Vietnam iContent 2026 launched on 18/9 with several new features. The program has expanded its categories and activities compared to previous seasons, encompassing interactive events, awards, television programs, and content creation contests. Notably, for the first time, the program has introduced Multi-Channel Networks (MCNs) into its award system, alongside activities for content creators and livestream idol groups.

At the Vietnam iContent Awards 2026, the MCN of the Year category, part of the "Digital Ecosystem" group, includes units operating in the Vietnam market that possess a diverse ecosystem of content creators and have engaged in managing, developing, and supporting creators in 2026.

Submit Vietnam iContent Awards nominations here.

MCN nominations must clearly demonstrate a professional, creative, and sustainable operational strategy; achievements during the year; contributions to Vietnam's content creation ecosystem; and recognition from the community, partners, and public. Nominated MCNs also need to provide a list of managed Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), notable activities, and achievements from the year for evaluation purposes.

According to Bui Thanh Van, a representative of the organizing committee, MCN evaluation focuses on three criteria groups:

First: the channel system and distribution network, assessing the capacity to deliver content to the public.

Second: the ability to connect content creators with businesses, organizations, and partners.

Third: the strategy for building and training new creators, which is the most important criterion. For this criterion, the organizing committee examines the creator training process, content quality, ability to build personal brand and style, and the creators' conduct on social media.

The inclusion of MCNs in the awards system reflects their expanding role. Beyond connecting creators with platforms and brands, these units participate in team building, channel development, content orientation, and communication activities.

Bui Thanh Van, a representative of VnExpress newspaper; Le Quang Tu Do, Director of the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information; and Ngo Manh Cuong, a representative of FPT Online, answer media questions about Vietnam iContent 2026. *Photo: Tung Dinh*

However, MCNs also present challenges regarding evaluation criteria and risk management. Le Quang Tu Do, Director of the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, stated that the organizing committee considered this issue when developing the category. Establishing strict criteria is essential, but being overly cautious and opting for a safe approach by not recognizing MCNs could negatively impact units creating positive value. The regulatory body accepts certain risks to acknowledge entities contributing to society.

"We will not let a few individuals, cases, or units generally affect the overall development of the creative industry and society," he said.

This perspective aligns with Vietnam iContent 2026's broader approach, as the program aims to involve many entities in the digital content ecosystem, from creators, platforms, and businesses to creator management units and MCNs. The organizational plan identifies one of the goals for B2G and B2B activities as promoting industry professionalism, including social responsibility, management, measurement, and creation of valuable content.

Additionally, the new MCN category coincides with the direct participation of Multi-Channel Networks in this year's campaign. Kieu Quoc Viet, founder and CEO of Wind Eco, announced that his unit plans to produce approximately 150-200 pieces of content related to Vietnam iContent 2026.

According to Viet, the "Live Vibrantly" theme of Vietnam iContent 2026 resonates with content WindEco has produced for many years, such as living kindly, delivering value, spreading positivity, and preserving traditional values in modern life.

"For us, this is a special and meaningful theme, because content related to living vibrantly is something we have done for many years, from our establishment until now," Viet shared.

Kieu Quoc Viet, founder and CEO of WindEco. *Photo: Tung Dinh*

He also stated that Wind Eco has set goals for the content participating in the program, hoping these products will be well-received and widely shared by the community.

Meanwhile, Vu Manh Tuyen, Director of TVH Media, a unit owning a system of cultural pages and channels, stated that the enterprise has discussed the planned number of content pieces with the organizing committee and committed to continuing its support for the program's activities.

TVH Media also plans to explore cultural and historical themes in 2026 and subsequent years. Tuyen added that after attending a traditional festival of the Southwestern ethnic communities, the unit recognized many stories that could be retold through the experiences of content creators.

"Experiencing and spreading festivals and cultural values is also a way to 'Live Vibrantly,' as this content helps introduce the beauty of Vietnamese culture to the public," he emphasized.

Beyond MCNs, Vietnam iContent 2026 adds activities for livestream idol groups, including the Idol Live Battle contest. According to the organizing committee, the program aims to bring livestream content creators from online environments to real-life activities, providing opportunities for them to meet fans at the Digital Content Creation Festival on 11/12. These young talents will perform, sing, and appear on stage, while fans directly participate in voting.

According to the Director of the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, this activity stems from the need to guide livestream content creation in a more positive direction. He observed that some idols and streamers previously pursued trends, views, likes, and donations from fans, leading to deviant content, and in some cases, even legal violations.

"We can still entertain and contribute to the livestream industry, but with positive, valuable content. This way, you can still earn money and gain admiration," Le Quang Tu Do said. "The important thing is that this content can contribute to creating a safer and more positive online environment."

The new activities of Vietnam iContent 2026, from the "Live Vibrantly" digital content creation contest and the "Sao chon" program to Idol Live Battle, collectively aim to generate positive content trends and increase community outreach.

Among these, "Sao chon" is an experiential program that takes KOLs, artists, and content creators through 10 provinces and cities from north to south to introduce local culture, cuisine, and unique characteristics. Simultaneously, the festival will feature an exhibition area, interactive activities, fan meetings, forums for creators and businesses, and the Vietnam iContent Awards 2026 ceremony.

The "Live Vibrantly" contest runs from 18/9 to 11/12, comprising three categories: Video, Photo, and Article, with total prize money of nearly 200 million VND. According to the rules, the contest seeks to find and honor positive stories, people, places, and values in life.

Entries must be publicly posted on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram. The submission round is from 12h on 18/9 to 12h on 31/10; the preliminary round is from 2/11 to 16/11; and the final round is from 20/11 to 4/12. The awards ceremony is scheduled for 11/12.

Vietnam iContent Awards 2026 is currently accepting nominations and applications for four categories: Digital Creator, Digital Product, For Community, and MCN of the Year (with 13 awards in total) until 30/9.

Vietnam iContent is an annual program directed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, organized by the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, VnExpress newspaper, and FPT Online Joint Stock Company, launched in 2024. The program aims to connect content creators, regulatory agencies, digital platforms, and businesses, while also recognizing the contributions of the digital content creation community.

Nhat Le

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