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Keith Lee has been crowned Creator of the Year at the inaugural TikTok Awards US, celebrating the platform’s top content creators. The star-studded event took place at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles and was hosted by TV personality La La Anthony.

The fan-voted ceremony recognized creators across fourteen categories, including Storyteller of the Year, Live Creator of the Year, and TikTok for Good, with trophies featuring the iconic TikTok logo.

Star-Studded Presenters and Performances

The event featured celebrity presenters such as Paris Hilton, US gymnast Jordan Chiles, and reality TV star Bethenny Frankel, bringing glitz and glamour to the red carpet. Musical performances included R&B star Ciara and Mr Fantasy, an enigmatic online performer speculated to be Riverdale actor KJ Apa.

Award Winners

• Creator of the Year: Keith Lee, joined by his wife Ronni on the red carpet
• Rising Star of the Year: Jeremiah Brown (@findjeremiah)
• Storyteller of the Year: Tini Younger (@tinekeyounger)
• TikTok for Good: Zach and Pat Valentine (@valentinebrothers)
• Video of the Year: Bretman Sacayanan (@bretmanrock), for a viral clip featuring a flock of chickens with Doechii’s “Anxiety” as the soundtrack

Other notable nominees in the Creator of the Year category included Adam Waheed, Kristy Sarah, Alix Earle, and Brooke Monk, highlighting the diversity of content that resonates with TikTok audiences.

TikTok Awards Coincide with Major US Deal

The ceremony took place on the same day that ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese owner, finalized binding agreements with US and global investors to secure the platform’s operations in the United States. The deal, set to close on 22 January 2026, allows Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX to each hold 15%, while ByteDance retains 19.9%, and existing ByteDance affiliates hold 30.1%.

CEO Shou Zi Chew emphasized that the agreement will ensure over 170 million Americans continue using TikTok as part of “a vital global community,” ending years of political uncertainty and national security concerns surrounding the app’s US operations.

Significance for Creators and Fans

The TikTok Awards not only celebrated creativity but also highlighted the platform’s role in the lives of small businesses and content creators. Fans and creators alike praised the recognition of diverse talent, while winners emphasized the dedication and hours invested in creating viral content.

Tini Younger, Storyteller of the Year, and Jeremiah Brown, Rising Star, highlighted how TikTok provides opportunities for creators to connect with global audiences, while maintaining authenticity and innovative content styles.

“It takes me hours to make the content you scroll on the toilet,” said award winner Max, reflecting the hard work behind popular TikTok videos.

The awards mark a milestone for TikTok in the US, celebrating its influencer ecosystem and its continued expansion amid significant corporate changes.