TikTok has truly transformed Keith Lee's life in numerous aspects. The 28-year-old popular food critic began posting his restaurant reviews on TikTok in 2021 and has since amassed a massive following of nearly 17 million and nearly 800 million likes. In his typical videos, he sits in his car with takeout and rates each dish on a scale of one to 10. Initially, the restaurants were mostly local in his then-hometown of Las Vegas. But as his platform grew, he embarked on food tours from Houston and New York City to South Korea and Japan.

How a Good Review Can Transform a Business

A good review from Keith Lee can have a remarkable impact. Take Dynamite Korean Food & Sushi/Grill, for example. Last New Year's Eve, Lee called on his followers to show up and honor the family-owned business' late owner who had recently died of tongue cancer. At its peak, the wait time for food was five hours. This shows the power of his reviews in attracting customers and helping local businesses thrive.

Reflecting on this experience, Lee tells PEOPLE as one of 2024's Creators of the Year that he's "forever blessed" to assist others in realizing their dreams. The owner's son came to him and expressed how they played a pivotal role in his dad seeing his dream before he passed away. This intangible feeling is something that can't be put into words but is deeply meaningful.

The Benefits for Keith Lee

The benefits of his reviews go both ways for Keith Lee. Since starting TikTok, he has noticed a "huge, remarkable progress" in how he deals with his social anxiety and depression. He openly shares his experiences in his videos and credits TikTok with playing a pivotal role in his personal growth.

When comparing a video of himself at 18 to now, he can see a difference in how he articulates on camera and in public. He believes that TikTok has given him the tools to improve and be more confident. "I'm forever thankful for the people of TikTok," he says.

The Role of Family

Keith Lee also credits his family - his wife Ronni and his children, Karter and Riley - for "grounding" him as he deals with his anxiety and seasonal depression.

He clarifies that he isn't an "overnight sensation." Instead, he attributes his success to a "long-standing community" of fans who have been with him since he started posting on Vine and Instagram in 2014. These are people who have seen him grow from a kid to a 28-year-old with a family. "It feels like having a distant family," he explains.

Looking Ahead

Looking forward, Lee says the "Keith Lee Effect" that has uplifted restaurants worldwide is "just beginning." In the coming year, he will explore cuisine in new countries like Australia, France, and the United Kingdom.

As he expands his content internationally, he remembers to be "thankful for everything" as he travels the world. "It's different when you see how everybody lives. We just left from Japan, and that was one of the most shell-shocking experiences I've ever had. It makes me be thankful for every part of life that I've been able to experience," he says.