The TikTok Awards, its first full-live scale ceremony here in the U.S., was clearly a meta experience: a ceremony celebrating the creators we spend hours scrolling, only for them to generate even more scrolls in return.
Airing live from the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on December 18, it was a chance to look beyond and recognize the reasons behind vertical connections that break through the chatter and become the can’t-miss experiences we cherish. Here’s EBONY’s three award-worthy takeaways on why we love what lives atop our algorithm.
For TikTok Creators, Diversity Wins
TikTok allows us to engage with others who share our beliefs and sheds light on issues that matter to us. That’s made room for diversity to reign on the platform. Black voices like Love Island USA alum Jeremiah Brown have found a whole lotta love on the platform and were named Rising Star of the Year.
But we also clocked admiration for the creative vibes of Bretman Rock, the Filipino-American beauty influencer and comedian, whose outdoor clips sun us down. Or Dayane Chrissel, the Mexican storyteller who snagged the “My Show Is On” award. When it comes to TikTok, we all get to see ourselves represented.
TikTok Is Ageless
TikTok went global in 2017, which makes it barely a decade old. You’d think its inaugural awards‑show host would come from Gen Alpha, bringing full 6–7‑year‑old energy to every category. But TikTok has become a platform that is ageless, with grandfluencers and GenX claiming their age, but not succumbing to it. So, it only made sense that TikTok tapped a millennial veteran, LaLa Anthony. And she held the fort down. A former host of MTV’s Total Request LiveAnthony brought pro-host energy, keeping momentum alive through awkward transitions and technical glitches with effortless expertise.
Keith Lee accepts the Creator of the Year Award at TikTok Awards US 2025. Image: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for TikTok.” class=”wp-image-327004″ />TikTok Can Make a Difference
Keith Lee was named the content creator of the year, and for good reason. Through the “Keith Lee” effect, the lauded creator’s purpose-driven content spotlighting small, primarily Black-owned restaurants has driven real-world success, boosting local businesses, reducing food insecurity and strengthening community engagement.
TikTok donated $50,000 to Feeding America in his honor. During his passionate acceptance speech, Lee announced that he will host a food festival in New Orleans in 2026 to showcase more small businesses and continue the chain of giving others the tools they need to thrive. Through creators like Lee, we get to see how TikTok can change the world.
