HOLLYWOOD: Keith Lee, known for creating family and small business content, was crowned “Creator of the Year.” On stage, Lee dedicated the award to himself, saying he often prioritizes others but this recognition was “for me.” Bretman Rock won “Video of the Year,” while DJ Paris Hilton received the “Muse of the Year” award for inspiring trends rather than following them. Jeremiah Brown, former Love Island USA contestant, took home the “Rising Star of the Year” award.
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Social media stars from across dance, music, fashion, sports, entertainment, and education gathered in Hollywood on Thursday for the first-ever US TikTok Awards. The livestreamed event, hosted by lifestyle influencer La La Anthony on TikTok and Tubi, featured Labubu dolls launched from a T-shirt cannon, viral moment reenactments, a giant selfie challenge, and comedy skits.
Keith Lee on being awarded “Creator of the Year” at the 2025 TikTok Awards:
“God Is Amazing 🙏🏽” pic.twitter.com/99LNzHqqzo
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 19, 2025
The ceremony also highlighted activism through the “For Good” award, given to Zach, a creator with Down syndrome promoting inclusion, and his brother Pat Valentine, who educates audiences about the condition. Grammy-winning singer Ciara closed the night with a medley of hits including Goodies, 1,2 Step, and Level Up.
The awards come amid a major development for TikTok’s US operations. Its parent company, ByteDance, led by CEO Shou Zi Chew, announced a binding agreement with three major investors to sell just over 80% of its US assets to American and global investors. The move is aimed at preventing a potential US government ban over concerns about Chinese influence and data security, ending years of uncertainty since former President Donald Trump first attempted to ban the app in 2020.
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Content creators attending the awards praised TikTok for its role in fostering creativity and education. Alexandra Doten, an educational TikTok creator, said the platform “sparks creativity and makes people smarter and more inspired,” adding that she had been actively involved in discussions to ensure the app’s continued presence in the United States.