Requirements for going live on TikTok

Before you get behind the camera, there are two requirements you must meet before using the Live capability on TikTok.

1. you must be at least 18 years of age. this is determined by your birthdate when you initially create your TikTok profile

2. you’ll need to have at least 1,000 followers to unlock the capability to go Live.

How to go live on TikTok

Step 1 Open the app and tap the create icon (+) at the bottom of the screen.

Step 2 Select LIVE from the menu.

Step 3 Once you select LIVE, you’ll be able to see a preview of your video feed. In the preview, you can add a title to your livestream, turn comments on or off, add effects or filters, choose a charity to support, and share your livestream through connected social media platforms or a messaging service.

Step 4 When you’re ready, tap Go LIVE to begin streaming your video.

Once you’ve finished with your Live event, simply tap the power button on the bottom of the menu screen to end your stream. Unlike a pre-recorded video that you take time to create and edit and post to your TikTok feed afterwards, a livestream will disappear as soon as you’re finished, so enjoy it while you can!

Tips for going live on TikTok

Here are some quick tips to set you up for success before tapping “Go Live” on TikTok.

1.Test your audio quality: Reduce background noise if possible, and film a test video to check sound quality.

2.Set the scene with an aesthetic backdrop: Test your lighting and remove unwanted clutter from the background of your video.

3.Plan your timing: To maximize audience engagement, plan to go live when followers are most likely to be active on the platform.

4.Check Wi-Fi connection: Make sure you have a solid Internet connection to avoid downtime.

5.Prep video length: You’ll want to keep your TikTok live videos around 30 minutes (60 minutes max), so plan ahead to make sure you can fit everything into the allotted time period.

6.Interact with your audience: While live on TikTok, try to respond to comments to keep your audience engaged with your content.

Build Connections with Loyal Fans

Another added bonus of going LIVE is you build real connections in real time with your viewers and fellow Creators. The more your audience tunes in, the more you learn what they want — and can deliver that content to them. Hello, lifelong fans.

Before you jump into LIVE for the first time, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:

Time slot

One important factor to keep in mind is when to stream your LIVE video. Primetime hours provide the best time to stream, but you also want to consider your audience. Think about shifting your LIVE stream to coincide with the time of day they are most active.

Length of time

Another thing to think about is the length of time of your LIVE. The duration is really up to you, but 30 minutes is a good best practice to consider.

Stay active

It’s a good idea to post a video ahead of your LIVE stream. That way if a viewer sees your posted video during your LIVE, a special icon will appear that lets them enter your stream directly via your For you feed.

Lighting

Lighting is key to keeping viewers engaged. Bad lighting makes it harder for viewers to see what’s going on and can be a distraction. Good lighting helps keep viewers’ attention on what you want them to focus on. Consider having good lighting in place before you record.

Sounds

Sound can often be overlooked, but it is just as important as your visuals when it comes to creating great LIVE videos. You want your viewers to hear everything you’re saying, after all. Background noise can be distracting, so consider finding a quiet place to stream from.

Internet connection

It’s a good idea to test your internet connection before going LIVE. LIVE videos require a steady internet connection, so it’s helpful to find the most consistent one.

Camera angle

You also want to take a moment and think about your visual presentation. Consider choosing one camera angle. Moving around during your stream can lead to a rough viewing experience, so pick a location for your phone and stick with it.

Plan it out

Preparation is your friend. Think about what you want to do before you go LIVE. There’s no need to write a script, but having a plan for what your stream is about can help you stay focused.

Engage your audience

When you do go LIVE, think about engaging with your viewers. Whether you’re responding to comments or answering their questions, consider going LIVE as a way to build your relationship with your audience.

How to Go Live on TikTok

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