Last night, content creators from across Australia gathered in Sydney for the much-anticipated 2024 TikTok Awards. The evening was filled with glitz and glamour, showcasing the best of online talent. Yet, amidst the celebration, a significant number of creators were left feeling snubbed, as they did not receive invites to the prestigious event.
Held at the Hordern Pavilion, the awards aimed to honor diverse talents and the content that populates users’ For You Pages (FYP). However, for many, the reality of not being included cast a shadow over the festivities.
Notably, Ellie Peach, a nurse and popular TikToker with over 130,000 followers, expressed her disappointment in a heartfelt video. “Tonight, I’m headed to the emergency department for work instead of the TikTok Awards. I wasn’t invited, and honestly, I’m upset about it,” she shared. Ellie reflected on her past year, believing she had built a sufficient following to warrant an invite, especially when other creators in the healthcare niche, like Hamish Briggs, were recognized.
“I wanted to represent nursing at a major event like this, particularly as a woman in a predominantly female industry. It’s crucial to have women in these spaces,” she emphasized.
Her sentiments resonated with fellow healthcare creators, including Dr. Katie and Dr. Michael, who also felt the sting of exclusion. Dr. Michael, who attended the previous year’s ceremony, highlighted the networking aspect of such events, stating, “It’s often about who you know, not just what you do.”
Media personality Abbie Chatfield stepped in to offer support, reassuring Ellie that missing the awards might not be as significant as it seems. “As someone who has attended every major awards night in this country, you’re not missing out on much. It’s like being at someone else’s graduation ceremony — the energy is just not what it seems online,” she advised.
Despite the disappointment, the conversation sparked by Ellie and others highlights the ongoing discussions around representation and recognition in the digital creator landscape. PEDESTRIAN.TV has reached out to TikTok for further insights into the selection process for the awards. Stay tuned for updates.