TikTok Australia hosted its second annual TikTok For You Fest last night at the Hordern Pavillion, announcing the Creator of the Year, TikTok for Good and Video of the Year awards.
Over 1,000 celebrities, media, and the best TikTok creators came together from all over Australia for the event, which was streamed live on @tiktok_australia.
Hosted by Tony Armstrong, the event opened with a Welcome to Country to the tune of From a Land Down Under, followed by a montage of the best TikTok videos, trends and creators of 2022.
2021 Creator of the Year Millie Ford helped co-host the event, interviewing nominees, creators, and celebrities. On winning last year’s award, Ford joked, “It didn’t really do much for my dating life.”
Millie Ford and Tony Armstrong
Presenting the Video of the Year award was Heartbreak High star, Chloe Hayden, who awarded Katrina Ashleigh for her tortilla challenge video, which saw water, tortillas and people flying everywhere, clocking 125 million views.
On winning the award, Ashleigh told Mediaweek, “I feel just speechless, and it’s surreal that it was such an innocent authentic night that landed us this award.
“It’s such a sentimental video to us because it was such a hard time in my life when I asked my friends to come over, and they tried to cheer me up with this video, so honestly, we’re stoked.”
Jazz Thornton accepting TikTok For Good award
Announcing the TikTok for Good award was scientist Dr Karl, who awarded creator Jazz Thornton for using her platform to change the conversation around mental health.
Thornton said, “To be able to create the things that I wish my 12-year-old self has means everything to me.”
For You Fest red carpet
The final award announced was TikTok Creator of the Year, with Kat Clark (@katclark86), WillGibb (@will_yum_gibb), and Luke and Sassy Scott (@lukeandsassyscott) all up for nomination.
Winning the final award of the night was Kat Clark, who is best known for her family vlogs, and recently won ‘Best Digital Creator’ at the AACTA Awards.
On being crowned TikTok’s 2022 Creator of the year, Clark said, “I got into a really toxic relationship that shattered my confidence, but today I feel really proud.
“Thank you for having my back, thank you for this amazing event and thank you for literally changing my life,” she said.
Kat Clark and family and Millie Ford
Throughout the event, guests were treated to performances from international music sensation Leah Kate (@leahkatemusic), and Aussie superstars The Temper Trap (@thetempertrap), as well as an opening performance from some of Australia’s top creators, including stilt walker Demi Skinner (@demiskinner) and cursed cosplayer Rhylee Passfield (@rhyleep95).
Other entertainment included a corn cook-off judged by the inimitable Matt Preston (@mattpreston), make-up and sport challenges, commentated live by Ozzy Man Reviews (@ozzymanreviews), and comedy from Creator of the Year nominee, Will Gibb (@will_yum_gibb).
Also in attendance was Australian musician G Flip, The Wiggles, popstar Dean Lewis, singer and comedian Avneesha, electronic duo Mashd N Kutcher, TV personality Khanh Ong, and reality TV stars Michael Brunelli, Bella Varelis and The Bachelors
For You Fest will be up on @tiktok_australia for 24 hours and will air on 10Peach at 8:30pm AEDT 17 December.