Last night, the TikTok Awards 2025 hit harder than a perfectly timed green screen duet. Picture it: 4,000 VIPs, creators, celebs and certified “I’ll just post one video” success stories, all squeezed into the newly minted TikTok Entertainment Centre (bestie, that’s the ICC but make it viral). Hosted by Sophie Monk – who’s basically the IRL embodiment of “tell me you’re iconic without telling me you’re iconic” – the night exploded with 14 awards, endless emotional speeches, and at least 87 influencer outfit changes.
And honestly? The energy was giving … You know that moment when your draft finally goes viral? That. For three hours straight.
The winners were winning (literally)
Creator of the Year crown landed on Ilai Matangi (@havea_676), whose 2.7M followers got him home, among an impressive a lineup that included fellow creators Latisha Clark, Tammy Hembrow, Jiny Maeng, and Ben Stubbs,
When his name was read, you could feel the “I knew him before he blew up” energy ripple across the room.
“I’m so grateful for TikTok – it lets me showcase my family, comedy, and culture. I started making videos with my kids for fun and I never imagined it would turn into such a fulfilling career. To be here, winning this award voted by my TikTok fans is truly humbling. This recognition isn’t just for me, it’s for my family, and
the community that’s supported me from day one,” said Ilai – Gold Coast-based family man, proud Tongan, and last year’s Comedy Creator of the Year,
Video of the Year went to Leah Halton, with THAT upside-down behind-the-scenes moment that hit 150 million views. If you haven’t tried to recreate it yet, are you even on the app?
Food Creator of the Year went to Andy Hearnden (@andy_cooks) – the man who can literally make a toasted sandwich feel gourmet with six million fans. Meanwhile, Ellen Malone (@askellenbeauty) took home Beauty & Fashion Creator of the Year for being everybody’s “Should I buy this?” voice of reason (or chaos).
And look, if you’ve ever yelled, “I saw this on TikTok” while holding a dumbbell incorrectly, you owe Sport & Fitness Creator of the Year Hannah Pearson (@hannahhpearson) a thanks.
Comedy Creator of the Year? Liam Dowling and Ben Christopher aka @nansfavourites. If your nan’s never accidentally walked into your thirst trap TikTok, congratulations. You’re lying.
Anthony Randello-Jahn (@thedonutdaddy) claimed High Quality Content Creator and honestly? His lighting setup probably costs more than my rent.
And because we live in the era of soft launches and strong coffee orders, TikTok Business of the Year went to All For Mimi (@allformimi) via Sopha Dopha – proving that if your brand doesn’t have a reel, does it even exist?
Kiwi creators had their moment too, with Louis Davis named New Zealand Creator of the Year, Theo Shakes winning the inaugural Entertainment Creator of the Year award, and Lance Savali crowned Music Artist of the Year. Learn on TikTok winner was Sydney-based women’s health physiotherapist Heidi Barlow.
When Jonathan Bailey walked in, time stopped
When Jonathan Bailey – Hollywood star of Wicked: For Good, People’s Sexiest Man Alive and your mother’s new crush – walked on stage to present the TikTok for Good Award to conservationist Josh Neille (@josh_neille), the screams could be heard to LA. Seriously. Someone’s ring light cracked.
“Standing here tonight, I’m reminded that you don’t need magic to make a real difference. TikTok is known for creativity, humour, and entertainment but it’s also become a space where people take action, raise their voices, and lift up their communities. One video, one message, one spark of humanity can ripple
outward and change lives,” said Jonathan Bailey on stage.
Things that went straight to the ‘add to favourites’ folder
Aussie comedian Blake Pavey had everybody laughing through slight existential crisis. Elite.
Keli Holiday performed Dancing2 before Creator of the Year was announced, and it felt like dancing alone in your room but with 4,000 people, strobe lights, and a smoke machine.
Viral star Jude York performed Slipping Through My Fingers with his mother. With 47 million views behind him. Tears were shed. Mascara was tested.
Guestlist? Sorry, are we at the Met Gala?
Sophie Monk. Cody Simpson. Indy Clinton. Kat & Deja Clark. Courtney Act. Dylan Alcott. Martha Kalifatidis. Osher Gunsberg. Nagi Maehashi from RecipeTin Eats. The cast of Love Island. Team MAFS 2025. The Impractical Jokers,The Wiggles. And Abbie Chatfield – who joined her buzzy pop artist partner Keli Holiday, and country singer Max Jackson on stage with a set of bongos. Even Dr Karl was there proving that science slaps.
Basically, if you’ve seen them on TikTok, TV, or in a meme, they were there.
Where to catch the FOMO replay
@tiktok_australia & Stan: all day 27th November (aka today – book in your scroll time)
Replay: On 9Go! from 7th December. Perfect viewing while wrapping presents you forgot to measure the paper for.
Final thoughts before you go film a reaction video
Now in its fifth year (which in TikTok time is basically three generations of trends), the awards honour the creators who didn’t just hop on trends – they made them. From education to entertainment, comedy to cooking, the platform has literally rewritten what it means to be culturally relevant (important note: be chaotic, relatable and have a ring light).
This year was the biggest celebration of creators ever hosted in Australia. In fact, with more that 4000 guests filling the TikTok Entertainment
Centre (with millions more tuning in live on TikTok and Stan) + Zero bad angles. And Countless phones at 0% by the end, with with the biggest TikTok Awards event in the world.
The takeaway is that creators aren’t just posting. They’re shaping culture, careers, conversations… and occasionally convincing us that oat milk improves your personality.
And if you’re sitting there thinking, “Maybe I could go viral…” friend, this is your sign. Start now. Worst case, you delete it. Best case? You’re on stage with Sophie Monk this time next year.
No pressure, but like… pressure.
Mic drop. Ring light off. See you on the FYP.
