How To Go Live on TikTok

8 min read

At this point, TikTok needs no introduction—especially for creators. But just because you create TikToks doesn’t mean that you’ve gone live on TikTok. Going live is a privilege reserved for popular creators who’ve proven they have what it takes to attract a growing audience. If you’re a creator and want to use TikTok to turn content into profit for your business, then this guide will show you exactly how to go live and create an unforgettable viral stream.

About the TikTok App

If you aren’t familiar, TikTok allows users to create video content. This content is available for any user on the app and can be viewed by people who don’t use the app.

TikTok is all about creating trends, sharing ideas, and entertaining others. You’d be surprised at how much you can learn from watching a quick video.

What Is Going Live on TikTok?

“Going live” means that a live stream, or live video, is happening. A live stream allows the TikTok account to get personable and increase the chance of gaining followers.

How Many Followers Do I Need To Go Live on TikTok?

While anyone can have a TikTok, not every user can go live. To go live your account has to have more than 1,000 followers. You also must be at least 16 years old to have this feature enabled.

Image courtesy: TikTok via Twitter

Going live is more than just doing a stream. Streaming allows real-time interaction, can help raise money via donation stickers, and more. You can check out the other TikTok live requirements here.

Steps On How To Go Live On TikTok

Live videos are started only by the user. If you are eligible, on TikTok, you should see a go live button at the bottom of your screen.

The go-live button is found when you tap “create” and then swipe to LIVE in the navigation. When you select this option, you can select an image and a title for the stream. Then you can start your live broadcast!

Tips On How To Go Live On TikTok Successfully

If you already know how to go live on TikTok, but want more tips on how to have a successful stream, here are five tips.

Perfect Your Profile

A TikTok live will be associated with your profile, so people may visit it once you’ve ended your live. Make your profile current to send the viewer to your other social sites. You can also clean up your profile by hiding each video you don’t want to be displayed.

Think of Talking Points

A TikTok live stream doesn’t always need to be structured, but your followers will be more engaged if you have something to share or talk about. That’s why talking points are important in helping you have successful live videos.

If you’re new to the live broadcast or hesitant, consider having a co-host. Co-host can make it easier to go live. Or, if you have fewer followers than what is needed to get a go live button on your account, see if someone with more followers is willing to collaborate with you to do live sessions.

Add Moderators

Once you have the live option, you can also add moderators to ensure smooth streaming. Moderators will get ahead and filter comments that can mess up your live stream. You can find this option in your settings.

Seek the Perfect Set-up

When possible, always stick to natural lighting. This allows the viewers of the live to see whatever tricks or talent you want to share. If natural lighting isn’t possible then it might be beneficial to invest in a ring light.

Image courtesy: Ryan Snaadt via Unsplash

Along with lighting, finding a quiet place where you can hold your phone, or better yet mount your phone, in a steady position will also make the livestream more successful. Streaming is often dependent on your connection to the TikTok app. Finding a steady position can increase your chances of good video quality.

Live is Only an Option

Remember, going live on Tiktok is only an option. Just because you have the live button, doesn’t mean you have to do live streams to keep followers or your TikTok profile active.

The live feature is meant to be fun. It’s also a way to enable live broadcasts easily if you have something important to share. If you ever feel overwhelmed or don’t know how to end a live, just hit X at the top left corner.

Live Sessions Setback

Unfortunately, TikTok doesn’t allow you to save the live stream for long. TikTok only lets the user replay the live stream for 90 days after airing.

Image courtesy: Franck via Unsplash

If you want the live stream to look back on or to post a recap of later, you can always encourage a screen recording or record your screen.

Gift Feature

TikTok has several icons that can enhance a TikTok user experience. Depending on the TikTok requirements your account meets, you can even get sent virtual gifts from followers.

TikTok will transfer these virtual gifts over to a Balance tab. TikTok then rewards creators based on popularity and gives them diamonds from the virtual gifts.

Diamonds are earned by getting gifts from TikTok followers. Diamonds can be turned into real cash. The exchange rate for diamonds can be found in the settings of your TikTok.

Why You Should Go Live on TikTok

Being able to use the live feature leads to more fun and more features. Being able to connect with other people on TikTok or streaming a quick tutorial can be beneficial to your success on TikTok and for your business.

A live stream lets your TikTok profile shine, especially if your TikTok live videos are interesting, entertaining, and authentic. If TikTok is your full-time job, you can sell, market, or manage your E-commerce by using Ecwid. Get started with a free account today.

Sell online

With Ecwid Ecommerce, you can easily sell anywhere, to anyone — across the internet and around the world.

Get started

Jul 8, 2021

About the author

Anastasia Prokofieva is a content writer at Ecwid. She writes about online marketing and promotion to make entrepreneurs’ daily routine easier and more rewarding. She also has a soft spot for cats, chocolate, and making kombucha at home.