TikTok Awards.
Ilai Matangi (@havea_676) has been crowned Creator of the Year at the TikTok Awards in Sydney.
Matangi is a Gold Coast–based Tongan, and last year’s Comedy Creator of the Year with 2.7 million+ followers on TikTok.
“I’m so grateful for TikTok – it lets me showcase my family, comedy, and culture… This recognition isn't just for me, it’s for my family, and the community that’s supported me from day one,” said Matangi at the event, held at the TikTok Entertainment Centre, formerly the ICC .
The 2025 Awards saw 6.4 million votes cast, 3 million more than last year.
Jonathan Bailey, star of Wicked: For Good, made a surprise appearance to present the TikTok For Good award to Australian wildlife conservationist Josh Neille.
“Standing here tonight, I’m reminded that you don’t need magic to make a real difference… One video, one message, one spark of humanity can ripple outward and change lives,” Bailey said.
The winners:
- Video of the Year, presented by Tinder: Leah Halton’s iconic inverted behind-the-scenes video, 150M views
- TikTok Business of the Year, presented by HP: All For Mimi, Sopha Dopha, @allformimi, 150.5k followers
- Music Artist of the Year, presented by Uber Eats: Lance Savali, @lancesavali, 1.5M followers
- Sport & Fitness Creator of the Year, presented by EHP Labs: Hannah Pearson, @hannahhpearson, 2.2M followers
- Beauty and Fashion Creator of the Year, presented by Rimmel: Ellen Malone, @askellenbeauty, 757.5K followers
- Food Creator of the Year: Andy Hearnden, @andy_cooks, 6M followers
- Entertainment Creator of the Year: Theo Shakes, @theoshakes, 2.1M followers
- Learn on TikTok award: Heidi Barlow, @womenshealthwithheidi, 1.2M followers
- TikTok for Good Award: Josh Neille, @josh_neille, 865.6K followers
- Comedy Creator of the Year: Liam Dowling and Ben Christopher, @nansfavourites, 898.3K followers
- LIVE Creator of the Year: Ūla, @ulaulaula, 1.6M followers
- High Quality Content Creator: Anthony Randello-Jahn, @thedonutdaddy, 1.3M followers
- New Zealand Creator of the Year: Louis Davis, @louisdavis_, 2.1M followers
The event attracted more than 5,000 people in person, with millions more watching live on TikTok and Stan. Highlights included performances by Keli Holiday (Dancing2) and Jude York, who performed Slipping Through My Fingers alongside his mum.
The crowd included celebrities Cody Simpson, Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Abo, Dylan Alcott, Nagi Maehashi, Courtney Act, Harry Garside, Midnight Til Morning, The Inspired Unemployed, Kat Clark and Indy Clinton.
“What an incredible, sold-out celebration… This year’s winners have more than 38 million followers combined and it’s a privilege to showcase our local creators,” said TikTok ANZ head of content, Simon Bates.
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