For three decades, the Webbys have defined excellence online, setting the standard for creativity, innovation, and impact across every era of the Internet. As we mark our milestone 30th year, we’re expanding our recognition to capture what’s shaping culture right now. At the center of that evolution? Artificial Intelligence.

A New Dedicated Suite of AI Honors

AI is transforming every industry, from health to entertainment, education to design. This year, The Webby Awards is introducing a full suite of dedicated AI categories that spotlight the tools, applications, and innovations that are setting new benchmarks for creative and technical excellence. We’ve split them into two category types: AI Experiences & Applications and AI Features & Innovation. 

AI Experiences & Applications

Celebrating how AI is shaping the way we live, work, and play, these categories honor outstanding use of AI across sectors, including:

• Travel, Transportation & Hospitality
• Creative Tools
• Data Visualization & Reporting
• E-commerce & Retail
• Education, Learning & Training
• Consumer Applications
• Financial Services
• Health & Wellness
• Productivity & Work Tools
• Public Service & Activism
• Entertainment & Media
• Arts, Culture & Events
• Creativity & Storytelling
• Marketing or Branding
• Visual Design

AI Features & Innovation

These categories recognize technical breakthroughs, responsible practices, and innovative features, including:

• Best AI Agent
• AI Innovation in Energy & Sustainability
• AI Innovation in Healthcare & Life Sciences
• Best AI Technical Achievement
• Best AI User Experience (UX)
• Best Product or Service
• Best Real-Time Engagement
• Best Responsible AI Implementation
• Best Use of AI Voice & Conversational Interface
• Experimental & Innovation

And because AI touches nearly every aspect of the Internet today, new honors are also embedded across the competition, from Best AI Integration in Social to Best Creative Use of AI & Technology in Website Features & Design. We expect AI will come to be utilized as a creative tool widely, across other categories as well. In these cases, we’ll be evaluating whether the work submitted is innovative, useful, well made, and if it resonates with its intended audience. That remains the standard for every entry, with or without AI.

If context about AI use helps judges understand the ambition, innovative nature, or decisions behind the work, you are welcome to include it in a case film or supplemental materials. It is optional.

How We’re Approaching AI at The Webbys

For thirty years, each new wave of technology has reshaped creative work online and it’s exciting, confusing, and disruptive all at once. The Webbys exist to make sense of those shifts: to set standards, celebrate excellence, and help the community move forward.

This season, our approach to AI is grounded in three decades of experience watching technology mature and creators adapt. Our guiding principle is simple: when AI is used, it should enhance the experience, solve real problems, and be applied with integrity.

We believe trust and credibility are essential. Innovation only matters when audiences believe in it. That’s why we reward work that earns and sustains trust, whether through responsible data use, ethical deployment, or transparency about how AI supports the vision.

How Judges Will Evaluate AI Work

At The Webbys, jurors focus on the audience’s direct experience of the work. In AI-specific categories, they’ll consider four key dimensions:

• Concept – Is the idea unique, valuable, and leveraging AI in a meaningful way?
• Execution – Does the work deliver on its promise with seamless functionality and thoughtful integration?
• Ethical Practices – Is AI used responsibly, with fairness, transparency, and accountability?
• Overall Experience – Do all elements come together to create an engaging, trustworthy, and lasting experience?

Read the [full criteria here].

Why It Matters

AI is now embedded in workflows, creative processes, and products everywhere. By introducing these dedicated categories, The Webbys aim to do what we’ve always done: spotlight the work that sets the bar, shapes cultural norms, and defines what excellence looks like in a fast-changing Internet.

We know this space is evolving quickly. We’ll continue listening to creators, technologists, and audiences, refining our standards as we go. For now, we can’t wait to see how you’re using AI to create the Internet’s next breakthrough.

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Entries Are Now Open For The 30th Annual Webby Awards!

Secure best pricing and enter by the Early Entry Deadline on Friday, October 24th. Discover the industry titans judging work this year and the impact of a Webby Win on your business.