What Can Influencers Do for Society? The "Power of Dialogue" Recognized by German Video Awards - Vollmarcant Achieves Four Wins, Dominates VideoDays Awards

"Why Do You Think So?" Wins Four Awards—The Other Power of Social Media Demonstrated by a German Political Streamer

When we view politics on a smartphone screen, what are we seeking? Is it clear explanations, words that echo our own thoughts, or the moment when someone with a differing opinion is out-argued?

At the VideoDays Awards, which honors video creators in Germany, there was an award that made us reconsider how we consume such content.

On October 29, 2026, at the awards ceremony held in Cologne, political creator Vollmarcant won four awards. In addition to "Creator of the Year," he was recognized in "Best in Shortform," "News & Commentary," and "Social Responsibility."

This means that his activities were evaluated from multiple perspectives, including video format, content delivery, and social engagement.

His camera primarily focuses not on glamorous travel destinations or expensive purchases, but on demonstrations and political events, where he listens to people with differing opinions. He delivers these interactions as videos that the younger generation can view in their daily lives.

From Game Streaming to Re-examining Politics

According to the original article, Vollmarcant, born in 2002, is a law student. Initially, he created game-related content but gradually shifted his focus to activities that promote understanding of politics.

His breakthrough came from interviews with supporters of Germany's AfD party and far-right individuals. At demonstrations and events, he listens to their thoughts and questions their explanations further. Through repeated interactions, contradictions in their claims often become apparent.

It's important to distinguish that talking to someone does not equate to agreeing with their opinions.

To critically examine, one must first listen. After listening, verify the basis and explanations. This order is crucial when considering Vollmarcant's activities.

The original article reports that he has gained over 500,000 followers on both YouTube and TikTok. His content has the potential to reach not only those who want to study politics professionally but also those who usually watch gaming or entertainment videos. This is a characteristic of political content created by creators.

What Was Valued Was Delivering Conflict in an Understandable Way to the Youth

The panel of 50 judges valued the way he made political conflicts understandable to young social media users through reasoning, facts, and direct dialogue.

This evaluation goes beyond simply saying "political videos became popular."

News serves to inform about events. Meanwhile, videos showing dialogue reveal how thoughts are constructed and where explanations falter.

Viewers see not only the conclusions but also the exchanges leading to those conclusions. It can also serve as an entry point for considering how one would respond and what basis they would use for judgment.

However, this award does not guarantee the accuracy or editorial fairness of all videos. The evaluation of the award and the verification of individual content must be considered separately.

Supporting excellent activities and believing in them unconditionally are different. This sense of distance is also required from those who view political creators.

Short Videos Can Be Both an Entry Point for Dialogue and a "Spectacle of Winning and Losing"

It's intriguing that he also won in the short video category.

Short videos have the advantage of easily creating an entry point to complex issues. Even those who don't watch long debate programs to the end might engage with a single question and answer.

However, the shorter the video, the more the context is trimmed.

If only a few seconds of someone struggling for words are highlighted, what remains with the viewer might be superiority rather than the issue at hand. The impression of the same conversation can change depending on the interviewer's attitude and editing style.

This is not to conclude that there is a problem with Vollmarcant's videos, but rather a challenge faced by the format of political street interviews as a whole.

For Japanese viewers as well, the points to confirm when watching videos are common. What was asked, and what was answered? Are we judging the entire person based on just a part of their statement? Can explanations about numbers and systems be verified with other materials?

After watching a dialogue, one might want to verify it themselves. Whether such viewing leads to this is one criterion for considering the value of political videos.

Praise and Backlash on Social Media—However, Distinction from Reactions to the Four Awards Is Necessary

On social media, both support and backlash against him can be observed.

The specific posts referenced were not about the announcement of the four awards at the VideoDays Awards but rather about the audience award he received just before, the "Blauer Panther." Therefore, the following is not a direct reaction to this award ceremony but an example of how ongoing awards for Vollmarcant are perceived.

Journalist and human rights activist Düzen Tekkal congratulated him on LinkedIn, praising his stance of going to places where people with opposing views are and continuing the dialogue.

In the comments section, there were voices of respect for him and his team, and sentiments of being encouraged by their activities. There were also posts expressing regret that the team finds it difficult to appear publicly due to threats.

On the other hand, there were comments questioning whether only his political stance was being valued and criticizing the treatment of participants at AfD events.

These are reactions to specific posts and do not represent the opinions of German society as a whole or the ratio of support and opposition. Nonetheless, it is clear that his activities are praised as "courageous dialogue" while also receiving criticism for his political stance and interview approach.

Neither the abundance of praise can determine correctness, nor the existence of backlash can negate activities. Social media reactions should be read as clues to where evaluation and distrust arise rather than as materials to judge facts.

The Issue of the Safety of the Broadcaster Behind the Applause

Another important fact reported by the original article is the threats accompanying his activities.

Vollmarcant has received serious threats, leading him to use an activity name and withhold details about his residence and identity. Being well-known does not directly translate to being able to operate safely.

This highlights the difficulty of entrusting political dissemination to individuals.

Viewers can watch videos and send words of support. However, the broadcaster must face the safety of themselves and those around them even after filming. In addition to the burden of responding to criticism, they must also deal with threats.

Therefore, merely praising courage is not enough.

If we expect the continuation of reporting and dissemination, it is necessary for organizers and related companies to support safety measures. Activities with social significance should not be left solely to individual resolve.

Moreover, the freedom to criticize the content of dissemination and the act of threatening the individual should be clearly distinguished. The ability to counter opinions and the safety of the person speaking are both prerequisites for dialogue.

If One Can Be Said to Have "Influence," How Should One Consider That Responsibility?

In his acceptance speech, Vollmarcant called on other creators to talk with those close to them and express their opinions on social media.

Tobias Schiwek, the CEO of We Are Era, which organizes the event, also raised the issue of whether those who base their business on reach can deny their influence only when asked to make social statements.

This prompts consideration of the relationship between advertising and social responsibility.

In work with companies, "being able to reach many people" is shown as a value. That influence does not disappear the moment it becomes a political or social topic.

However, it is premature to conclude from this that "all creators should immediately express opinions on every issue."

If one makes definitive statements without sufficient knowledge, there is a risk of spreading misinformation. Some need to protect their safety and livelihood. The responsibility of dissemination includes acknowledging what is unknown, researching, and correcting as necessary.

This speech should be taken not as a rule demanding the same actions from everyone but as a question for those with influence to consider their position.

A Question That Reaches Japan—Can We See Beyond "Who Won"?

For Japanese readers, the significance of this news goes beyond the story of a popular German streamer winning awards.

When we watch political videos, how do we balance clarity and accuracy? Can we verify even the words of our favorite creators? Can we leave room to listen to the end of statements from those with differing opinions?

The entry point for thinking about politics in connection with our own lives does not necessarily have to be a specialized program. A short video or someone's simple question can also serve as that trigger.

However, the direction from that entry point is not singular. One can end by laughing at the opponent or re-examine the issues.

What Vollmarcant's four awards raise is not just the popularity of videos but the question of what remains with those who watch them.

Do we open the screen to see the moment when someone with a different opinion loses? Or do we watch to re-examine our own thoughts as well?

Even after the applause at the awards ceremony ends, that choice remains with the viewers.

Sources

1. Westdeutsche Zeitung/dpa:
   Published on October 29, 2026. Covers four awards, activity history, response to threats, acceptance speech, and statements from organizers.
   https://www.wz.de/panorama/vollmarcant-ist-der-grosse-gewinner-der-videodays-awards_aid-157488753

2. DWDL: Reports on the four awards and the evaluation by judges.
   Confirms the award results and the prior Blauer Panther award. DWDL.de
   https://www.dwdl.de/nachrichten/108390/es_ist_sein_jahr_vollmarcant_rumt_bei_vd_awards_vierfach_ab/

3. VideoDays Festival Official: 2026 awards ceremony information.
   Lists the date and nominations for each category. Referenced separately from award results. VIDEODAYS FESTIVAL 2026
   https://videodays-festival.com/award/

4. Düzen Tekkal's LinkedIn post and comments: Evaluation and criticism on social media.
   Confirms congratulations for the Blauer Panther award, support for activities and the team, and criticism of political stance. Not a direct reaction to the four awards at VideoDays. 43 Kommentare
   https://de.linkedin.com/posts/duezentekkal_rechtsextremismus-activity-7518914648533000192-1IZn