TikTok live streaming is available to select users at the touch of a button, showcasing all kinds of content in real-time, from dancing and cooking to having a chat with those who tune in.
The app has made this function open to users who meet certain requirements, which includes the number of followers they have. Here’s a guide on how to go live on TikTok.
Going Live on TikTok
According to TikTok, “Creators go LIVE to share their passions, show off their talents, or just deepen their relationship with their audiences".
Users creating live videos can share longer-form videos with their audiences. The comments received are in real-time, meaning creators can respond live to suggestions, requests, and questions.
How Many Followers You Need to Go Live on TikTok
TikTok users need to have 1,000 or more followers to create a live stream video on TikTok. Once you reach this milestone, the option will become visible to you on the app within a few days. Users also need to be 16 years or older to record live.
Viewers watching live streams on TikTok can send virtual gifts to the live streamer as a token of support, provided they are over 18 years old. These gifts can then be exchanged for cash.
There are also pre-selected donation stickers that allow viewers to make charitable donations. Notably, users are not allowed to bait viewers into sending them gifts according to TikTok’s Community Guidelines.
How to Go Live on TikTok
So, how do you go live on TikTok? Just follow these steps:
- Open your TikTok app.
- Tap the Create icon at the bottom-center section of the screen, indicating that you’d like to share content.
- Click on the Live button next to the regular record option.
- Select an image for your Livestream and give it a title that describes the video.
- Tap Go Live to start broadcasting.
- Once you are recording live, you can tap the three dots to access the settings to flip the camera, add effects, filter comments, and add up to 20 moderators.
- To exit the live stream, press the X to stop recording.
Tips for TikTok Livestreams
TikTok recommends the following tips for live broadcasting on the app:
- Time: Go live during the times when your audience is most active. By broadcasting during primetime hours, you’ll have more viewers and higher engagement rates.
- Duration: The length of time of your TikTok Lives is up to you, with the suggested length being 30 minutes.
- Activity: Post a video before you go live, as viewers who see that post in their For You feed can enter your livestream directly by clicking on a special icon that’ll appear with the post.
- Quality: All content on TikTok needs to be of high quality. Good lighting will keep viewers engaged, as will good audio, so try to eliminate background noises.
- Connectivity: Be sure to have steady internet access so that your livestream is not disrupted. On a more intangible level, connect with your audience by pre-planning the topic of your broadcast.
- Stillness: Figure out the best angle to film from beforehand, and keep the camera still to avoid too much movement as this can be distracting.
- Engage: TikTok Live videos are all about engagement, so be sure to respond to your viewers and build relationships with them. You can safeguard your content by muting users, filtering comments, and blocking people from your livestreams.
Going Live on TikTok
Going live on TikTok is as simple as that. Once you meet the requirements, you can engage with your followers in real-time.
It provides you with an interactive way to communicate with your audience. If you haven’t got access to this feature yet, focus on growing your TikTok follower base.