TikTok is stepping into the spotlight in a whole new way this December, launching its first-ever U.S.-based creators’ award show - and it’s shaping up to be a celebration of digital creativity like we’ve never seen before. The inaugural TikTok Awards will go live on December 18 from the iconic Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, with the platform putting its most influential creators front and center.
This isn’t just another awards night - it’s a fan-driven event that puts the power in the hands of the people who scroll, like, and share every day. Categories range from Creator of the Year and Video of the Year to standout honors like Breakthrough Artist, Storyteller of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year, the latter sponsored by e.l.f. Cosmetics, a key backer of the event.
La La Anthony will host the night, bringing her signature energy to a show that’s already stacked with star power. Presenters include names like Paris Hilton, Bethenny Frankel, Trixie Mattel, and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles - a lineup that reflects the platform’s reach across entertainment, beauty, sports, and beyond.
The show kicks off at 6 p.m. PT, streaming live on TikTok via the official account @TikTok, with a red carpet livestream starting an hour earlier at 5 p.m.
PT. And if you miss it live?
No worries - the full show will be available on demand the next day on Tubi, the event’s official streaming partner.
Now, let’s break down the categories and nominees - a who’s who of TikTok’s most impactful creators in 2025.
🏆 Creator of the Year
These are the heavy hitters - the creators who dominated For You Pages across the country with content that resonated, entertained, and inspired.
- @adamw
- @alixearle
- @brookemonk_
- @keith_lee125
- @kristy.sarah
🎥 Video of the Year
The clips that stopped the scroll, sparked conversations, and probably had you hitting replay more than once.
- @bretmanrock
- @chrisandfinck
- @ronclark__
- @taylortiminskas
- @turkuazkitchen
🌟 Rising Star of the Year (Sponsored by e.l.f. Cosmetics)
These up-and-comers made serious waves in 2025 - creators who went from unknown to unforgettable.
- @calebsaysthings
- @drewkey5000
- @findjeremiah
- @soyeddynieblas
- @thatgirlsydjo
🎶 Breakthrough Artist of the Year
Musicians who used the platform to break through the noise and make their mark in a big way.
- @alexwarren
- @katseyeworld
- @laufey
- @ravynlenae
- @sombr
📖 Storyteller of the Year
These creators turned everyday moments into compelling narratives, proving that good storytelling still reigns supreme - even in short-form.
- @jordan_the_stallion8
- @katievanslyke
- @logagm
- @thelawntools
- @tinekeyounger
🎨 Muse of the Year
A unique category spotlighting cultural icons who inspired trends, creativity, and conversations on the app.
- @angelreese10
- @cocogauff
- @giannis_an34
- @parishilton
- @shaymitchell
💡 TikTok for Good Award
Creators who used their platforms to educate, advocate, and elevate causes that matter.
- @alexisnikole
- @cybersecuritygirl
- @samueljhyun
- @thepsychdoctormd
- @valentinebrothers
🎬 My Show is On Award [Film & TV]
Celebrating creators who brought film and TV content to life in fresh, engaging ways.
- @cvnela
- @dayanechrissel
- @guywithamoviecamera
- @justthenobodys
- @supes
🏅 MVP of the Year [Sports]
Athletes and sports creators who turned highlights into viral hits and brought fans behind the scenes of their grind.
- @brittany1wilson
- @daniel_buyeske
- @mariahcrose
- @mkiatipis
- @moalifc
💄 Okay Slay Award [Fashion/Beauty]
These creators didn’t just follow trends - they set them. From glam tutorials to bold fashion takes, they defined the aesthetic of 2025.
- @glamzilla
- @katiefanggg
- @meredithduxbury
- @missdarcei
- @wisdm8
🤯 I Was Today Years Old Award [Learning] (Sponsored by H&R Block)
Creators who made learning fun - and often mind-blowing - with facts, tips, and hacks you didn’t know you needed.
- @afamstudies
- @alexisanddean
- @astro_alexandra
- @lawbymike
- @oddanimalspecimens
🛒 Immediately Added To Cart Award (Presented by TikTok Shop)
The creators who turned product recommendations into must-haves - and probably cost us all a few impulse buys.
- @boise_brooke
- @giniglow
- @itsmekelsc
- @klothesminded
- @lexirosenstein
✂️ CapCut Creator of the Year
Recognizing those who pushed the boundaries of video editing with TikTok’s CapCut tool - and made it look effortless.
- @chloeshih
- @liahyoo
- @moniqueyvonne
- @paigepiskin
- @recider
📡 TikTok LIVE Creator of the Year
Nominees not listed in the original article.
This awards show is more than just a night of trophies - it’s a snapshot of where digital culture is heading. From athletes and artists to educators and entrepreneurs, these creators are shaping the way we consume content, connect with each other, and even see the world. And on December 18, they’ll finally get their flowers - live, in front of the fans who helped put them there.