Exhibit Influencer Awards (InfluencEX): Winners List

You pour your heart, soul, and countless hours into creating content that connects, entertains, and inspires. You build communities, spark conversations, and maybe even change perspectives. But let's be real – sometimes it feels like you're shouting into the digital void, right? 😅 That's where platforms like the Exhibit Influencer Awards, or InfluencEX as we affectionately call it, come in.

And guess what? The 2024 edition was extra special! 🥳 It marked the 5th anniversary of InfluencEX. Five years of celebrating digital brilliance! That's a significant milestone, showing how much the creator economy has grown and how vital these awards have become in acknowledging the architects of this new media era. So, let's break down who took home the honours in 2024 and what makes these awards tick.

Exhibit Influencer Awards 2024: Major Categories and Winners

These are the big ones, often decided through a mix of public votes and expert jury decisions. Winning here means you've truly captured the hearts and minds of both your audience and industry insiders. Let's see who shone the brightest in 2024:

Creator of the Year

This is the top honour, recognising creators who had a phenomenal year, demonstrating massive reach, impact, and influence.

Female: Prajakta Koli (MostlySane)

You probably know her, right? Prajakta has been a consistent force for years. Starting with relatable comedy sketches on YouTube, she's smoothly transitioned into acting (hello, Bollywood!) and advocacy (like her work as a UNDP Youth Climate Champion). 

Her win reflects her incredible versatility, her strong connection with her audience ("Dum Dum Fam!"), and her ability to stay relevant and authentic even as her star rises. She makes content that feels like talking to a friend, and that's a superpower. 🏆

Male: Faisal Shaikh (Mr. Faisu)

From short-form video stardom to becoming a multi-platform sensation, Faisal Shaikh's journey is remarkable. He commands a massive following with his entertaining videos, often blending dance, comedy, and lifestyle content. 

His participation in reality shows further boosted his visibility. Winning Creator of the Year shows his immense popularity and his knack for creating content that resonates widely, especially with younger audiences. He proves that entertainment value and audience connection are key. 🚀

Breakthrough Artist

This award celebrates a creator who made significant waves, perhaps branching into new territories or achieving remarkable growth and recognition during the year.

Winner: Bhuvan Bam (BB Ki Vines) 

Okay, calling Bhuvan Bam a "breakthrough" might sound funny because he's been a digital superstar for ages! But this likely recognises his successful transition beyond just YouTube sketches. With his web series 'Dhindora' becoming a massive hit and his move into OTT platforms and even music, Bhuvan demonstrated incredible artistic growth and the ability to translate his digital fame into mainstream success. He showed everyone how to scale creativity. Big ups, BB! 👏

Vlogger of the Year

Vlogging requires opening up your life, sharing experiences, and building a connection through personality-driven content.

Female: Bharti Singh

Known primarily as a powerhouse comedian and TV host, Bharti embraced vlogging, sharing unfiltered glimpses into her life as a new mom, her work routine, and candid moments with her husband, Haarsh. Her vlogs are loved for their humour, warmth, and utter relatability. She proves you can be a star on multiple platforms by just being yourself. Her win highlights the power of authenticity in vlogging. 😄

Male: Sourav Joshi

Sourav Joshi's daily vlogs are a phenomenon. Documenting his life, family interactions, and passion for art, he has built one of the largest and most engaged audiences in India, particularly among younger viewers. His consistency is legendary – uploading daily without fail requires incredible dedication. This award recognises his massive reach and his ability to make everyday life compelling viewing for millions. He's basically the king of daily vlogging consistency. 👑

Tech Content Creator of the Year

Making technology accessible and understandable is a valuable skill in our digital age.

Winner: Gaurav Chaudhary (Technical Guruji) 

When you think tech in India, you probably think Technical Guruji. Gaurav has been a dominant force in the tech space for years. His clear, concise explanations of complex gadgets, delivered in Hindi, have earned him immense trust and a huge following. 

He covers everything from smartphone reviews to tech news. This award reaffirms his position as the go-to source for tech information for millions, highlighting the importance of clarity and reliability in this niche. 📱💻

Makeup/Beauty Creator of the Year

This category celebrates creators who excel in makeup artistry, skincare advice, beauty trends, and tutorials.

Female: Mrunal Panchal

Mrunal is known for her stunning makeup transformations, creative looks, and engaging tutorials. She connects with her audience through her skills and personality, often sharing tips and tricks that her followers can easily try. Her content is visually appealing and inspiring for makeup enthusiasts. ✨

Male: Ankush Bahuguna

Ankush has carved a unique space in the Indian beauty scene. As a male creator focusing on makeup and skincare, he breaks stereotypes while bringing humour and relatability to his content. He makes beauty accessible and fun for everyone, regardless of gender. His win is a nod to his talent and his role in promoting inclusivity in the beauty community. 🙌

Fashion Creator of the Year

Fashion creators set trends, offer style inspiration, and showcase their unique aesthetic sensibilities.

Female: Komal Pandey

Komal is renowned for her high-fashion, editorial-style content. She doesn't just show outfits; she tells stories through fashion, creating visually stunning videos and lookbooks. Her unique style and bold choices have made her a major trendsetter. This award recognises her artistry and influence in the fashion domain. 🔥

Male: Sanket Mehta

Sanket brings energy and cool vibes to the fashion scene. Known for his street style, slick transitions, and often incorporating dance into his fashion reels, he connects with a young, trend-conscious audience. He makes fashion look effortless and fun. His win highlights his popularity and his knack for creating engaging, dynamic fashion content.🕺

Fitness Content Creator of the Year

These creators motivate and guide their audiences towards healthier lifestyles through workout routines, fitness tips, and wellness advice.

Female: Anshuka Parwani

Anshuka is a well-respected yoga and wellness expert, known for her work with several Bollywood celebrities. Her content focuses on yoga, Pilates, and holistic well-being. She promotes a balanced approach to fitness. This award recognises her expertise and her influence in the wellness space.🧘‍♀️

Male: Ankit Baiyanpuria

Ankit Baiyanpuria became a viral sensation, particularly for popularising the '75 Hard Challenge' with a desi twist. His straightforward, no-frills approach to fitness and discipline, often showcased through his 'Ram Ram Saryane' greeting, resonated deeply across India. His win is a testament to his incredible rise and motivational impact. 💪

Food Content Creator of the Year

From delicious recipes to mouth-watering visuals, these creators tantalize our taste buds and inspire us to get cooking (or ordering!).

Female: Kabita Singh (Kabita's Kitchen)

Kabita Singh runs one of the most popular cooking channels in India. Her strength lies in simple, easy-to-follow recipes, focusing on everyday Indian cooking. She makes cooking accessible to everyone, from beginners to experienced cooks. This award acknowledges her vast reach and her role in simplifying Indian cuisine for millions. 🍲

Male: Shivesh Bhatia

Shivesh is a master baker and food stylist. His content, primarily focused on desserts and baking, is known for its stunning aesthetics and beautiful photography. He makes baking look like an art form. His cookbooks are bestsellers too! This award celebrates his skill, creativity, and the visual appeal of his delicious creations. 🍰📸

Travel Content Creator of the Year

These creators fuel our wanderlust, sharing breathtaking visuals and compelling stories from their journeys around the globe (or just around the corner).

Female: Larissa D’sa

Larissa is known for her beautifully shot travel content, often highlighting solo travel experiences. Her vlogs and photos capture the essence of the places she visits, blending aesthetics with adventure. She inspires her audience to explore the world. 🌍✈️

Male: Anunay Sood

Anunay takes travel content to a cinematic level. His videos are known for their high production quality, stunning visuals, and emotional storytelling. He doesn't just show places; he evokes feelings associated with travel. This award recognises his skill in creating immersive and inspiring travel narratives. 🎬🏔️

Emerging Creator Awards

InfluencEX also makes it a point to recognise the rising stars – the creators who are making a mark and show immense potential. Keep an eye on these names!

• Lifestyle: Himadri Patel – Likely recognised for her engaging content capturing daily life, routines, and relatable moments.
• Fashion: Chirag Khanna – Probably making waves with his fresh style, trendsetting looks, or unique fashion perspective.
• Comic: Raghav Sharma – Likely bringing the laughs with relatable sketches, funny observations, or unique comedic timing.
• Beauty: Vishali Jaikumar – Probably gaining attention for her makeup skills, skincare tips, or fresh approach to beauty content.

Winning an Emerging Creator award is a huge encouragement. It says the industry sees your potential. Maybe next year, this could be your name on the list! 😉

Exhibit Influencer Awards: Editor’s Choice Awards

Beyond the main categories, the Exhibit team and jury also handpick creators for Editor's Choice Awards. These often recognise specific achievements, unique contributions, or creators who excel in ways that might not fit neatly into the broader categories. Think of it as a special nod from the experts!

Here's who got the Editor's Choice nods in 2024:

• Lifestyle Creator (Male): Rohit Zinjurke - Known for his popular lifestyle reels and connecting with a large audience.
• Lifestyle Creator (Female): Radhika Bangia - Recognised for her engaging lifestyle content, often infused with humour.
• Fashion Creator (Male): Mohak Narang - Appreciated for his distinct fashion sense and style influence.
• Fashion Creator (Female): Nitibha Kaul - Awarded for her chic style and contributions to fashion discourse.
• Comic Creator (Male): Vishnu Kaushal - Celebrated for his relatable comedy and sharp observational humour.
• Comic Creator (Female): Nisman Parpia (Niswoman) - Recognised for her unique brand of comedy and engaging content.
• Entertainer (Male): Arjun Pandey - Applauded for his entertaining content and ability to captivate audiences.
• Entertainer (Female): Twarita Nagar - Celebrated for her engaging personality and entertaining digital presence.
• Music Sensation (Male): Raghav Sachar - Acknowledged for his musical talent and multi-instrumental skills showcased online.
• Music Sensation (Female): Sai Godbole - Recognised for her vocal talent and engaging musical content.
• Entrepreneur: Parul Gulati - Celebrated for successfully blending her acting career with entrepreneurship (like her brand Nish Hair).
• Body Positivity Voice: Aastha Shah - Applauded for her advocacy and using her platform to promote body positivity, especially sharing her experience with Vitiligo.

These awards show the breadth of talent InfluencEX aims to recognise – it's not just about follower counts, but also about quality, impact, and unique voices.

Exhibit Influencer Awards: Special Awards

Some creators use their influence for something bigger – to drive conversations, advocate for change, or champion important causes. InfluencEX honours this impact through Special Awards.

1) Changemaker of the Year: Dhruv Rathee 

Dhruv Rathee is known for his informative videos that break down complex social and political issues. He uses his platform to educate his audience and encourage critical thinking. This award recognises his significant impact in making information accessible and fostering public discourse. 🗣️

2) LGBTQIA+ Voice of the Year: Ella D’Verma 

Ella uses her platform to share her experiences as a transwoman, advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility. She creates content that educates, empowers, and fosters understanding. This award celebrates her courage and her important contribution to representation. 🏳️‍🌈

3) Sustainability Voice of the Year: Pankti Pandey 

Pankti focuses on promoting sustainable living practices through her content. She shares tips on zero-waste living, conscious consumption, and environmental awareness in an accessible way. This award highlights her dedication to promoting a greener future. 🌱

4) Body Positivity Voice of the Year: Dolly Singh 

While also being a hugely popular comedian and entertainer, Dolly has consistently used her platform to talk about body image, self-love, and challenging unrealistic beauty standards. This award (separate from the Editor's Choice mention for Aastha Shah, showing the importance of the topic) recognises her influential voice in promoting body positivity and self-acceptance.💖

These Special Awards underscore that influence can, and should, be used for good. They celebrate creators who are making a real difference in the world.

InfluencEX Behind the Scenes: Insights into the Awards Process

So, how does all this magic happen? How are the winners chosen? It's not just pulling names out of a hat! InfluencEX prides itself on a structured process.

Nomination and Voting:

Typically, the process involves multiple stages. There might be an initial nomination phase where the public or creators themselves can submit entries. This is often followed by a shortlisting process by an internal team or jury. Then comes the crucial part: a combination of public voting and jury evaluation.

• Public Voting: This gives YOU, the audience and fellow creators, a say! Your fans can vote for you, showing their support and engagement. This often carries significant weight, especially in popular categories.
• Expert Panel/Jury: InfluencEX usually involves a panel of industry experts – marketers, brand managers, senior creators, media professionals. They evaluate nominees based on specific criteria, bringing an industry perspective to the table.

This blend aims for transparency and fairness, balancing popular appeal with expert assessment.

Judging Criteria:

What are the judges and the public looking for? While specifics might vary slightly each year, the core principles usually revolve around:

• Creativity & Originality: Is your content fresh? Do you have a unique style or perspective? Are you bringing new ideas to the table? Copycat content rarely wins awards. They want to see your spark. ✨
• Engagement: This isn't just about likes or follower numbers (though reach matters). It's about genuine connection. Are people commenting meaningfully? Are they sharing your content? Are you building an active, loyal community? High engagement rates often signal a stronger influence than just a large follower count. Recent studies, like those from 2023, consistently show that brands are increasingly valuing authentic engagement over vanity metrics.
• Authenticity & Relatability: Are you true to yourself? Does your personality shine through? Can your audience connect with you on a human level? In an age of curated perfection, authenticity stands out. Being real resonates. Research from platforms like Nielsen (around 2022-2023) often highlights that trust and authenticity are paramount for consumers engaging with influencer content.
• Content Quality: This covers production value (good audio/video, clear visuals), consistency in posting, and the overall professionalism of your feed or channel.
• Impact & Influence: Does your content actually make a difference? Does it entertain, inform, inspire action, or spark conversation? For special categories, this looks at social impact more directly.

Event Highlights:

The awards ceremony itself is usually a glitzy affair! Imagine a night filled with:

• Red Carpet Glamour: Creators showcasing their style. 📸
• Networking: A fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow influencers, brands, and industry folks. (Seriously, networking alone can be gold!)
• Performances: Often featuring talented creators or mainstream artists. 🎶
• Emotional Speeches: Winners sharing their gratitude and journey. 🎤
• Celebration: A night to recognise the hard work and achievements within the creator community.

The 2024 ceremony, being the 5th anniversary, likely had an extra layer of celebration and reflection on the industry's growth.

Why InfluencEX Awards Matter to YOU (Yes, You!)

Okay, so people win awards. Cool. But why should you, as a creator grinding away day after day, actually care about InfluencEX or similar awards? Let's break it down:

1) Validation: Like a Supercharged High-Five!

Let's be honest, creating content can sometimes feel thankless. An award like InfluencEX is powerful validation. It's recognition from people who get it – your peers, industry leaders, and your audience. It tells you that your late nights editing, your creative brainstorming, your efforts to connect... they matter. 

It's fuel for your creative fire! 🔥 Imagine telling your family, "Hey, I won Vlogger of the Year!" – it legitimises your passion and hard work.

2) Opportunities: Opening New Doors 🚪✨

Winning (or even just being nominated) can seriously boost your career. Here's how:

• Increased Brand Collaborations: Brands love working with award-winning creators. It adds credibility and assures them of quality and influence. You might find bigger brands reaching out, or you could potentially command higher rates for your work. Remember that GroupM INCA report predicting the Indian influencer market hitting ₹2,800 crore (around $340 million USD) by 2025? An award helps you stand out in that competitive space.
• Enhanced Visibility: Awards mean press coverage, features on Exhibit Magazine's platforms, and lots of social media buzz. This puts more eyes on you and your content, helping you reach a wider audience.
• Media Attention: You might get opportunities for interviews, features in articles, or even invites to speak at events.

3) Community: Finding Your Tribe

The awards aren't just about competition; they're about community. Attending the event, being nominated alongside peers, and celebrating wins together fosters connections. You become part of an esteemed network of top-tier creators. This can lead to:

• Collaborations: Meeting other talented creators can spark amazing collab ideas. Imagine a fashion winner collaborating with a travel winner!
• Support & Advice: Connecting with experienced creators who understand the challenges and triumphs of this path.
• Friendships: Building genuine connections with people who share your passion.

Being part of the InfluencEX alumni group carries weight and opens doors to a supportive and influential community.

How to Get Nominated for the InfluencEX 2025 Edition

Feeling inspired? Thinking, "Hey, maybe I could be on that stage next year?" YES, you absolutely could! 🙌 But it usually takes more than just hope. Here’s a friendly guide to potentially getting noticed for InfluencEX 2025:

Eligibility: Checking the Boxes

While the exact criteria for 2025 will be announced by Exhibit Magazine closer to the date, here are some general things they likely look for:

Active Creator: You need to be consistently creating and posting content on your primary platforms (Instagram, YouTube, etc.).

Based in India / Focus on Indian Audience: InfluencEX primarily focuses on the Indian creator ecosystem.

Minimum Follower Count/Reach: Sometimes there's a baseline requirement, which might differ by category. But remember, engagement often trumps sheer numbers!

Content Quality & Niche: Your content should be high-quality and clearly fit into one (or more) of the award categories.

Platform Guidelines Adherence: Your content must comply with the rules of the platforms you use (no hate speech, misinformation, etc.).

Timeframe: Awards usually consider performance over the preceding year (e.g., 2024 performance for the 2025 awards).

Submission Process: Getting Your Name in the Ring

Again, specifics will come later, but here’s a typical flow:

Stay Informed: Follow Exhibit Magazine and InfluencEX on social media and their website. They'll announce when nominations open, the categories, and the rules. Don't miss the deadlines! 🗓️

Nomination Form: There will likely be an online form. This might allow self-nomination, or rely on public/peer nominations. Be prepared to provide links to your profiles, maybe highlight some of your best work from the past year, and explain why you fit the category.

Campaign (If Public Voting is Involved): If there's a public voting phase, you'll need to rally your community! Let your followers know you've been nominated and how they can support you. Make it easy for them to vote. Use Instagram Stories, posts, maybe even a dedicated video.

Portfolio (Possibly): For some categories, especially judged ones, you might need to submit a portfolio or a showreel highlighting your best work and impact. Start thinking now about what pieces best represent you.

Tips for Success: Upping Your Chances!

Okay, here's the mentor-mode advice. 😉 Want to increase your odds for 2025? Start now.

Consistency is Your Best Friend: Post regularly, maintain your quality. Algorithms favour consistency, and so do awards panels looking at your track record. Find a sustainable schedule.

Nail Your Niche & Voice: What makes you unique? Don't try to be everyone. Double down on what you do best and the audience you serve. Is it your humour? Your aesthetic? Your expertise? Own it! Example: Riya (@HypotheticalRiya) loved sustainable fashion and DIY. She combined them, creating unique upcycling tutorials with a fun, chatty style. Her niche focus helped her grow 10k engaged followers in 3 months because she offered something specific and authentic.

Engage Like You Mean It: Don't just post and ghost! Reply to comments, answer DMs (as much as feasible), ask questions, run polls. Build a real community. High engagement rates are GOLD. ✨ Remember the judging criteria? Engagement is key!

Level Up Your Quality: Invest time (and maybe a little money if possible) in improving your content. Good lighting, clear audio, clean edits – these things make a difference. You don't need Hollywood gear, but effort shows.

Be Authentically YOU: Seriously, this is crucial. Don't pretend to be someone you're not. Audiences connect with real people. Share your quirks, your journey (the ups and downs!). Authenticity builds trust, and trust builds influence.

Collaborate Strategically: Work with other creators whose vibe matches yours. It exposes you to new audiences and shows you're active in the community.

Show Your Impact: How does your content help, entertain, or inspire? Collect screenshots of positive comments or testimonials. If you've driven sales for a brand (ethically, of course!), track that. Demonstrable impact is powerful.

Network (Online & Offline): Engage with other creators respectfully online. If possible, attend industry events. Build genuine connections.

Understand the Platform: Know the trends and features of your main platform (e.g., Reels on Instagram, Shorts on YouTube). Adapt and experiment!

Think of the 2024 winners. What did they do well? Prajakta's relatability, Sourav's consistency, Technical Guruji's clarity, Komal's unique style, Ankit's motivation. Learn from them, but find your path.

Conclusion: Your Turn to Shine? ✨

The Exhibit Influencer Awards (InfluencEX) are more than just an awards show. They are a barometer of the vibrant, ever-evolving creator economy in India. They celebrate the hard work, creativity, and impact of digital storytellers like Prajakta Koli, Faisal Shaikh, Bhuvan Bam, and so many others who graced the stage in the milestone 5th-anniversary edition in 2024.

For you, as a creator, these awards represent opportunity: the chance for validation, increased visibility, exciting collaborations, and connection with an amazing community. Seeing the winners across diverse categories – from tech and fashion to comedy and social change – shows there's space for all kinds of talent.

Getting nominated or winning isn't magic. It comes down to consistently creating valuable, authentic content, genuinely connecting with your audience, and understanding what makes an impact. The tips we discussed? They aren't just for winning awards; they're for building a sustainable and successful career as a creator.

So, as you look towards InfluencEX 2025, don't just dream about it. Start planning. Start creating. Start engaging. Focus on your craft, tell your story, and build your community. You have a unique voice and perspective the world needs to hear. Maybe, just maybe, next year will be your year to shine on the InfluencEX stage. Go for it! 🚀

Key Takeaways & Actionable Checklist for Aspiring InfluencEX Nominees

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to keep you focused:

✅ Define Your Unique Value: What's your niche? What makes your content stand out? Write it down!

✅ Commit to Consistency: Create a realistic content schedule you can stick to. Quality + Regularity = Winning Combo.

✅ Prioritize Engagement: Set aside time daily/weekly to respond to comments, DMs, and interact with your community. Ask them questions!

✅ Focus on Authenticity: Be yourself! Share your personality. Don't chase trends that don't feel right for you.

✅ Elevate Content Quality: Identify one area to improve (e.g., lighting, editing, storytelling) and work on it.

✅ Network & Collaborate: Reach out to 1-2 creators this month for potential collaboration or just to connect.

✅ Track Your Impact: Save positive comments/messages. Note any key achievements (growth milestones, successful campaigns).

✅ Stay Updated: Follow Exhibit Magazine/InfluencEX for 2025 announcements (Set a reminder!).

✅ Believe in Your Work: Confidence (not arrogance!) shows. Be proud of the content you create.