What to expect from the inaugural U.S. TikTok Awards

The first-ever U.S. TikTok Awards are officially taking over Hollywood on Dec. 18, 2025 — and Mashable will be on the red carpet and inside the venue, covering the night as it unfolds in real time.

Designed to honor the creators, trends, and cultural moments that defined TikTok this year, the show marks the platform’s biggest attempt yet to turn internet virality into a full-scale awards spectacle. Think: the For You Page, but live, loud, and happening all at once at the Hollywood Palladium.

And now, we know who’s headlining.

Ciara will headline the first U.S. TikTok Awards

GRAMMY-winning global superstar Ciara will headline the inaugural U.S. TikTok Awards, bringing her signature choreography and stage presence to the Palladium. The multi-platinum artist, whose music and dance moves have long thrived on TikTok, is set to perform a mix of her biggest hits during the live show.

"There’s nothing like performing for a community that loves movement, music, and expression as much as I do," Ciara said in a statement, per TikTok. "The TikTok Awards are all about celebrating that spirit, and I’m honored to hit the stage for the first-ever show in the US."

What to expect from the TikTok Awards

If you’re wondering what this show will actually feel like, imagine the chaos and creativity of TikTok brought to life in physical space. Hosted by La La Anthony, the U.S. TikTok Awards promises creator-led segments, live performances, and moments designed to be experienced and immediately shared, clipped, and stitched.

The theme for the night — "New Era, New Icons" — celebrates creators across beauty, fashion, music, sports, education, and entertainment whose influence extends far beyond the app itself.

In other words: Expect meme-by-morning moments and at least one reaction GIF that lives online forever.

Presenters revealed

TikTok has also announced a new slate of presenters spanning creators, cultural icons, and community favorites:

• Breakthrough Artist of the Year — Presented by KPop Demon Hunters star REI AMI (@rei.ami)

• Okay Slay Award (Beauty) — Presented by Tan France (@tanfrance)

• Video of the Year — Presented by Tefi Pessoa (@hellotefi)

• I Was Today Years Old Award (Education) — Presented by Justin Danger (@justin_danger_nunley)

• Immediately Added to Cart Award (TikTok Shop) — Presented by Patrick Starrr (@patrickstarrr)

• CapCut Creator of the Year — Presented by Carter Gregory (@thecarterb)

• Live Creator of the Year — Presented by Ashby Florence (@ashbyflorence)

Additionally, e.l.f. Cosmetics joins as a title sponsor, presenting the Rising Star of the Year Award.

Mashable’s live TikTok Awards coverage

Mashable will be covering the TikTok Awards live from Los Angeles, with our team on the red carpet capturing arrivals, GRWM-to-carpet transformations, and creator interviews — plus inside-the-room coverage of performances, wins, and the moments you'll be seeing all over your feed the next morning.

The red carpet livestream kicks off at 5 p.m. PT, followed by the main ceremony at 6 p.m. PT, streaming live on @TikTok and Tubi, the official streaming partner of the TikTok Awards 2025. The show will also be available on demand on Tubi the next day.

Red carpet hosts and correspondents for the livestream include:

• Dylan Kevitch (@dylan.kevitch)

• Hannah Kosh (@hannahkosh)

• Taylor King (@tksjuicypolls)

When and where to watch the TikTok Awards

• Red carpet: 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET on TikTok LIVE

• Main ceremony: 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET on TikTok and Tubi

• Location: Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles

Whether you’re tuning in for the performances, rooting for your favorite creator, or just waiting to see what breaks the internet next, Mashable will be there tracking it all, from red carpet chaos to the final award.

And yes: If something wild happens backstage, it'll probably hit your For You Page within minutes.