Ciara Takes Center Stage as TikTok Launches Its First-Ever U.S. Awards Show

Ciara has been named the headline performer for TikTok’s first ever TikTok Awards, officially putting a familiar face at the center of the platform’s debut awards show.

The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. The announcement marks a notable step for TikTok as it moves to formally recognize the creators and trends that drive its cultural impact. Ciara’s role as the night’s lead performer aligns with her long standing influence in movement driven music, a space where her choreography and sound have consistently found new life through short form content.

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Ciara explained why the collaboration feels authentic. “There’s nothing like performing for a community that loves movement, music, and expression as much as I do,” she said. “The TikTok platform plays a significant role in entertainment. It is one of the most influential platforms in the world.”

The TikTok Awards will stream live on the app and air on Tubi, with on demand access available the following day. Red carpet coverage is set to begin at 5 p.m. PT on TikTok Live, followed by the awards ceremony at 6 p.m.

Ciara also highlighted the importance of launching the awards in the United States, framing the event as a celebration rooted in creativity.

“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 added.

Beyond the performance, TikTok has confirmed a lineup of presenters that bridges the creator space and mainstream entertainment. Newly announced presenters include REI AMI, Tan France, Tefi Pessoa, Justin Danger, Patrick Starrr, Carter Gregory, and Ashby Florence, joining previously revealed names such as Paris Hilton, Bethenny Frankel, and Trixie Mattel.

The debut of the TikTok Awards comes as social platforms continue to carve out their own recognition systems for digital talent.

Earlier this year, Instagram introduced Instagram Rings, a creator focused honors program selected by a panel that includes Spike Lee, Marc Jacobs, and Instagram head Adam Mosseri.