David Bridges
TikTok Unveils Exciting Activations for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as the celebration continues to evolve with an increasingly inclusive title every year.
Amidst the evolving naming conventions, TikTok has detailed a variety of celebratory features that will be available on the platform throughout May, showcasing creator spotlights, real-life events, and much more to engage users and highlight cultural heritage.
To kick off the celebrations, TikTok aims to spotlight AANHPI creators and innovators through its 2025 “AANHPI Voices to Watch” list, which recognizes rising talents who are making significant impacts within TikTok and their communities.
“The 2025 AANHPI Voices to Watch list highlights emerging Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander creators and entrepreneurs who are making meaningful contributions to TikTok and within their communities. These exceptional creators are forging innovative paths in various fields such as entertainment, fashion, wellness, food, beauty, music, film, and beyond.”
Throughout May, TikTok will prominently showcase the work of these creators across different app surfaces, aiming to connect their talents and entrepreneurial spirit with a wider audience.
In addition to digital celebrations, TikTok is also sponsoring the 2025 Gold Gala, a prestigious event that recognizes AANHPI excellence through the acclaimed A100 List, honoring visionary creators and their contributions.
Furthermore, TikTok aims to celebrate the cultural significance and contributions of the AANHPI community through various community-led events and collaborations that emphasize shared heritage and artistic expression.
“Throughout May, TikTok’s AANHPI employee resource group ARISE will be celebrating by hosting events featuring live performances from AANHPI artists, culinary demonstrations, cultural arts activities, and discussions that highlight local vendors and traditions. These enriching experiences are designed to celebrate cultural heritage, promote inclusion, and strengthen community ties within TikTok.”
This marks the fifth consecutive year that TikTok has launched its AANHPI Visionary Voices initiative, which has significantly helped creators from these communities gain more visibility and opportunity on the platform.
TikTok has played a crucial role in empowering minority voices and enhancing their visibility, establishing itself as an essential platform for these communities to connect with broader audiences. The potential banning of TikTok in the U.S. raises concerns about the future of these connections, though there is hope for a sell-off that would allow TikTok to continue serving American users.
For more detailed information about TikTok’s AANHPI events, including bios of its Visionary Voices, you can read more here.
Tessa Everly
Mason Thompson
