Ciara is stepping into the spotlight as the headline performer for TikTok’s first-ever TikTok Awards, marking a major milestone for the platform as it formally recognizes the creators and cultural impact driving its global ecosystem. The ceremony is set to take place on Thursday, December 18, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
The singer and performer will anchor the night with a live performance designed specifically for TikTok’s audience, a fitting pairing given her long-standing influence in music and choreography that thrives in short-form, movement-driven spaces. Ciara described the collaboration as natural, emphasizing the platform’s role in shaping modern entertainment.
“There’s nothing like performing for a community that loves movement, music, and expression as much as I do,” Ciara told 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 creator economy, an increasingly powerful space that has transformed how music, fashion, comedy, and storytelling gain visibility. TikTok confirmed that the event will stream live on the platform and air simultaneously on Tubi, with on-demand viewing available the following day. Red carpet coverage will begin at 5 p.m. PT on TikTok Live, followed by the awards ceremony at 6 p.m. PT.
Ciara also highlighted the importance of launching the awards in the United States, framing the event as 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 headline performance, TikTok has announced a growing roster of presenters bridging both creator and celebrity worlds. Confirmed participants include REI AMI, Tan France, Tefi Pessoa, Justin Danger, Patrick Starrr, Carter Gregory, and Ashby Florence, alongside previously revealed presenters Paris Hilton, Bethenny Frankel, and Trixie Mattel.
The debut of the TikTok Awards reflects a broader shift as social media platforms create their own creator-focused honors. Earlier this year, Instagram introduced Instagram Rings, a recognition program selected by a panel featuring Spike Lee, Marc Jacobs, and Instagram head Adam Mosseri, signaling a new era of platform-driven cultural recognition.
