The digital medium, which was once considered an extension of traditional media campaigns, is now often the starting point, driving strategy, cultural participation and real-time engagement for brands. The digital categories at ABBY Awards 2026 are a reflection of this new reality, highlighting work spanning performance-driven campaigns, creator-led branded content, social media films, integrated communication, and more.
As the competition intensifies, IMPACT speaks to contenders in digital and integrated communication categories, who share the insights that shaped their shortlisted work this year, and what they look forward to the most at Goafest.
Dipshika Ravi
National Creative Director, Schbang
“This year, Schbang has pushed the boundaries of storytelling across formats and content—from long-format narratives and AI-led experiments to meme culture, all executed with a fresh perspective. With a strong line-up of entries this year, we are hopeful of bringing home a few metals in the film category. One of the most exciting shifts this year has been the rise of humour-led work across categories. It’s refreshing to see the industry rewire the way we approach content and campaigns, proving that entertainment and effectiveness can go hand-in-hand.”
Ashish Khazanchi
Managing Partner, Enormous
“We have several entries this year, and are pretty excited about campaigns we did for Lahori Jeera, Photographic Society of India, Ralson Tyres and Britannia, among others. We are going there to have a good time. The team will let their hair down. It is also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with a lot of people from the industry and adjacent industries, and see the best work get celebrated on the stage there.”
Gour Gupta
Chairman, Tribes
“As an indigenous Indian agency, Tribes brings work to the ABBY Awards that reflects a deep understanding of culture, community and business impact. This year, a significant part of our entries is centred on sustainability and purpose-led initiatives, where creativity has been used to drive awareness, participation and meaningful change at scale. Our work across digital and integrated engagement categories is a result of strong collaboration between strategy, creative and on-ground teams. For us, Goafest is not just about winning awards, but about participating alongside the best minds in the industry and showcasing work that creates real value for clients and communities alike.”
Raghav Bagai
Co-founder, SW Network
“SW Network is bringing a diverse mix of work across automotive, retail, digital, activations and branded content at ABBY Awards 2026. Key entries include ‘Is Taht a Typo?’, ‘Your Five to Nine’ and ‘The Cake Billboard’. For us, ABBY Awards is an opportunity to celebrate bold ideas, meaningful storytelling and impactful brand conversations. We are looking forward to seeing how the industry is evolving across digital, creator-led and integrated campaigns, while also connecting with peers and creative talent.”
Ashish Tambe
National Creative Director, Social Beat
“At Social Beat, we’re taking work to ABBYs that proves influencers can do far more than just amplify a message—they can drive culture. One campaign turned sunscreen into entertainment through an Instagram microdrama series. The other used creators to hold up a mirror to everyday gender bias and spark uncomfortable but necessary conversations. We’re excited about work that doesn’t just trend for a day, but shifts behaviour, perception and the role creators can play in modern storytelling.”
- Compiled by Raaina Jain
