2019 Winners (archive copy)

A Night of Digital Distinction: The 2019 Influencer Awards Monaco

The 2019 edition of the Influencer Awards Monaco marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital influence. Held against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mediterranean, the ceremony once again transformed Monaco into the global epicenter of content creation, celebrating the individuals and collectives who had redefined storytelling, community building, and brand collaboration throughout the year. The evening was a testament to the growing legitimacy of influence as a professional craft—a space where creativity, authenticity, and strategic vision intersect. From the red carpet arrivals to the final trophy presentation, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of purpose and celebration. Attendees included not only the nominees and winners but also industry leaders, luxury brand executives, and members of the international press, all gathered to honor those who had moved the needle in the digital sphere.

The 2019 ceremony was particularly notable for its emphasis on diversity and cross-platform excellence. While Instagram remained a dominant force, the awards recognized that true influence now spanned YouTube, TikTok, blogs, and emerging visual platforms. The jury—composed of seasoned media professionals, former winners, and marketing experts—faced the formidable task of selecting winners from a pool of exceptionally talented creators. Each category was designed to reflect the multifaceted nature of modern influence, from lifestyle and fashion to technology, travel, and social impact. The winners were not merely popular; they were pioneers who had leveraged their platforms to foster genuine connections, spark conversations, and inspire action.

Celebrating Craft: The Major Categories of 2019

The core categories of the 2019 Influencer Awards Monaco showcased the breadth of talent within the industry. Best Fashion Influencer honored those who had elevated personal style into a narrative art form, blending high-end couture with accessible trends. Winners in this category demonstrated an uncanny ability to curate visual feeds that felt both aspirational and relatable, often collaborating with luxury maisons in ways that felt organic rather than transactional. Meanwhile, the Best Travel Influencer category recognized storytellers who transported audiences to remote corners of the world, capturing not just destinations but the emotions and cultures that define them. Their content went beyond beautiful sunsets; it included responsible travel advocacy, immersive local experiences, and a deep respect for the communities they featured.

In the realm of lifestyle, the Best Lifestyle Influencer award celebrated creators who had built entire ecosystems around their passions—whether that meant home decor, wellness routines, or culinary adventures. These influencers had mastered the art of the everyday, turning mundane moments into aspirational content that resonated with millions. The Best Tech Influencer category was equally competitive, highlighting individuals who demystified complex gadgets, software, and digital trends for a mainstream audience. Their reviews, tutorials, and deep dives were marked by clarity, honesty, and a genuine enthusiasm for innovation. Beyond these, the Best Social Impact Influencer award stood out as a reminder that influence carries responsibility. Winners in this category had used their platforms to drive awareness for critical issues—from environmental sustainability to mental health and social justice—proving that digital reach could translate into tangible change.

The Art of Visual Storytelling: Photography and Videography

No discussion of the 2019 awards would be complete without acknowledging the visual mastery on display. The ceremony dedicated specific honors to Best Photography and Best Videography, recognizing that the foundation of all great influence is compelling visual content. The photography winners demonstrated an exceptional eye for composition, lighting, and narrative—each image telling a story that required no caption. Whether capturing the golden hour on a Monaco terrace or the raw energy of a street market in Marrakech, these creators understood that a single frame could hold the power to inspire wanderlust, evoke emotion, or spark a trend.

Videography winners, on the other hand, had mastered the moving image. Their content ranged from cinematic travel documentaries to fast-paced, witty short-form sketches. The common thread was a meticulous attention to editing, sound design, and pacing. Many of the winning videos had gone viral not by accident but by design, employing hooks, cliffhangers, and emotional arcs that kept viewers engaged from the first second to the last. The 2019 ceremony underscored that video was no longer an afterthought in the influencer’s toolkit—it was the primary vehicle for connection in an increasingly visual digital landscape.

Building Communities: The Power of Engagement and Authenticity

One of the most compelling themes of the 2019 Influencer Awards Monaco was the celebration of community. The Best Community Engagement award went to creators who had cultivated not just followers but genuine communities—spaces where dialogue flourished, where fans felt seen and heard. These influencers prioritized interaction over broadcasting, responding to comments, hosting Q&A sessions, and even involving their audiences in content decisions. The result was a loyalty that transcended algorithmic changes and platform shifts. In an era where metrics often dominate the conversation, the 2019 awards reminded everyone that the true currency of influence is trust.

This focus on authenticity was also reflected in the Best Brand Collaboration category. Here, the jury looked for partnerships that felt seamless and sincere—campaigns where the influencer’s voice remained intact while effectively communicating a brand’s message. The winners had achieved a rare balance: they had created sponsored content that audiences actually wanted to watch, share, and discuss. Whether through a limited-edition product line, a heartfelt documentary-style series, or an interactive social media challenge, these collaborations set a new standard for how brands and creators could work together. The 2019 ceremony proved that when done right, brand partnerships elevate both parties, driving commercial success without sacrificing artistic integrity.

Rising Stars and New Frontiers

The 2019 Influencer Awards Monaco also looked to the future with its Rising Star and Breakthrough Creator categories. These awards were specifically designed to spotlight emerging talent—individuals who had achieved remarkable growth and impact within a relatively short period. The winners in these categories were often characterized by their fearlessness: they experimented with new formats, tackled niche subjects, and built audiences from the ground up with little more than a smartphone and a powerful idea. Their presence at the ceremony was a reminder that the influencer industry is not static; it is constantly refreshed by new voices and perspectives that challenge the status quo.

Additionally, the Best International Influencer category highlighted the global nature of digital culture. Winners hailed from diverse regions—Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond—bringing unique cultural contexts to their content. This category celebrated the fact that influence knows no borders; a creator in Seoul could inspire trends in São Paulo, and a vlogger in London could build a loy awards honored this interconnectedness, showcasing how digital platforms have democratized fame and allowed talent to shine regardless of geography. The ceremony itself, held in the cosmopolitan principality of Monaco, served as a physical manifestation of this global village—a place where creators from every corner of the world could come together to share ideas, celebrate achievements, and inspire one another.

A Legacy of Inspiration: The Impact of the 2019 Ceremony

Looking back, the 2019 Influencer Awards Monaco was more than just a night of trophies and accolades. It was a statement that digital influence had come of age—a profession worthy of recognition, respect, and rigorous standards. The winners of that year went on to shape trends, launch successful ventures, and continue pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a creator. For the audience watching from home, the ceremony offered a curated look at the best the industry had to offer, serving as both inspiration and a benchmark for aspiring influencers. For brands and marketers, it provided a clear signal of which creators were not just popular but truly influential—capable of driving culture, not merely reflecting it.

The legacy of the 2019 awards endures in the ongoing evolution of the influencer landscape. Many of the categories introduced that year have become mainstays, and the conversations sparked on that Monaco evening—about authenticity, diversity, and the responsibility of influence—continue to shape the industry today. As new platforms emerge and audience behaviors shift, the 2019 ceremony remains a touchstone: a reminder of a time when the world gathered to celebrate the art of digital connection, and to honor those who had mastered it. For anyone who attended, watched, or aspired to be part of that world, the 2019 Influencer Awards Monaco was an unforgettable chapter in the story of modern creativity.