'Roll your eyes if you want, I'm a star': TikTok to hold first awards show

TikTok is set to hold its very first awards show, and it is generating a lot of excitement among fans and creators alike! This event will honor the most talented content creators from the UK and Ireland. One of the nominees, Aly Meghani, is known for his engaging fashion and beauty videos. He is just one of the 72 creators who have been nominated across 12 different categories. Together, these creators boast an impressive total of over 101 million followers! The winners will be revealed during a special ceremony taking place in London on Tuesday evening. Many people are curious about the purpose of having an awards show for social media creators. According to travel creators Jade Beaty and Ryan Losasso, creating content is a labor-intensive process. They explain that even a short 30-second video can take days or even weeks to produce. They believe that events like this can inspire a new generation of creators to pick up their phones and start making content. Aly Meghani shares this sentiment, stating that while content creation may appear simple from the outside, it requires a significant amount of effort, time, and creativity. He also mentions that the awards help to highlight the dedication of creators and provide them with the recognition they deserve. The influence of TikTok cannot be overlooked, as the platform boasts 175 million active users in Europe each month. The videos shared on TikTok have led to some of the most viral trends of the year. In fact, one of these trends has even made its way into the dictionary! The word 'demure' has been chosen as the word of the year, referring to the excessive consumption of low-quality content on social media, which often results in people mindlessly scrolling through apps like TikTok. Psychologist Andrew Przybylski from Oxford University explains that this term captures our dissatisfaction with the online world and reflects the anxieties many people have regarding social media. Ayamé Ponder, a nominee for creator of the year, acknowledges that there are differing opinions on influencers but believes they often receive unfair criticism. She confidently states, 'They can roll their eyes all they want - I’m a star. ' With 3. 8 million followers, she is known for her comedic sketches but is now using her platform to give back to the community. She explains that her purpose shifted as she became more aware of the injustices happening around the world. Melissa McFarlane, who oversees operations for TikTok in the UK, Ireland, and Nordics, emphasizes that the awards celebrate a wide range of creators, from science enthusiasts who promote STEM subjects to literature lovers who share their favorite book recommendations. She believes that when we take a moment to consider the impact TikTok communities have on various aspects of life, such as reading, cooking, and learning, it becomes clear that their contributions are significant and deserving of recognition. Most creators are simply passionate individuals who want to share their creativity with the world, and their influence goes far beyond just being 'influencers. ' The UK TikTok awards are part of a global initiative, with 20 awards shows taking place worldwide this year. Each award honors creators in various categories, including food, music, entertainment, beauty, and fitness. While some nominees focus on popular content like 'get ready with me' videos or 'day in the life' vlogs, others have carved out unique niches that demonstrate how they are changing the industry. For example, one nominee runs a page with 72 million likes that showcases videos of fossils, while another creator, with 15 million followers, produces satisfying ASMR videos of cleaning swimming pools. Additionally, there is a historian who offers insights into historical events through engaging content. The TikTok awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the creativity and hard work of these talented individuals!