How to Nominate Yourself for the Reel Making and Explorer Challenges at Waves 2025?

Waves 2025 celebrates creativity in all its forms, whether YouTube vlogs or Instagram reels. If you’re ready to show the world your perspective, keep reading to find out how to nominate yourself and participate in the Reel Making and Explorer Challenges.

Waves 2025 Opportunities

Waves 2025 Reel Making and Explorer Challenges are part of the Create In Challenge (Season 1 ), especially for Content Creators and Influencers. These two challenges focus on showcasing India through unique stories and visuals.

Waves Explorer Challenge: Share Your India with the World

Capture the essence of India through its vibrant streets, hidden gems, and countless stories waiting to be told. Share your unique perspectives of India on YouTube Shorts or Vlogs.

Why Participate?

• Connect with fellow creators.
• Showcase your vision of India to a global audience.
• Get a chance to be recognised among the country’s biggest creators.

Categories to Choose From:

1. Vlog – Max Duration: 7 minutes
2. Short Form Video – Max Duration: 1 minute (Short Form Videos made from long-form vlogs are also eligible)

What You Need to Know?

• All content must be original and created explicitly for the Waves Explorer Challenge.
• The destination(s) featured in your video must be within India.
• Participants must be over 18 years of age.
• Videos can be in English or any other Indian language.
• Upload your vlog or YouTube Shorts on your channel using the hashtag #WavesExplorer and tag the event’s official account.
• All entries must follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines.

Rewards

Winners will receive an exclusive, all-expenses-paid trip to the WAVES 2025 event and will be invited to a YouTube-hosted event in 2025. In addition, their winning entries will be showcased in the WAVES Hall of Fame.

Also, read about the WAVES Promo Video Challenge Here!

Waves Reel Making: Set the Mark on Instagram

The Waves Reel Making challenge is to create compelling reels on Instagram about India’s diverse culture, food, and more.

Tips to Ace Your Reels:

• Set The Stage: Use a clean background, good lighting, and simple clothing to keep the focus on your message.
• Speak the Reel Language: Experiment with transitions, quick cuts, and edits. Authenticity is key.
• Stay On-Track:
  • Duration: 30-90 seconds
  • Music: Use trending tracks that complement your vibe.
  • Theme: Choose from the given themes and tag the official handle @wavesreelmaking.

Reel Themes to Explore:

• Food: India’s rich culinary heritage, from street food to regional delights.
• Travel: Landscapes, iconic landmarks, and hidden treasures.
• Fashion: Traditional and modern styles in Indian fashion.
• Dance & Music: India’s vibrant rhythms – from classical to contemporary beats.
• Gaming: India’s growing gaming content and culture.
• Yoga & Wellness: Holistic lifestyles through yoga and Ayurveda.
• Road Trips: The magic of Indian road adventures.
• Tech: India’s digital creativity through AR, VR, and other innovations.

Judging Criteria:

• Creativity & Originality: Unique storytelling that celebrates India’s glory and culture.
• Alignment with Themes: Reels should reflect the defined themes showcasing India’s media prowess.
• Visual Appeal & Production Quality: High-quality visuals, sound, and editing optimised for Instagram’s reel format.
• Innovation in Reel Format: Creative use of Instagram tools like filters, effects, and transitions.

Rewards:

• Winners get an invitation to a Meta-hosted event and a reel masterclass in 2025.
• Exclusive invitation to the WAVES event with all expenses covered.
• Winning reels will be featured in the WAVES Hall of Fame, the official website, and social media platforms.
• Finalists will get support from the Ministry to participate in international-level content creator competitions.

Important Dates to Remember

• Registration Closes: 15th March 2025
• Final Showdown: Eight winners will be awarded the spotlight after registrations close.

Creator and Influencer Awards by Waves 2025

• Web Series of the Year – Drama/Comedy/Musical – YouTube & OTT
• Influencer of the Year
• International Influencer of the Year
• Young Creator of the Year
• Microcreator of the Year
• Podcaster of the Year

Also Read: Create in India Challenges: Golden Chance at WAVES 2025