What is TikTok Live?
TikTok LIVE is a segment within TikTok that enables creators to engage directly with their followers through live streaming, and receive support through virtual gifts. With TikTok Live, you can enjoy interactive features such as special effects, hosting multiple guests, and moderation tools, enhancing your streaming experience.
Who can go live on TikTok?
To use the LIVE feature on TikTok, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You should have at least 1,000 followers
Note: the exact requirement may vary across regions.
Can I go live on TikTok without 1000 followers?
To go live on TikTok, you typically need a minimum of 1,000 followers. However, if you don't meet this requirement, you still have the opportunity to participate as a guest in someone else's live stream. TikTok allows eligible users to join others as guests during their live broadcasts.
How to do TikTok Live on a mobile phone?
- Open the TikTok application on your device.
- Locate and tap on the "Plus" sign located at the bottom-center of the screen.
- Look for the "live" button, positioned alongside the record button.
- Select an image to use for your live stream and provide it with a captivating title.
- Adjust any desired settings before starting your live session.
- To initiate your streaming session, simply tap the prominent "Go LIVE" button located at the bottom of the screen when you are prepared.
- After tapping the Go LIVE button, the application will commence a countdown from 3, and once it reaches zero, your live stream will begin.
How to do TikTok Live on a laptop?
Currently, there are two methods to livestream on TikTok using a laptop.
- Go live on TikTok with streaming software (such as Restream Studio ).
- Go live on TikTok with TikTok LIVE Studio.
Go live on TikTok with Restream Studio
To utilize Restream Studio, you will need to create a personalized RTMP channel within Restream. Additionally, you'll require your TikTok stream key and server URL. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set it up:
- Visit the official Restream Studio website and download it. Install the software on your computer by running the installation wizard.
- Open the TikTok app and tap on the "Plus" sign located at the bottom.
- Select the "LIVE" option.
- Choose a title for your stream and apply any desired filter effects.
- Underneath the "Go LIVE" button, select the "Cast to PC" option.
- You will be presented with your TikTok stream key and server URL. Make sure to jot them down and refrain from sharing them with others.
- If you don't already have one, create a free Restream account.
- Access your Restream Studio account and navigate to the dashboard.
- Click on the "Edit Destinations" button and then select "Add Destination".
- From the list of options, choose "Custom RTMP".
- Fill in the corresponding fields with the TikTok stream key and server URL that you previously obtained.
- Select "Add channel".
- Return to the Restream dashboard and click on "Stream with Studio".
- Grant Restream Studio access to your camera and microphone, provide your name, and launch the Studio.
- You are now ready to start streaming on TikTok!
Note: In order to use the custom RTMP channel feature with Restream Studio, you must have a paid plan with Restream.
Go live on TikTok with TikTok LIVE Studio
Here are the steps for using TikTok LIVE Studio software:
- Visit the official TikTok website and download the TikTok LIVE Studio software. Install the software on your computer by running the installation wizard.
- Once the installation is complete, ensure that the checkbox next to "Run TikTok LIVE Studio" is selected, and then click on the "Finish" button.
- TikTok LIVE Studio will launch, and you can proceed by clicking on "Log in" to sign in using your TikTok credentials.
- If you're new to streaming from a PC, select "Set up now" to begin the beginner setup process. If you have previous experience with live streaming software on your PC, you have the option to either import settings and scenes from another streaming software by clicking on "Import from another tool" or start live streaming immediately by selecting "Go LIVE now".
- If you choose to set up now, the software will guide you through configuring your microphone and camera.
- In the Microphone window that appears, use the pull-down menu to select your microphone, and then click on "Next".
- Next, in the Camera Settings window, use the pull-down menu to choose your camera, and then click on "Next".
- In the Stream Settings window, you can adjust various options. After selecting your desired settings, click on "Next".
- In the Scene setting window, select "Fullscreen desktop" if you don't want to display your camera feed, or choose "Fullscreen desktop + camera" if you do want to show your camera feed. Then, click on "Finish".
- Now, you are now ready to start streaming using TikTok LIVE Studio.
How to manage comments during a live session?
When hosting a live session on TikTok, you have various options to manage comments:
- Enable or disable comments.
- Apply filters to remove unfriendly or flagged comments.
- Review community-flagged comments in real-time and approve or hide them permanently.
- Send automated messages in the live chat to inform viewers about your comment filtering decisions.
- Temporarily mute comments for a specific duration.
- Prevent the display of comments containing specific keywords or phrases.
Other TikTok LIVE Features:
Multi-Guest: You can livestream alongside up to five guests using either a panel or grid layout.
Moderators: When starting a live stream, you have the option to assign additional users as moderators to help manage the chatroom.
LIVE Events: Generate excitement for your upcoming live event by prearranging, organizing, and promoting it in advance to your audience.
LIVE Replay: After your live video ends, you can access the replay in the Live Center. From there, you can rewatch, download, or delete the video. The replay will be available for 30 days.
LIVE campaigns: It involves user tasks and a leaderboard. By joining a LIVE campaign, you have the chance to appear on the leaderboard. Winners of these campaigns can earn special rewards.
LIVE Gift: Viewers can purchase TikTok Coins, which they can then use to buy virtual "gifts" to send during your TikTok LIVE videos. These gifts can range from images of a tennis ball to adorable little Corgis. Once you accumulate a certain number of TikTok LIVE Gifts, they can be converted into "Diamonds," which can be exchanged for real currency.
Weekly Rankings: You can access the Weekly Rankings in the LIVE section of the app. These rankings display a weekly list of creators based on the number of Diamonds they have collected. The higher the number of Diamonds, the better their ranking. Additionally, the top 20 hosts from each week will receive prizes as recognition for their performance.