Keith Lee named Creator of the Year at the inaugural U.S. TikTok Awards

19 December 2025

Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

At the first-ever TikTok Awards held in the United States, content creator Keith Lee captured one of the night’s most prestigious honors when he was named Creator of the Year for 2025 in a ceremony that celebrated the platform’s influence and cultural reach. The awards show, which took place on December 18, 2025, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, brought together leading figures from the social media world, entertainment personalities and TikTok fans from across the country to recognize standout contributions to the app’s vibrant creative ecosystem. Lee’s win underscored not only his popularity among viewers but also the broad impact of his work in uplifting small businesses and engaging audiences with genuine, relatable content.

The U.S. TikTok Awards marked the social media giant’s first live awards show in America following similar events held in more than twenty countries around the world. With the theme “New Era, New Icons,” the evening highlighted creators across multiple categories that included beauty, fashion, education, sports, philanthropy and entertainment. The ceremony featured musical performances, interactive moments, viral reenactments and a lively celebration of how TikTok has shaped trends, conversations and cultural moments in 2025. Hosted by influencer and television personality La La Anthony, the event was livestreamed on both TikTok and Tubi, allowing fans to participate virtually in recognizing the creators who have captured attention and sparked community engagement throughout the year.

Keith Lee’s journey to the spotlight has been one of steady growth and connection with his audience. A 29-year-old creator with more than 17 million followers on TikTok, he is best known for his food review videos that go beyond simple tastings to spotlight mom-and-pop restaurants and family-run eateries across the country. His candid, empathetic commentary has resonated deeply with viewers who appreciate his focus on community and authenticity. In a heartfelt acceptance speech onstage, Lee spoke about the transformative role the platform played in his life, reflecting on his roots, his rise and the way TikTok allowed him to amplify voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard. He shared that the honor was particularly meaningful because it recognized the emotional labor and intention behind his content rather than just views or trends.

Lee’s win was an emotional moment that highlighted his personal growth as well as his professional accomplishments. “TikTok provided me a platform to be able to show small businesses around the country,” Lee said from the stage. He also acknowledged the challenge of doing something that felt deeply personal, explaining that he typically thinks of others before himself. “It’s hard to do something for myself,” he said, “but this is for me,” capturing the pride and humility that have endeared him to fans. Lee’s remarks reaffirmed the power of digital platforms to shape careers and connect creators with global audiences in ways that transcend traditional media.

In keeping with Lee’s spirit of community support, TikTok announced that it would donate $50,000 to Feeding America in his honor, a gesture presented during the award moment by La La Anthony. The donation underscored the philanthropic potential of influencer culture when creators leverage their platforms for social good. Lee’s focus on helping small businesses and fostering inclusive online spaces has been a hallmark of his presence on the app, and the donation further amplified the message that digital influence can translate into real-world impact for causes and communities beyond the screen.

While Lee’s achievement drew deserved attention, the awards ceremony also recognized other notable creators whose work defined the year. Bretman Rock took home Video of the Year, reflecting his viral content that captured the imaginations of millions. Paris Hilton was honored as “Muse of the Year,” celebrating her role in inspiring trends and creative expression on the platform. Jeremiah Brown was named Rising Star of the Year, acknowledging his expanding influence since leaving reality television and building a strong TikTok following through engaging book-related content and community-oriented posts. Other creators were celebrated in categories spanning sports commentary, storytelling, beauty, education and more, illustrating the breadth of talent and innovation on TikTok in 2025.

Beyond the awards themselves, the TikTok Awards represented an important cultural moment for the platform in the United States, especially against a backdrop of evolving discussions about its role in shaping media, entertainment and even technology policy. The ceremony served as both a celebration of creative expression and a reminder of how digital communities have become central to how people discover content, connect with one another and share experiences. For creators like Lee, the spotlight offered a chance to elevate stories and voices that might not otherwise receive wide attention, reinforcing the idea that social media success can be aligned with values, purpose and community building.

As the night drew to a close, fans and participants alike reflected on the ways TikTok has transformed the creative landscape. The awards celebrated not just individual achievements, but also the collective energy, diversity and cultural relevance of a platform that now plays a prominent role in entertainment and online culture. Keith Lee’s win as Creator of the Year showed that authenticity, passion and connection with audiences remain at the heart of what it means to be a standout creator in 2025.