In 1996, The Webby Awards were launched to honor excellence on the internet at a time when the web itself was still a novelty. Nearly three decades later, the Webbys have grown into one of the most respected digital institutions, mirroring the rise of the internet from niche curiosity to cultural superpower. Now, in celebration of their 30th anniversary, The Webby Awards have unveiled The Webby 30 — a curated list of the most iconic and influential companies in internet history.
Spanning technology, media, entertainment, cultural institutions, and platforms, The Webby 30 highlights the organizations that helped define our digital lives, and in many cases, built the very infrastructure of modern culture online. This list serves as a testament to the transformative power of the internet and the companies that have consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity, innovation, and cultural relevance.
The Builders of the Internet Era
Honorees include major names like Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Netflix, NPR, and Adobe — each recognized for their lasting cultural impact, creative innovation, and consistent achievement at the Webbys over the years. From BuzzFeed’s mastery of virality to TikTok’s redefinition of discovery, these companies helped shape not just how we use the internet, but how we live through it.
Some, like Reddit, were celebrated for giving birth to new forms of digital community. Others, like eBay and Amazon, transformed global commerce. NASA, Wikipedia, and PBS were recognized for expanding the internet’s civic, educational, and cultural reach. These organizations have not only adapted to the changing digital landscape but have also led the way in setting new standards.
“As we ring in the 30th anniversary of The Webby Awards, we’re proud to recognize the companies that shaped the Internet into what it is today,” said Jesse Feister, Executive Director of Webby Media Group. “The Webby 30 celebrates organizations that have consistently set new benchmarks in creativity, innovation, and cultural relevance.”
The Unique Webby Awards Process
One of the unique aspects of the Webby Awards is its dual recognition system. Each category has two winners: the Webby Award, selected by expert judges, and the People’s Voice Award, determined by public vote. This dual approach ensures that both expert opinions and public sentiment are considered, providing a comprehensive view of digital excellence.
Jesse Feister explained, “Every single entry is reviewed by multiple judges. As those judges make their remarks and scores, entries are laddered up into nominees and ultimately winners.” This rigorous process ensures that the awards truly reflect the best of the internet, as judged by both experts and everyday users.
What Comes Next?
While The Webby 30 reflects the foundational players of the last three decades, it also nods toward the future. AI-native tools, decentralized platforms, and new forms of community are already emerging across the digital landscape. The next Webby 30 could look very different, shaped less by singular platforms and more by networks, tools, and behaviors we’re only beginning to understand.
The Webby 30 doesn’t just look back, it also sets the stage for what’s next. As the digital landscape evolves, the companies and ideas shaping tomorrow may come from entirely new directions. The future of the internet is still being written, and this list offers a moment to pause and consider who might define its next chapter.
Entries for the 30th annual Webby Awards are now open across its full suite of recognitions, including Websites & Mobile Sites, Video & Film, Advertising, Media & PR, Podcasts, Social & Games, Apps, Software & Immersive, Creators, and new this year, AI. As the digital world continues to evolve, the Webbys remain a crucial platform for recognizing and celebrating the innovators who are shaping the future of the internet.
