Keith Lee was named Creator of the Year at TikTok’s first-ever U.S. TikTok Awards.
According to Reuters, the ceremony took place on Thursday, December 18, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles and streamed live on TikTok and Tubi, bringing together creators from across food, fashion, sports, education, and entertainment.
Lee, whose content often highlights small businesses and family-driven storytelling, accepted the top honor after a year in which his videos consistently sparked real-world impact.
On stage, he reflected on how the platform helped amplify his mission. “TikTok provided me a platform to be able to show small businesses around the country,” Lee said during his acceptance speech.
He also acknowledged the personal significance of the moment, adding, “It’s hard to do something for myself, because I always put other people in front of me, but this is for me.”
Lee’s win was one of several significant moments throughout the night. Bretman Rock took home Video of the Year, while Paris Hilton was awarded Muse of the Year for her influence and inspiration across the platform.
Another standout was Jeremiah Brown, a former Love Island USA contestant, who was named Rising Star of the Year, recognizing his growing presence and engagement on TikTok.
The ceremony also highlighted creators using the platform to promote inclusion and advocacy. The For Good award went to Zach, a creator with Down syndrome who shares his daily life to encourage understanding, and to his brother, Pat Valentine, who educates audiences about the condition.
Hosted by La La Anthony, the event leaned into TikTok culture with viral moment reenactments, interactive challenges, skits, and larger-than-life visuals, including Labubu dolls launched into the crowd from a T-shirt cannon.