How To Go Live & Stream On TikTok
Live videos are one of Tiktok’s core experiences, attracting millions of viewers from around the world.
TikTok users make live sessions to raise money, speak with their audience and have a good time in general.
Whether you are about to go live for the first time or you want to explore Tiktok Go live video feature - read on!
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why you should go live on TikTok.
- How to Ggo live on TikTok.
- Tips on streaming on TikTok & TikTok live requirements
One might ask - okay, but what’s the big deal about a live stream to your viewers?
Why You Should Go Live on TikTok
Live video streaming is one of the fastest-growing industries; it is worth more than $30 billion in the US.
Tiktok is no different and rides on the live streaming trend.
People favor real-time interaction with their favorite influencers at the center stage.
When you go live, you are:
- Increasing your brand awareness.
- Creating a community.
- Opening your account to earn gift points from viewers.
If you’re above 18 years old, your followers can send you virtual gifts which can be disbursed into real cash.
When you stream directly, you can build a more real and intimate connection with your audience.
Going live on Tiktok is also a great way to become famous Tiktok.
How to Go Live on TikTok iOS & Android
If you have never used TikTok before and would like to start making videos, here are direct links to the Tiktok app for each platform:
- AppStore (for iOS)
- Google PlayStore (for Android)
After installation, here are the exact steps you need to follow to live stream on both Android and iOS devices:
- Step 1: Open TikTok
- Step 2: Next, tap the create icon (the plus sign)
- Step 3: Under the record button, tap LIVE
- Step 4: You’ll see a preview screen
Here, you can tap on the three-dot menu (the three dots ) on the center of your screen to change the settings of the video.
You’ll be able to do things like:
- Add moderators that can filter comments and mute viewers.
- Add effects.
- Select a co-host.
After you’re done with the stream, you can tap the X on the top left corner of your screen to end it.
How to Go Live With Someone on Tiktok
You probably wonder - can you go live with someone on Tiktok and live stream together to your followers? The answer is - yes.
Apart from the live host, you can have a co-host and moderators.
An extra host is great to increase your audience, while moderators will stay focused on the comments.
Tips on TikTok Go Live Feature
A successful stream requires one thing and one thing only: engaging content.
The following tips can be implemented by any TikTok profile, and are sure to take their content to the next level.
Here are some tips and best practices when going live on Tiktok:
- Make your TikTok feed look professional
- Interact with your audience
- Follow Community Guidelines
- Check your internet connection
Make Your TikTok Feed Look Professional
What the user sees and hears is what they will think of your stream.
Make sure to look professional.
- Hold your phone in a steady position
- Pick your best camera angle
- Reduce background noise, go to a quiet place
- Avoid bad lighting.
Most people use natural lighting, but natural lighting is not necessarily good lighting.
A simple hack to get better lighting is to buy a ring light.
They are cheap to buy and will make your broadcast look professional.
Interact With Your Audience
The key to a successful live stream is human interaction.
During a live broadcast, don’t shy away from Q&A sessions, ask your fans for opinions and throw out the latest TikTok memes.
Try to be mindful of their time slot they are online as well.
What’s the point of a live stream if half your audience will be half asleep?
Comment on your follower’s thoughts and share yours with them.
Have some talking points prepared!
Follow Community Guidelines
As a Tiktok user going live, you need to keep in mind that your account might be temporarily or permanently banned if you break certain rules related to live streaming.
You also need to encourage new audiences to follow said guidelines.
While they are on your broadcast, they are your responsibility.
This is why adding moderators is helpful, as they can help you filter comments that break the guidelines.
In case of doubt, feel free to access the Tiktok’s Guidelines site to find the latest information about restricted content.
Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure you have a steady internet connection.
Going live it’s not the same as simply posting TikTok videos.
If your video stream suddenly stops, that will look bad on you, not on the platform.
Try running a network test before you start a live stream.
Tiktok Go Live limits & requirements
We know all of these things sound amazing; however, we’ve got bad news.
Sometimes you won’t have the LIVE feature below the camera icon.
That’s because there are some requirements you must meet.
Those are:
- You need to be at least 18 years old
- You need at least 1000 followers
We can’t help you turn 18 faster, but a good tip to increase your follower count is to always stay active on the platform.
If you have over 1,000 followers and don’t have LIVE yet, you’ll need to request TikTok to enable it directly.
TikTok Live Stream FAQ
Here are some common questions you might have regarding going live on the Tiktok app.
How Many Followers on Tiktok To Go Live?
You need at least 1000 followers to go live on Tiktok and receive virtual gifts.
How long can you live stream on Tiktok?
There is no limit on the duration of live streams on TikTok.
We recommend keeping it under an hour.
Can I record audio during Tiktok live video?
No. When you are recording audio from third parties, Go Live button will be unavailable.
Do TikTok Live videos disappear?
Yes. Unlike an Instagram live stream that appears later as a posted video, Tiktok live videos can be viewed only during the streaming.
The moment the stream ends, the video is gone, and you won’t be able to watch it.
Karen is a senior technical writer and copywriter at Hypegrowth. Her area of expertize are social media apps and new media.