What makes a fleeting Instagram Story or Reel stay with us long after we’ve scrolled past? The Vivid Award celebrates storytellers who transform short-form visuals into narratives that spark reflection, connection, and action. In a space where attention is brief and competition is constant, these creators prove that storytelling on Instagram isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about weaving moments into meaning. Their work shows how a well-paced Reel, a thoughtfully structured carousel, or a single Story can shape perspective in ways words alone cannot.

Jay Shetty Transforms Complex Ideas

One creator who stands out to me on Instagram for narrative excellence is Jay Shetty. His use of Reels and carousels blends personal storytelling with visual clarity, making complex ideas about mindset and growth accessible. What I admire is how he layers pacing—starting with a relatable hook, building tension through imagery, and closing with a clear takeaway. At Edumentors, we’ve applied a similar approach by showcasing student journeys through short-form content: beginning with a challenge, highlighting the learning process, and ending with a tangible achievement. It works because people don’t just want information, they want a story they can see themselves in.

Tornike Asatiani, CEO, Edumentors

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Leah Thomas Makes Environmental Action Accessible

I’d highlight Leah Thomas. She brings environmental issues to life with content that’s approachable, visually strong, and easy to follow. Her Reels and carousels often break down complex topics into stories that feel personal and actionable.

That’s the kind of storytelling that inspires change. In our world, we see the same need, taking something as technical as e-waste and making it clear why it matters and how anyone can take part. Leah shows that sustainability doesn’t have to be abstract. With the right framing, it becomes a movement people want to join.

Alec Loeb, VP of Growth Marketing, EcoATM

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Elementor Data Reveals Visual Strategy Boosts Engagement

Based on our work at Elementor, we’ve found great success with Instagram Reels by implementing a specific visual strategy. Our data shows that using a 70-30 split between visual content and text, combined with purple gradient backgrounds and website transformation previews, increased our Reels’ click-through rates by 35%. While I can’t point to a single creator who exemplifies narrative excellence, I can confirm that this balanced approach to visual storytelling has proven highly effective for brand engagement on the platform.

Itamar Haim, SEO Strategist, Elementor

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Humans of NY: Where Portraits Tell Complete Stories

One account that consistently stands out for visually captivating storytelling is Humans of New York. Their Instagram masterfully blends imagery and narrative, turning each Story, Reel, or carousel into an intimate, human-centered moment. I’ve noticed posts where a single portrait paired with a few sentences completely reshape my perspective on someone’s life experience. Their Reels often layer subtle text and audio over video clips, making the content feel immersive without being overwhelming. Carousels are used strategically—each slide builds the story, guiding viewers through a nuanced emotional arc. Following their approach taught me the importance of pacing, consistency, and letting visuals carry the story alongside minimal text. For anyone exploring narrative-driven content on Instagram, studying @humansofny provides a clear example of how visuals and storytelling can work together to engage audiences deeply.

Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen

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A Guy and a Golden Turns Daily Life Cinematic

A creator on Instagram that stands out for creating visually captivating stories through reels that exemplify narrative excellence is A Guy and a Golden. They are well known for their series, Teddy Tuesday where Teddy and his owner go out and do activities together. This could range from getting a pup cup, to going to the pet store, or going to the park together. Recently, they added a new series of Teddy getting his own “house” where they both participate in the construction. The reels they post make it seem like a real conversation is taking place between the owner and Teddy. Teddy often is seeing performing a human task, like making a meal, watching TV, and even making expressions with his faces. Each reel blends humor, warmth, and creative sequencing that keeps audiences emotionally connected and excited for more. their ability to turn everyday moments into ongoing narratives exemplifies narrative excellence on social media. 

Heather Vesely, Social Media Specialist, My Supplements Store

Spotlyts Awards

The above story/stories or storyteller(s) won the Spotlyts Award.

At Spotlyts Magazine, we believe that every story—whether written, visual, or digital—has the power to move, inspire, and connect us. The Spotlyts Awards honor outstanding storytelling across diverse formats and genres, recognizing the creators and voices behind impactful narratives that deserve to shine.

Request for a review of your book and have it nominated for the award here.

To nominate for a non-book category of the award or to know more about the award, click here.

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