'Pickling a cucumber changed my life' says TikTok award winner

But, it's not all makeup, travel and fashion - some of those honoured are using their platform to inspire and educate.

Iain Ward, who picked up an award for voice for change, is a 31-year-old who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer last year.

He's been using his TikTok platform to raise money for charity by completing challenges, such as running seven marathons in seven days.

"I think what I do is cool because it's unique," he said in the winners' room.

"I did think my content would take off actually because it has meaning and really it's the story of a hero."

Manny Wallace is best known for his at-home chemistry experiments.

He picked up the award for education creator of the year and said being seen as a role-model was "really great".

"My teacher inspired me and that's what I hope to give back," he said, adding that his favourite video was one where he "melted a knife into something else to spread love".

It's also not just young people who were at the ceremony. Married couple Teresa and Michael, both 80, were among the nominees.

"I don't understand any of it," Teresa Barnett said when asked how she felt about taking a walk down the red carpet. "We're just normal people and now we get recognised in the supermarket."

The pair were nominated for starring in their son James' TikTok series makemeaoffer.

Similarly bewildered, James explained how he started randomly capturing moments with his parents for TikTok, with viewing numbers on the videos escalating rapidly each time.

"It has just resonated," James said. "I think it's the authenticity; it's the fact that my parents are sort of anti-influencers."

The awards, which were also livestreamed on TikTok, were hosted by TV personality Michelle Visage.

She said that TikTok was "everyone's guilty pleasure".

Asked why TikTok creators should be recognised with awards, Visage said: "Actors and singers get recognised, why wouldn't content creators? They deserve it."

The winners were selected through a vote among TikTok users.

Across all the categories, more than 2.9 million votes were cast.

Creator of the year - Kyra-Mae Turner

Entertainment creator of the year - Nicholas Flannery

Food creator of the year - Maddi Neye-Swift

Sport creator of the year - John Nellis

Fashion and beauty creator of the year - Uche Natori

Travel creator of the year - Ryan Losasso and Jade Beaty

Education creator of the year - Manny Wallace

Voice for change - Iain Ward

High quality content creator of the year - Miles Laflin

Rising star creator of the year - George Harper

Video of the year award - Jay Foreman

Breakthrough artist of the year - Myles Smith

Additional reporting by Emmanuella Alausa.