Top Billing Presenter Named 2014 Social Media Queen

Online presence and social media engagement is as important for a star's career as magazine covers were for celebrities a decade ago. It was only a matter of time before someone created some remuneration for the celebrities who use the medium best. Channel24 took up the task for 2014 and on Monday they announced the inaugural winners. 

The celebrity winners of the first Channel24 awards were selected from a campaign driven entirely by public voting (which closed on 24 November), the local musicians, celebrities and public figures that have the most powerful and influential online presence received their accolades this week.

"The digital world is a multimedia feast and public figures who are using it well deserve to be recognised. These are the very first local digital celebrity awards and we're super pleased at the positive reaction it received," said Channel24 editor, Herman Eloff. 

"The great feedback we got from both the nominees and public made it clear that this will become an annual event that we look forward to expanding in years to come. We are very excited by the list of winners as selected by the public. And we know those specially designed trophies will look stunning in any trophy case," added Eloff. 

Top Billing presenster and multiple You Spectacular award winner, Jeannie D won the most coveted accolade of them all. She was chosen by Channel24 readers as the celebrity with the best online presence overall. 

Says Eloff: 

"It came as no surprise that Jeannie D won the overall award for best online presence as well as the trophy for sexiest female on social media. She's a real pro when it comes to social media and has an army of supporters behind her. She's such a warm and inviting personality. Congrats once again to all our winners."

Public voting took place from 31 October to 24 November via Channel24. 

The Winners are: 

• Best celebrity #selfie:Lee-Ann Liebenberg

• Best celebrity #belfie: Boity Thulo

• Best celebrity couple on social media: Elana Afrika Bredenkamp & Ian Bredenkamp 

• Best Facebook Page - Individual/Group/Band: Gareth Cliff 

• Best Twitter account - Individual/Group/Band: Liezel van der Westhuizen

• Best Instagram account - Individual/Group/Band: Jo-Ann Strauss 

• Best YouTube channel - Individual/Group/Band: Suzelle DIY 

• Best Social Media Tweet/Post: Janez Vermeiren 

• Sexiest female celebrity to follow on social media: Jeannie D

• Sexiest male celebrity to follow on social media: Janez Vermeiren 

• Golden crown award for overall best online presence: Jeannie D 

It is important to point out that; obviously these results are heavily influenced by the readers demographic of Channel24. Should this poll have been on another website, the results would be different based on that particular website's readers. 

Nonetheless, congratulations to the winners. This is definitely a reflection of how the internet has transformed and aided celebrities in building their brands.