How to Live Stream on TikTok (with or without 1000 Followers)

Going live on TikTok has the same benefits as going live on any social media channel: your chance to connect with your audience in real time.

While you’re live on TikTok, viewers can ask questions and engage with you right away. There’s a spontaneity and authenticity that comes with live streaming – after all, you’re uncut, unedited, and uncensored! Anything can happen and chaos is exciting (not to mention, live streams are a great way to drive social commerce).

Whether you’re hosting a show, chatting, sharing a tutorial or performing a performance, live streams create opportunities to flex your skills and build your brand.

A unique advantage of going live on TikTok: if you’re over 18, viewers can send you virtual gifts and exchange them for cash later. You can also use this feature to raise money for charity – although the “exchange rate” isn’t very good, tbh.

How many followers do you need to go live on TikTok?

TikTok live streaming functionality is not automatically available on all accounts. TikTok users must be at least 16 years old for this feature to be enabled.

TikTok has also limited its Live feature to accounts with 1,000 followers. But that being said… we’ve heard rumors about a workaround for accounts with fewer followers. We tried it ourselves and it didn’t work, but maybe you’ll have better luck? More on that below!

How to go live on TikTok

If you have access to the platform’s live streaming features, here’s how to go live on TikTok.

1. Tap . Create icon on the home screen (it’s the plus sign at the bottom of the screen).

2. swipe for Live.
3. Choose an image and write a title for your stream.

Source: TikTok

4. Ready to start? Tap . live broadcast Press the button and your broadcast will begin. Followers will receive a notification that you are posting.
5. While streaming, you can tap the three dots to pan the camera, add effects, add moderators, or filter comments. You can also add a co-host to share a split-screen live stream with a friend, guest or collaborator.
6. When you’re ready to finish, x In the upper left corner to end your TikTok live stream.

How to schedule a TikTok live event

Let your followers know that you have an upcoming live stream with TikTok’s events feature.

1. Tap the calendar icon in the upper-right corner of your TikTok profile.
2. Create an event with a name, start time and date, description and duration.
3. When your event is ready, you can share the link via in-app messaging or link it in a video.
4. You can record a promotional video by tapping . + under Related videos on your events page. Save your video, add an event link, Completedand then to mail.

Another way to create buzz is to use Live Countdown stickers. Register a TikTok, pull up the sticker panel and customize the Countdown sticker with the date and time of your event. Viewers can choose to receive a reminder when you go live.

Source: TikTok

How to go live with co-host or guest?

at the bottom of the screen while recording live. Add co-server or add guests.

Source: TikTok

How to go live on TikTok on a tablet

To go live on TikTok on a tablet, follow the same procedures as the mobile TikTok app above.

A quick experiment: can you go live on TikTok without 1000 fans?

We were hearing some rumors that there was a solution to go Live even if there weren’t 1000 fans. While we don’t want to approve hacks that aren’t endorsed by TikTok, we thought it was worth testing.

Basically, the alleged workaround involved filing a support ticket (aka lie) claiming you had Live access in the past and asking the customer service representative to “restore” that privilege.

But the bad news: long story short, when we tried this trick it didn’t work.

That being said, maybe if you have a more active TikTok presence, would you have better luck? Here is the recommended protocol:

1. To file this report, go to: Me and select the three-dot menu.
2. Faucet report a problem.

3. Faucet I can’t start live.

4. “Is your problem solved?” will be asked. choose Number and then need more help.
5. On the feedback form screen, type “I could start a live stream earlier and now I can’t”.

6. Faucet paper.
7. Theoretically, a customer service representative will contact you and enable live streams…

…or maybe they just don’t do it like they did when we tried this trick.

If it doesn’t work for you, you better start building engagement to increase your fan base organically.

11 startup mistakes to avoid when going live on TikTok

Live videos may be uncut and unedited, but creating a memorable stream still takes time, thought, and planning. Avoid these common rookie mistakes:

Mistake 1: Going live whenever you want

Sure, an instant live stream can be a fun surprise for followers, but to really maximize the number of people watching, aim to go live when your viewers are usually online, scrolling and active. This is your best chance to enter the For You page.

Error #2: Streaming too long

While live sessions can be as long as 60 minutes, TikTok recommends aiming for a maximum of 30 minutes. That’s right: when it comes to live streams on TikTok, less is more.

Error #3: Going live without warning

Posting a regular TikTok video ahead of your live stream is a smart way to promote your stream, as any user who sees your video will also see a special icon that lets them know you’re streaming. This icon lets them jump right into your stream from their For You feeds to cover the action.

Mistake #4: Bad lighting

Poor lighting makes it difficult for viewers to see what’s going on – a bit of a problem for a visual medium.

Take time to make sure your lighting is correct before going live. Look for a well-lit area with lots of natural light or even get a ring light.

Error #5: Streaming from a noisy environment

Background noise can be distracting and disturbing in your broadcast, so be sure to find a quiet place for your broadcast.

Mistake #6: Enduring erratic wifi usage

Running a successful stream with a problematic internet connection is quite difficult. If you’re in and out, it’s hard for your audience to really engage.

Test your connection before going live, and if your wireless network is constantly erratic, it may be worth investing in a higher speed or stronger signal.

Mistake #7: Shaky camera angles

A little movement or movement can certainly speed up a live stream, but too much movement or shaking can result in a dizzying experience. Instead, aim for a stable position by propelling your phone or using a tripod for the best angle.

Mistake #8: Wing

Part of the joy of a live stream is definitely its spontaneous, anything-can-do energy. But if things are too convoluted or unfocused, your audience may start to wonder what exactly they are doing here.

A general plan of attack (spoken points noted or a sketchy outline) can help you stay on track and on the right message so your audience can get the most out of their time with you.

Mistake #9: Forgetting to interact with your audience

The beauty of TikTok Live is that it’s interactive: you can instantly engage with your audience by responding to requests or answering questions in real time.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out as your conversation continues so you don’t miss an opportunity to improve your relationship with your fans.

Mistake #10: Being harassed

I’m not trying to blame the victim here! Suffice it to say that it was a mistake not to take advantage of the moderation tools that TikTok has for live streams.

Creators can filter comments and mute or block viewers if needed. You can also assign moderators to deal with annoying trolls so you can focus only on creating great content.

Mistake #11: Not breaking numbers

You know we’re obsessed with metrics at Moyens I/O HQ – so we’re excited to see that TikTok now has Live analytics in addition to its other analytics. Review your data to quantitatively see how your release is doing so you can fine-tune, iterate, and improve for next time.

Now that you know what it is immortality To do it, discover tons of tips for creating great Live content in our ultimate guide to social media live streaming here.