TikTok Creator Hub Awards Announces Winners
The inaugural ceremony honoured five up-and-coming creatives across the platform…
I firmly believe there is no better place in the world to be a creator than the MENA region. There are so many different initiatives that have been rolled out throughout the past few years, ones that work to foster a spirit of creativity and innovation amongst rising digital talent and the creator community at large.
You see, creators out here in MENA are valued for thinking outside the box, for their abilities to embrace change and express enthusiasm at trying something new – and one particular platform is reinforcing its commitment to honour that spirit by unveiling a new annual awards ceremony, encouraging those with an audience, both big and small, to use their influence for good.
Earlier this week, I attended the inaugural TikTok Creator Hub at The Farm in Al Barari where five rising video stars were awarded for their efforts in raising awareness surrounding climate change via TikTok – the theme for this year’s submissions clearly aligning with the platform’s global launch of the #Climate Action programme, created in support of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP27) in Egypt. Naturally, submissions came in the form of short-form videos shared across the platform, bite-sized bits of content that will make you twice about your carbon footprint and single-use plastic consumption.
While I applaud the platform for doing its bit to raise climate change awareness, the award ceremony also works to empower its winners by connecting them with mentors that can help them refine their skill sets and, ultimately, helping to grow the TikTok creator community here in the region.
Thirty applicants were short-listed before the judges – Khalid Al Ameri, Jessica Kahawaty and Maha Jaafar – selected the winners. Anfal Saheb, Aya Shiha, Deema Naser, Kareem Abdel Samad and Rabih Takkoush all took home awards, proudly smiling as they stepped on stage to collect their eco-friendly trophies.
“Through the first edition of TikTok MENA Creator Hub, we aimed to inspire talents to unlock their creativity and drive positive change, but the truth is they have truly inspired us with their uplifting content and dedication to their craft,” said Tarek Abdalla, Regional General Manager at TikTok Middle East, Africa, Turkiye, Pakistan & South Asia, wishing congratulations to all the winners.
While excitement was in the air, the atmosphere of the night’s festivities was more inviting than pretentious – more like an extended family gathering than a stuffy gala dinner. In a way, it was a reminder to all who attended just how welcoming TikTok is as a social media platform. Come as you are, be yourself and, most importantly, have fun.
“Through each coming edition of the Creator Hub program, we hope to empower communities and amplify creators’ voices in the region and around the world to create content that drives positive, meaningful, and lasting change as we continue to support the region’s booming creative economy,” said Tarek.
Images supplied.
