TikTok Awards 2024: Max Klymenko Crowned Creator of the Year in London Ceremony
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The second annual TikTok awards, held at Magazine London, celebrated the platform’s most innovative and engaging content creators. With over five million votes cast by users, the awards showcased a diverse range of talent, from a Ukrainian career advisor to a London transport enthusiast, highlighting the app’s growing influence on culture and entertainment.
From Ukraine to TikTok Stardom: Max Klymenko’s Rise
Max Klymenko took home the coveted “Creator of the Year” prize, recognized for his wildly popular “career ladder” series. The concept is simple yet captivating: Klymenko sets up a stepladder in public spaces, inviting passersby to join him as he attempts to deduce their profession through a series of yes/no questions. He described the series as “the most popular non-animated show in the world.”
Klymenko, who arrived in the UK from Ukraine 14 years ago, explained that his content creation journey began out of necessity. “I had a lot of anxiety and stress around finding a job so I created videos helping people know what jobs were available to them,” he shared. With 8.5 million followers, Klymenko dedicated his award to his grandmother in Ukraine, acknowledging her unwavering support despite limited access. “I’m calling her right after this,” he said, revealing she initially used multiple TikTok accounts to boost his early view counts. He also emphasized the effort behind the seemingly effortless content, stating, “everything you see when you scroll on the toilet or in bed takes hours to make.”
The awards also celebrated unexpected stars. Bemi Orojuogun, affectionately known as “bus aunty,” won the “Video of the Year” award for her viral clips featuring her calmly standing near speeding London buses. Her winning video garnered nearly 50 million views, leading to collaborations with major brands like Burberry and Ikea. Orojuogun, a mental health nurse, expressed her surprise at the recognition, stating, “It’s slightly overwhelming that everyone recognises me,” but also expressed pride in her achievement. She thanked Transport for London and musician Stormzy, who helped propel her to fame by re-posting her content.
A heartwarming friendship blossomed between Orojuogun and Nikki Lilly, who was awarded “Fashion and Beauty Creator of the Year.” Lilly, boasting 10 million TikTok followers, is challenging conventional beauty standards by openly sharing her experiences with surgeries, chronic illness, and a facial difference. “I don’t want to only make my social media a highlights reel,” she explained to the BBC. “It’s also me having surgeries, a chronic illness and me having a facial difference.” She added that she has found “so much safety” within the TikTok beauty community.
Amplifying Voices: Autism Advocacy and Entertainment
The “Voice for Change” award went to Tola and Kevin, a mother-son duo who share candid videos documenting their life with autism. Tola, visibly moved, explained she started the account 16 years ago after feeling isolated following her son’s diagnosis, and has since built a supportive community.
Rounding out the major awards, Charley Marlowe, a Radio 1 presenter, was named “Entertainment Creator of the Year.” Known for her celebrity interviews and infectious laugh, Marlowe dedicated her award to “every northern, working-class diva.”
Full List of Winners:
- Creator of the year – Max Klymenko
- Entertainment creator of the year – Charley Marlowe
- Food creator of the year – Kieran Monlouis
- Sport creator of the year – Lissie Mackintosh
- Fashion and beauty creator of the year – Nikki Lilly
- Travel creator of the year – Phil Carr
- Books & learning creator of the year – Gabriel Astorga
- Voice for change creator of the year – Tola and Kevin
- Storyteller of the year – Morgan M James
- Rising star creator of the year – Joy Anokwuru
- Video of the year award – Bemi Orojuogun
- Artist of the year – Olivia Dean
The TikTok awards underscored the platform’s power to elevate diverse voices and create genuine connections, solidifying its position as a major force in the digital landscape.
