Ciara is stepping into the spotlight as the headline performer for TikTok’s first-ever TikTok Awards, marking a significant moment for the social media platform as it formally celebrates the creators and culture that power its ecosystem.
The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The singer and performer—whose music and choreography have long thrived in short-form, movement-driven spaces—will anchor the night with a live performance tailored to TikTok’s audience.
For Ciara, the pairing feels natural. “There’s nothing like performing for a community that loves movement, music, and expression as much as I do,” she said to The Hollywood Reporter. “The TikTok platform plays a significant role in entertainment. It is one of the most influential platforms in the world.”
The TikTok Awards are designed to spotlight the digital creator economy, a space that has reshaped how music, fashion, comedy, and storytelling break through. According to the platform, the show will stream live on TikTok and air on Tubi, with on-demand availability the following day.
Red carpet coverage kicks off at 5 p.m. PT on TikTok Live, with the awards ceremony beginning at 6 p.m.
Ciara emphasized the significance of launching the awards in the U.S., calling the event a celebration of creativity at its core. “The TikTok Awards are all about celebrating that spirit, and I’m honored to hit the stage for the first-ever show in the U.S.,” she said.
In addition to Ciara’s performance, TikTok has rolled out a growing list of presenters drawn from both creator and celebrity worlds. Confirmed names include REI AMI, Tan France, Tefi Pessoa, Justin Danger, Patrick Starrr, Carter Gregory, and Ashby Florence. They join previously announced presenters, including Paris Hilton, Bethenny Frankel, and Trixie Mattel.
The launch of the TikTok Awards comes as social platforms increasingly carve out space for their own creator-focused honors. Earlier this year, Instagram introduced Instagram Rings, a separate program recognizing top creators selected by a panel that includes Spike Lee, Marc Jacobs, and Instagram head Adam Mosseri.