Going live on TikTok is a great way to engage with your audience in real time. Live videos allow you to interact with viewers through comments and receive virtual gifts. It’s an exciting way to grow your following and spread your content. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about going live on TikTok.
What are the requirements to go live on TikTok?
Here are the basic requirements to host a live video on TikTok:
- You must be at least 16 years old to go live alone. Users under 16 can go live with an adult aged 18 or older.
- Your account must have at least 1000 followers. This requirement prevents spam accounts from broadcasting inappropriate content.
- You must have a strong WiFi or cellular data connection to maintain stream quality.
- Your device software must be up to date to access all live streaming features.
As long as you meet these prerequisites, you can start broadcasting live videos through the TikTok app!
How do I access the live streaming feature?
Accessing the live video tool is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:
- Open the TikTok app on your mobile device.
- Tap the “+” icon in the center bottom navigation bar.
- Swipe left through the options until you reach “LIVE”. Tap on it.
- The live screen will open up. Tap “Go LIVE” when you are ready to broadcast.
The live video icon may also appear in the capture screen when you open the app camera. Tapping this icon is another fast way to access live broadcasting.
How do I set up my live video?
Before going live, you can customize your broadcast setup:
- Choose a title – Add a title that describes your live video.
- Tag people – @ mention other users to notify them that you are going live.
- Add topic tags – Search for trending hashtags to increase your visibility.
- Set audience – Select “For You” for a public broadcast or “Followers” for a private stream.
- Enable gifts – Allow viewers to send virtual gifts during the live video.
Adding relevant details helps attract viewers who are interested in your content. You can go live immediately or schedule it for later. The setup options are on the bottom half of the “Go Live” screen.
What features are available during a live video?
TikTok provides cool capabilities to make your live videos interactive. Here are the main features accessible during a live stream:
- Comments – Viewers can comment on your live video in real time.
- Viewer count – See how many people are currently watching your broadcast.
- Sharing – Fans can share your live video to spread the word.
- Gifts – Receive virtual gifts from appreciative viewers.
- Filters – Enhance your appearance using AR effects.
- Duets – Go live with another user for a split screen broadcast.
Engage with your audience by responding to comments and using interactive features. This helps build a connection with viewers.
How do gifts work on live videos?
Virtual gifts are a way for TikTok users to show support and appreciation for live broadcasts. Here is a breakdown of how gifts function:
- Gifts cost coins, which are purchased with real money via in-app transactions.
- Coins prices range from $0.99 for 100 coins to $99.99 for 10,000 coins.
- Gifts are represented by various animated emojis and start at 50 coins.
- When fans send gifts, you receive a portion of the coins spent.
- TikTok’s current gift payout rate is approximately $5 for every 1000 coins sent.
Gifts appear at the bottom of the live video screen. Tapping them displays the username of the viewer who sent the gift. This is a money-making opportunity, as popular live streams can generate hundreds of gifts.
What happens when a live video ends?
When you finish broadcasting live on TikTok, the video persists on your profile. Here’s what happens next:
- The video remains viewable for 24 hours on your profile.
- You can delete the recording if desired.
- A replay of the live is also posted on the “For You” feed.
- The video acts as a normal TikTok that can be liked, shared, and commented on.
- Analytics show information like peak viewership and gift revenue earned.
Essentially, the live video gets repurposed as regular TikTok content. This gives it the potential to be widely promoted by the app’s algorithms long after the initial broadcast.
Tips for creating great live videos
Follow these expert tips to make compelling TikTok live streams:
- Outline loose talking points but stay natural and conversational.
- Interact with viewer comments frequently to engage your audience.
- Consider using attention-grabbing text graphics and visuals.
- Promote your live stream schedule on other social platforms.
- Invite collaborators like duet partners to join the broadcast.
- Offer exclusive content like Q&As or behind-the-scenes glimpses.
- Use trending audios and hashtags for discoverability.
- Check analytics afterward to learn and improve.
Bring energy and authenticity to your live streams. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find formats and styles that perform well and suit your brand.
Conclusion
Broadcasting live is an exciting way to engage your audience and create viral content on TikTok. Once you meet the basic requirements, going live is easy and full of possibilities. Take advantage of interactive features like virtual gifts and viewer comments. With compelling content and smart promotion, TikTok live streaming can help take your profile to the next level!