investment in its creator base. The event’s success will likely influence future strategies for supporting and recognizing the individuals who contribute to Snapchat’s unique cultural landscape. The March 31st event will be closely watched by industry observers as a potential model for other social media platforms seeking to strengthen their relationships with creators.
What are your thoughts on Snapchat’s new awards show? Share your predictions for the winners in the comments below!
