TikTok’s first US awards: what all you need to know

WEB DESK: TikTok is set to make awards-show history in the United States with the launch of its first-ever TikTok Awards, and the platform has revealed a major headliner and a fresh slate of presenters to mark the occasion. Global music star Ciara will take centre stage at the inaugural ceremony, which will be held at the Hollywood Palladium on December 18 and streamed live to millions of fans.

The awards will be broadcast live on @TikTok and on Tubi, the official streaming partner of TikTok Awards 2025, with an on-demand option available the following day. The ceremony aims to honour creators who have shaped culture, sparked trends and built communities across the platform’s vast US user base.

Ciara leads the night with a live performance

Headlining the event is Ciara, the Grammy-winning, multi-platinum artist known for her chart-topping music, signature choreography and commanding stage presence. Her performance is expected to be one of the highlights of the night, bringing together music, movement and digital culture in a way that reflects TikTok’s creative spirit.

Speaking ahead of the show, Ciara said performing for the TikTok community felt especially meaningful, describing the platform as one of the most influential forces in global entertainment today. She said the awards celebrate creativity and expression, values that closely align with her own artistic journey.

@tiktokcreators

RSVP now for the first-ever TikTok Awards US on Dec 18th 👏 An awards show for the new icons. Celebrate the creators, trends, and moments that defined 2025 🏆 Tune in on TikTok and @Tubi , presented by @elfcosmetics ✨

♬ original sound – tiktok creators

Creators and cultural figures join as presenters

Alongside the headline performance, TikTok has announced a diverse lineup of presenters drawn from music, fashion, beauty, education and live content.

• Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Presented by Rei Ami

• Okay Slay Award (Beauty): Presented by Tan France

• Video of the Year: Presented by Tefi Pessoa

• I Was Today Years Old Award (Education): Presented by Justin Danger Nunley

• TikTok Shop honour: Presented by Patrick Starrr

• CapCut Creator of the Year: Presented by Carter Gregory

• Live Creator of the Year: Presented by Ashby Florence

Red carpet, live coverage and a digital-first experience

The celebration will begin with a live red carpet stream at 5pm PT, offering fans behind-the-scenes access and real-time arrivals. The main ceremony will follow at 6pm PT, broadcast simultaneously on TikTok Live and Tubi. Red carpet hosting duties will be handled by Dylan Kevitch, Hannah Kosh and Taylor King.

‘New era, new icons’

This year’s theme, “New era, new icons,” reflects TikTok’s focus on creators who are redefining influence beyond traditional media. From fashion and beauty to sports, education and everyday storytelling, the awards spotlight videos and voices that stopped the scroll and sparked global conversations.

With a live audience of creators and a digital audience spanning the country, TikTok’s first US awards aim to cement the platform’s role as a cultural tastemaker — one short video at a time.