Max Wins TikTok Award: Hours of Effort Behind Scrollable Content
Max Klymenko has emerged as a standout figure in the TikTok community, clinching the prestigious title of Creator of the Year at the second annual TikTok Awards. This event took place at Magazine London and was hosted by TV presenter Aj Odudu. Klymenko is renowned for his innovative career ladder series, where he engages passers-by in public spaces to guess their professions through a fun yes/no questioning game. He has amassed a significant following of 8.5 million on TikTok.
Max Klymenko’s Journey
Fourteen years ago, Klymenko relocated to the UK from Ukraine. Initially struggling to establish his career, he turned to video creation to help others navigate job opportunities. He shared his heartfelt dedication of the award to his grandmother in Ukraine, who has been unable to access TikTok due to ongoing electricity shortages. Max expressed his resolve to connect with her post-ceremony, highlighting her early support in boosting his views through multiple accounts.
Winners from Various Domains
The TikTok Awards recognized creators across 12 categories. The nominees collectively boasted over 83 million followers, and the winners were chosen by five million active TikTok users. In the Video of the Year category, Bemi Orojuogun, also known as “Bus Aunty,” won thanks to her viral clips celebrating London’s transport services. Her winning video alone has gathered nearly 50 million views.
A Night of Celebration and Recognition
- Creator of the Year: Max Klymenko
- Entertainment Creator of the Year: Charley Marlowe
- Video of the Year: Bemi Orojuogun
- Voice for Change Creator: Tola and Kevin
- Fashion and Beauty Creator: Nikki Lilly
- Books & Learning Creator: Gabriel Astorga
- Rising Star Creator: Joy Anokwuru
Notable Mentions
Bemi, who expressed her gratitude to Transport for London (TfL) and rapper Stormzy for their support, has formed partnerships with major brands like Burberry and Ikea. Other notable winners include Nikki Lilly, who creates content focused on beauty while addressing personal health challenges, and Tola and Kevin, who document the experiences of raising a child with autism.
This year’s event highlighted the incredible diversity and talent within the TikTok community. Each winner has leveraged their platform to inspire and connect with audiences in unique ways, proving that hours of effort can yield extraordinary engagement and recognition.
