Keith Lee was named Creator of the Year at the inaugural TikTok Awards in the United States, a milestone event that celebrated top content creators on the platform and coincided with a major business deal for TikTok’s U.S. operations.
The first-ever TikTok Awards in the United States took place on December 18 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, hosted by TV personality La La Anthony under the theme ‘New Era, New Icons.’ This fan-voted ceremony recognized excellence across fourteen categories, from storytelling to live content, marking TikTok’s expansion of its awards shows to the U.S. after successful events in other countries like the U.K. and Brazil. The event was streamed live on TikTok and Tubi, drawing attention from millions of followers and setting the stage for a night of celebration and surprise.
The top honor of Creator of the Year went to Keith Lee, a food critic and content creator with over 17 million TikTok followers, known for his viral videos that boost small businesses. Presented by heiress Paris Hilton, Lee accepted the award emotionally, stating, ‘I never in a million years thought I was going to be standing on this stage.’ He credited the platform for giving him a voice and thanked his wife, Ronni, for her support. In his honor, TikTok announced a $50,000 donation to Feeding America, highlighting Lee’s advocacy for food insecurity issues.
Other notable winners included Love Island USA star Jeremiah Brown, who secured the Rising Star of the Year award, and Tini Younger, who took home the Storyteller of the Year prize. The TikTok for Good award went to Zach and Pat Valentine, while Bretman Sacayanan won Video of the Year for a clip featuring chickens set to Doechii’s ‘Anxiety.’ These awards showcased the diversity of content on TikTok, from entertainment to social impact, with nominees like Alix Earle, Adam Waheed, Brooke Monk, and Kristy Sarah also recognized in the Creator of the Year category.
The ceremony featured high-energy performances, including a set by R&B star Ciara and a mysterious act by Mr. Fantasy, speculated to be actor KJ Apa’s alter ego. Presenters added star power, with figures like Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, Queer Eye’s Tan France, and viral creator Jools Lebron taking the stage. The event emphasized TikTok’s role in blending celebrity culture with user-generated content, creating a vibrant atmosphere that resonated with both live and online audiences.
Coinciding with the awards, TikTok’s Chinese owner ByteDance signed binding agreements to sell the majority of its U.S. operations to a consortium including Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi’s MGX, with ByteDance retaining a 19.9% stake. This deal, set to close on January 22, aims to address U.S. national security concerns and ensure TikTok’s continued operation in America. The timing underscored the platform’s evolving landscape, as it navigates regulatory challenges while celebrating its creative community.
The inaugural U.S. TikTok Awards signal a new chapter for the platform, empowering creators and solidifying its cultural influence. As TikTok transitions under new ownership, events like this may become annual fixtures, offering more opportunities for recognition and growth. For Keith Lee and other winners, the awards provide validation and a platform to amplify their messages, potentially inspiring a new generation of digital storytellers in an increasingly connected world.
