How to go live on TikTok: The ultimate guide

Ever since TikTok introduced live streaming, it’s become a top social media platform for live video content. If you have a presence on TikTok and you’re ready to take audience engagement to the next level, then you should start live streaming. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to go live on TikTok, including how to get live access on TikTok, how to make money from TikTok LIVE streams, how to use the TikTok LIVE Studio, and the best practices for going live on the platform.

What is TikTok LIVE?

TikTok LIVE is the live streaming arm of the popular short-form video app TikTok. Rather than shooting, editing and uploading your videos to TikTok for users to watch later, you start filming in real time, and viewers can interact with you directly. Just like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube all have live streaming capabilities, so does TikTok. Most TikTok LIVE streams tend to be informal and conversational.

Why go live on TikTok?

TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over one billion monthly active users. People all over the world are consuming content on TikTok constantly — the app has 4.43 million minutes viewed per day in the U.S. alone. Going live on TikTok can help you tap into a massive audience, especially if viewers are located in the U.S.

Some of the benefits of live streaming on TikTok are:

• You can promote LIVE events ahead of time, and on other platforms
• You can host real-time Q&A sessions with your fans
• You can partner up with another TikTok creator and go live together
• You can ask viewers for donations during your TikTok LIVE streams

How to go live on TikTok

Before you can start live streaming on TikTok, you need to ensure you have TikTok LIVE access. Follow these steps:

1. Download and install the app. If you haven’t already, you’ll need to download and install the TikTok app on your mobile device. It’s free to download and to make a TikTok account. 
2. Verify that you’re allowed to go live. Not every TikTok user is eligible to start live streaming. You must be at least 18 years old. Also, if you live in the U.S. and you’re a “gaming creator,” you only need 1,000 followers to go live. If you’re a non-gaming creator located in the U.S., you need 10,000 followers. If you live outside the U.S., you need 1,000 followers no matter what kind of content you post.
3. See if you can earn gift points. If you are at least 18 years old, you’re eligible to earn gift points while streaming on TikTok. Gifts are TikTok’s donation system, which allows users to send streamers money. We’ll go into more detail about making money with TikTok below.
4. Review TikTok’s community guidelines. If you want to go live on TikTok, you have to follow TikTok’s rules. Read TikTok’s community guidelines before you start streaming on the platform. 

How to go live on TikTok on a mobile phone

Going live on TikTok is easy — if you meet the requirements. If you want your content to be engaging and professional, it will take a little behind-the-scenes prep work as well. But it doesn’t take much to get started: simply open the app and press the Go LIVE button.

Here’s how to go live with the TikTok app:

1. Launch the TikTok app.

2. Tap the plus sign at the bottom-center of the screen.

3. Tap the live button, which appears right next to the record button. If you don’t see it right away, swipe left until you see it.

4. Pick an image for your stream and give it a title. The title and video will be what makes people decide to watch, so make sure they’re interesting and enticing!

5. Change any settings before you go live, such as assigning moderators or activating LIVE gifts.

6. When you’re ready to start streaming, tap the big Go LIVE button at the bottom of the screen.

7. The app counts down from 3 and then you’re live.

8. While you’re live on TikTok, you can change interaction settings, like launching a poll for viewers, adding music and stickers, flipping your camera and more.

If you don’t meet the requirements for TikTok live streaming, you won’t see the live button in your app.

How to go live on TikTok on a PC

Going live with the TikTok app on your mobile phone isn’t the only way to stream to TikTok. You can also use your PC. Here’s how to stream to TikTok from a PC:

• With streaming software like Restream Studio and RTMP
• With the TikTok LIVE Studio

Note that these two methods are not available to all TikTok users. Even if you have more than 1,000 followers and you have access to live streaming on TikTok, you still may not be able to access RTMP streaming or the LIVE Studio.

Here’s how to go live on TikTok on a PC using encoding software and RTMP:

1. Open the TikTok app and select the plus sign at the bottom.
2. Select the LIVE option.
3. Choose your title and filter effects.
4. Select the Cast to PC option underneath the Go LIVE button.
5. You’ll see your TikTok stream key and server URL; write them down, and don’t share them with anybody.
6. Open your encoding software (like OBS Studio or Restream Studio) and navigate to the settings where you can edit streaming destinations.
7. Find a destination with the name Custom RTMP or something similar and select it.
8. Paste the stream key and server URL you copied from TikTok into the appropriate fields. Save your changes.
9. Start your live stream from your encoding software when you’re ready, and it will broadcast to your TikTok channel.

If you want to stream to TikTok in addition to other platforms like Facebook, YouTube and Twitch, you can use Restream. With one Restream account, you can go live on multiple channels simultaneously. Scroll down to the next section to learn how to connect Restream with TikTok.

Here’s how to go live on TikTok on a PC using the LIVE Studio software:

1. Download the TikTok LIVE Studio software from the TikTok website.
2. Run the installation wizard on your computer like you would for any other program.
3. When the installation is done, make sure the checkbox next to Run TikTok LIVE Studio is selected, then click Finish.
4. TikTok LIVE Studio will open, and then you can click Log in to begin. Log in with your TikTok credentials.
5. If you’re new to streaming from a PC, click Set up now for the beginner setup. If you’ve used live streaming software on your PC before, you can click either Import from another tool to import your settings and scenes from another streaming software or click Go LIVE now to start streaming.
6. If you click Set up now, the software will take you through setting up your microphone and camera.
7. In the Microphone window that pops up, click the pull-down menu to select your microphone, then click Next.
8. In the Camera Settings window that pops up next, click the pull-down menu to select your camera, then click Next.
9. In the Steam Settings window that pops up next, you can change settings like Video quality, Encoder, Encoder shift, and Color space. We recommend changing your Video quality to 1080p if your computer can handle it. Once you're done choosing your settings, click Next.
10. In the Scene setting window that pops up next, select Fullscreen desktop if you don’t want to show your camera feed and Fullscreen desktop + camera if you do want to show your camera feed. Then click Finish.
11. You’re ready to start streaming with TikTok LIVE Studio.

Some creators choose to go live on TikTok from a PC because it’s easier to manage the content they want to show on a PC. Gaming content is a good example of this. Creating a live video production on your PC, rather than with your phone and the TikTok app can give you more control over the quality of your stream and frees you up to do more dynamic content, like interviews, talk shows, webinars, tutorials and more.

How to go live on TikTok with Restream and multistream to other platforms

If you want to go live on TikTok from your desktop or laptop computer, you can use a streaming tool like Restream Studio. 

Other than allowing you to stream on TikTok from a computer, Restream Studio also has several other benefits for streamers:

• Multistream to TikTok and other platforms at the same time
• Invite guests to your stream with a simple Restream invite link
• Upload custom logos and graphics
• Play video clips and local video files from your computer
• Add copyright-free music to your stream
• Share your computer screen on your TikTok broadcast 

By multistreaming to TikTok and other social platforms like YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Twitch and Twitter, you can multiply your views and expand your audience. Your viewers can watch you on whichever platform is most convenient for them. Multistreaming is easy to do with a service like Restream, which integrates with over 30 streaming platforms and has RTMP streaming for custom channels.

Get more views with multistreaming

Reach more people, and meet viewers where they like to watch. Live stream to YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitch, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and more at once.

Get started

To use Restream Studio, you’ll have to create a custom RTMP channel in Restream, and you’ll need your TikTok stream key and server URL. 

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open the TikTok app and select the plus sign at the bottom.
2. Select the LIVE option.
3. Choose your title and filter effects.
4. Select the Cast to PC option underneath the Go LIVE button.
5. You’ll see your TikTok stream key and server URL; write them down, and don’t share them with anybody.
6. Create a free Restream account if you haven’t already.
7. Open your Restream Studio account and navigate to the dashboard.
8. Select the Edit Destinations button, then Add Destination.
9. Select Custom RTMP from the list.
10. Fill in the stream key and server URL you copied from TikTok in the appropriate fields.
11. Select Add channel.
12. Head back to the Restream dashboard and select Stream with Studio.
13. Give Restream Studio access to your camera and mic, provide your name, and then launch the Studio.
14. Customize your stream using Restream Studio’s features.
15. You’re ready to start streaming on TikTok!

Note that to use the custom RTMP channel feature with Restream Studio, you must have a Restream paid plan. 

How to make money on TikTok LIVE

TikTok has a donation system that allows content creators to earn revenue for their live streams. You can also go outside the platform and use third-party tools to generate income from TikTok streaming. 

First, let’s go over TikTok’s in-app monetization options. 

Monetize with TikTok

TikTok has five ways creators can earn money from fans (without relying on ads). Creators can use the Creator Next portal to manage these monetization options. 

1. Creativity Program Beta

TikTok’s Creativity Program Beta replaced the Creator Fund, which is no longer available to sign up for. You can apply to join the Creativity Program Beta, however, if you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Located in the U.S.
• 18 years of age or older
• 10,000 followers minimum
• 100,000 video views in the last 30 days

Only certain videos are able to earn money from the Creativity Program Beta:

• At least 1,000 views
• Not a Duet or Stitch video
• Not a Photo Mode video
• Not an ad, paid promotion, or sponsored content
• Doesn’t violate terms or community guidelines

To join the Creativity Program Beta, you have to apply. Open the TikTok app, go to Settings, select Creator tools, then Creativity Program. If you get accepted, you can start earning money for creating and publishing longer video content.

2. Creator Marketplace

The TikTok Creator Marketplace is a platform that matches brands with creators who want to collaborate. By joining, you can connect with brands who are looking to sponsor TikTok creators through either paid or reward-based campaigns. Only Personal or Creator accounts are eligible. You also have to meet age, follower, content and engagement requirements. 

You’ll receive an invitation when you’re eligible to join the Creator Marketplace. 

3. Video Gifts

TikTok users can send creators Video Gifts, which TikTok uses to help determine video popularity. Based on the number of Gifts, TikTok sends creators Diamonds, which can be exchanged for money. To be eligible to receive Video Gifts on TikTok, you must:

• Be at least 18
• Opt into Creator Next
• Have at least 100,000 followers
• Have a 30-day-old account
• Have published a public video in the last 30 days
• Not have repeat violations of TikTok’s community guidelines and terms of service 

Keep in mind that some videos aren’t eligible to receive Gifts. Also, TikTok gets a cut before you receive the payout.

4. LIVE Gifts

If you want to be a TikTok live streamer, then you’ll need to know about LIVE Gifts. They work mostly the same way as Video Gifts. Viewers can send you LIVE Gifts during your live TikTok broadcast, and TikTok will award you Diamonds based on the LIVE Gifts you receive. Then, you can exchange those Diamonds for cash. Only viewers who are 18 years or older can send Gifts. 

Note that it’s against TikTok’s community guidelines to ask for Gifts during a video or live stream. 

5. Tips

The final monetization tool TikTok provides in the Creator Next portal is Tips. Users can send Tips to creators directly in $5, $10, $15 or custom amounts. The maximum Tip amount is $100 per transaction and $500 per day. With Tips, creators pocket the entire amount minus processing fees (TikTok uses Stripe to pay creators). To be eligible to receive Tips, you need to:

• Join the Creator Next program
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have at least 100,000 followers
• Be based in the U.S., Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy or Spain
• Have an account in good standing 

To start receiving Tips, opt into the TikTok Creator Next portal. 

Advertise with TikTok for Business

The monetization options through the Creator Next portal are not available for TikTok Business accounts. However, Business accounts can use some of the following tools to earn money on TikTok:

• In-feed video ads
• Branded hashtags
• Brand takeovers
• Branded effects 

Other ways to make money on TikTok

You don’t have to rely solely on TikTok’s features to earn money. You can also develop external revenue streams using your TikTok audience as a base. Here are a few ideas for earning cash from your TikTok popularity:

• Participate in affiliate programs
• Become a brand ambassador
• Post sponsored content
• Accept donations via another platform (such as Patreon)
• Create and sell your own merchandise 

There are several ways to make money with live streaming, especially if TikTok is your chosen platform. 

9 tips for improving your TikTok LIVE streams

To engage TikTok viewers enough to build a following and generate some revenue, you have to create high-quality TikTok live videos. Follow these live stream best practices to impress your audience and establish a presence on TikTok. 

1. Avoid banned words

TikTok flags words and phrases associated with hate speech, and the platform’s community guidelines state that attacks and slurs against protected classes and content that contains hateful ideology are not allowed. The terms of service also prohibit explicit content, spam and harassment. As a creator, try to focus on the message you want to share with your audience and aim to make your content as appropriate as possible.

2. Create a schedule

TikTok does not save your live streams after they’re over, so if a user misses your session, they can’t rewatch. Use this feature to your advantage by encouraging your fans to tune in when you’re live. It’s a lot easier for them to watch your live streams, though, if you broadcast at the same time every day or week. Use TikTok LIVE event cards to promote upcoming streams and send your fans reminders of your streams.

3. Prepare your topic in advance

Live streams can be spontaneous and impromptu; it’s part of their appeal. But if you are trying to build a following and create more engaging TikTok LIVE content, you should find ways to keep people in your session. You don’t want to run out of things to say, so plan your topic ahead of time. You don’t have to spend hours writing a script; just jot down a quick outline with your ideas and the main points you want to hit. 

 4. Engage your audience

There are other audience engagement tips to keep in mind besides preparing your topic beforehand. Create opportunities to interact with some of the following tactics:

• Ask viewers where they’re from
• Greet everyone who joins your stream
• Run a poll
• Do a Q&A or AMA

5. Limit streaming length

TikTok recommends keeping your live streams to 30 minutes, but you can stream for longer. On one hand, the platform is known for short-form videos, so keeping streams limited might help them perform better. On the other hand, the longer you’re live, the more time users have to join your session (and send you Gifts or Tips). Choose the streaming length that works best for your audience. 

6. Set up a live streaming studio

If you’re going live for a few minutes, holding your phone in your hand seems practical enough. If you plan to broadcast for 30 minutes or more, though, you’ll need a tripod or something to set your phone on to keep the stream stable. You’ll also make your TikTok stream look more professional if you add some lighting — a single ring light can work wonders for the quality of your video. 

Also, try to clear the space behind you from distracting objects and stream in a room where you won’t be disturbed by other people. You can also help improve the sound quality in your home live streaming studio by spreading blankets, pillows and rugs around to minimize echos. 

7. Check your internet speed

One of the worst experiences for viewers is having a stream or video buffer too much or fail to load. If this happens while you’re live, you’ll lose viewers. Before you stream, make sure your Wi-Fi connection is solid by running speed tests. 

8. Write an eye-catching title

When you go live on TikTok, the app asks you to give your stream a title. Choose something that will grab attention and accurately describe your content. Users get the first impression of your stream from the title, so use words that will make people want to watch. 

9. Moderate your live stream

Viewers can add comments during your TikTok LIVE stream for others to see, and negative or inappropriate comments can bring down the experience for everyone else, including you. Use TikTok’s moderation tools to filter out certain words or phrases, mute problematic viewers, or even block some viewers. Moderating the live chat helps make your stream more engaging and accessible for everyone. 

FAQs

Let’s wrap up

The potential for audience engagement and building your brand on TikTok is huge. Live streaming is one of the easiest ways to get closer to your audience and solidify a community around your brand. TikTok also provides avenues for earning income from live streaming, so you can turn it into a side hustle or even a full-time job. When you use Restream to go live on TikTok, you have the tools to create a powerful, professional and engaging live stream that you can share across multiple channels simultaneously. 

With this guide, you have everything you need to start streaming on TikTok. Happy streaming!