TikTok’s U.S. Ownership Raises Concerns for Creators at First TikTok Awards Show: ‘I Want People to Create Without Worrying About Being Punished’

The most influential content creators were celebrated on Thursday night for their impact and contributions to popular internet culture at the inaugural TikTok Awards, held at the Hollywood Palladium and live-streamed on the social media app as well as on Tubi.

​Just hours before the start of the event, news broke that TikTok and ByteDance signed agreements with three managing investors – Oracle, Silverlake and MGX– to form a new TikTok U.S. joint venture. The agreement, which is set to close Jan. 22, 2026, would ensure that the popular social media platform will continue operating in the United States. ​

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While this latest development is one step closer to preventing the app from being banned in the U.S., the uncertainty about how the app will change with its new investors was unsettling for many content creators at the awards ceremony.

On the red carpet, attendees shared their concerns about the future of the app particularly with Oracle, a software company run by billionaire and Donald Trump’s close ally Larry Ellison, as one of the new American investors in the deal.​

“K-pop Demon Hunters” star Rei Ami told Variety, “I would be afraid of the censorship. I hope TikTok remains firm in its pledge not to censor their creators. Censorship goes against what America’s founding principles are. Censorship remaining out of users’ creative ability is what I hope and want for TikTok’s future.”

​TikTok star Merrick Hanna, who rose to internet stardom for his signature robotic dance moves, mentioned how he hopes “they don’t change the app too much.” He added, “I’m worried that the owners are going to sway what kind of content is going to get served to people on their For You Page. I hope that doesn’t happen.”​

“Overcompensating” actress and content creator Yasmine Sahid said she’s worried about TikTok’s algorithm being impacted. “I’m a little bit nervous because I want the algorithm to stay true and freedom of speech. I want people to create without worrying about being punished or banned. So we’ll see.”​

Beauty TikToker Golloria George, who built a massive platform on promoting makeup inclusivity, shared her concerns about whether TikTok stays true to its core. “I hope it stays authentic and doesn’t censor creators for having a voice. The beauty of the platform is that people can get on TikTok and say what they want to say. That is most important.”​

Despite their concerns, the shared sentiment of relief was present among the content creators and influencers, knowing that the pending deal would prevent TikTok from being banned in the U.S.​

“I’m excited, but also mentally drained because the algorithm is so confusing right now,” TikTok star Markell Washington said. “From a creator’s perspective, the algorithm is making me feel like I have to do backflips and jump off a building to get views. Hopefully, after it’s sold, it can get back to normal with the original algorithm because it’s taking the fun out of creating. I’m creating content and trying to evolve with the algorithm, but it’s not getting rewarded at the same time.​”

With how much TikTok has changed the lives of business owners, Canadian influencer and businessman Josh Richards said he was happy to hear that the platform found buyers.​

“TikTok has given so many people a way to create an income or business,” he said. “What it’s been able to do in the small business world is incredible. It’s been able to help kids to feed that hunger inside of them as a creative outlet. They have such easy access to that now.”

Hosted by La La Anthony, the TikTok Awards crowned New Orleans-based Keith Lee with the Creator of the Year Award. With 17.3 million TikTok followers, Lee’s videos spotlight small food businesses and uses his platform to drive massive customer demand that have turned restaurants into overnight successes.

“This means more to me than I can explain,” Lee said while accepting his award. “I was just a kid sitting in a PAW Patrol chair that started recording because I was a professional fighter who was nervous in front of cameras and couldn’t talk. I couldn’t be rooms with people. I was a nervous wreck who always doubted myself. TikTok provided me a platform to talk about that and highlight small businesses around the country.”

He continued, “It’s so hard for me to do something for myself because I always put other people in front of me. But this is for me.”

After his speech, Anthony announced that TikTok pledged $50,000 to Feeding America to help fight against food insecurity.

Throughout the night, the award show featured special surprises, including a performance from “Dancing With the Stars” duo Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, TikTok shop giveaways and a Labubu cannon that launched the plush toys into the audience.

Ciara also took center stage to perform as headliner. The music superstar performed a combination of her classics and newer songs, including “My Goodies,” “Oh,” “Like a Boy,” “Level Up,” “1, 2 Step,” among others.

Across 14 categories, fans were able to cast their votes for their favorite creators in the TikTok app’s awards hub from Nov. 18 to Dec. 2. Other winners from the night were Bretman Rock (Video of the Year), Jeremiah Brown (Rising Star of the Year), Alex Warren (Breakthrough Artist of the Year), Tineke Younger (Storyteller of the Year), Paris Hilton (Muse of the Year), Zach and Pat Valentine (TikTok For Good Award), Dayane Chrissel (My Show Is On), Mariah Rose (MVP of the Year), Katie Fang (Okay Slay), Law By Mike (I Was Today Years Old), KlothesMinded (Immediately Added To Cart), Recider (CapCut Creator of the Year), Elizabeth Esparza (TikTok Live Creator of the Year).