Are you ready to stream on the fastest-growing social media platform? This guide will show you how to go live on TikTok, why it’s beneficial, and how you can attempt it without meeting the 1,000 follower requirement!
Going live on TikTok offers the same perks as any other social media platform: it allows you to connect with your audience in real-time.
When you go live on TikTok, viewers can ask questions and interact with you instantly. The spontaneity and authenticity of live broadcasting are unmatched. You’re uncut, unedited, and uncensored, making the experience thrilling and unpredictable. Plus, live streams are excellent for driving social commerce.
Whether you’re hosting a series, having a conversation, sharing a tutorial, or performing, live streams provide opportunities to showcase your talents and grow your brand.
A unique advantage of going live on TikTok is that if you’re over 18, viewers can send you virtual gifts that you can exchange for cash. You can also use this feature to raise money for charity, although the “exchange rate” isn’t very high.
What are TikTok Lives?
TikTok Lives are real-time broadcasts that users can watch directly on the TikTok app. They are typically short and informal, though brands often produce more structured content, such as cooking shows, workout tutorials, or product demonstrations.
Similar to Facebook Live and Instagram Live, TikTok Live has quickly become a popular communication tool. Brands can use it to build trust, educate their audience, and boost engagement.
How many followers do you need to go live on TikTok?
To go live on TikTok, you need 1,000 followers and must be at least 16 years old. There’s a rumored workaround for the 1,000-follower requirement—something we attempted but couldn’t verify. Maybe you’ll have better luck! We’ll discuss this further below.
How to go live on TikTok
Here’s how to go live on TikTok if you meet the platform’s live streaming criteria:
1. Tap the Create icon (the plus sign at the bottom of the home screen).
2. Swipe left to the LIVE option in the bottom navigation. Choose an image and write a captivating title for your stream. Remember, the title and cover image should be compelling to attract viewers and encourage them to click on your video!
3. When you’re ready, tap “Go LIVE” to start your stream. You’ll get a countdown from 3, and then—boom! You’re live!
4. Once you’re live, tap the three dots to access settings and features. Here, you can flip your camera, add effects, filter comments, and add up to 20 moderators.
5. When you’re ready to end your stream, tap the X in the top-left corner.
How to Go Live on TikTok on a Tablet
Going live on TikTok with a tablet is the same as on a mobile device. Follow the same steps listed above, and you’ll have no problem.
How to Join Someone’s Live on TikTok
You can easily request to join someone else’s Live on TikTok. First, find the live you want to join and click on it. Then, head to the comments section. There, tap the button that looks like two smiling faces to send a request to join the broadcast. Once approved, your screen will split into two, and you’ll join the live broadcast!
How to Go Live on TikTok Without 1,000 Followers
There are rumors of a workaround to go live without 1,000 followers. Though we don’t endorse non-TikTok-approved hacks, we tried it ourselves. The alleged workaround involves filing a support ticket claiming you used to have live access and asking for it to be reinstated.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work for us, but you might have better luck. Here’s the suggested protocol:
1. Go to your profile and select the hamburger menu in the top right corner.
2.Go to Settings and Privacy
3. Scroll down to Report a problem
4. Under Popular, hit “I can’t start a LIVE”
5. From here, hit “No”
6. Then, fill out a report that says you could previously start a live broadcast but no longer can. Submit your report and wait for a representative to get back to you!
Apparently, this hack has worked for many before. But not for us. If it doesn’t work for you either, you’d better get to work building engagement to drive up your fan count organically.
7 Tips for Going Live on TikTok
Live streaming is a major attraction for content creators, marketers, and brands on TikTok. However, if you’re new to the platform, going live can seem intimidating. The fear of having no audience, making mistakes on camera, or simply not succeeding can be daunting. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here are seven tips to help you make the most of your TikTok Live experience:
Don’t Wing It
Live streaming can be nerve-wracking, and lack of preparation can lead to things quickly going off track. Before you go live, take the time to plan your content and rehearse what you’ll say. This reduces the chance of getting tongue-tied or filling awkward silences with even more awkward moves. Your followers will appreciate the effort.
Collaborate with Friends
Collaborating with like-minded accounts can help you reach a broader audience and gain more exposure for your brand. Consider teaming up with influencers whose larger followings can amplify your reach and connect you with new potential fans. Interviews are also a great way to provide valuable content and personally connect with your audience.
Give People a Reason to Attend
Offer exclusive content or host a giveaway to incentivize viewers to tune in. Think about what makes your live stream unique and engaging. Ensure your content is interesting to keep your audience engaged throughout the broadcast. Live streaming is all about real-time interaction, so keep the conversation lively and avoid dull moments.
Promote in Advance
Promoting your stream in advance increases your chances of attracting an audience. Use social media to cross-promote your live stream on all your channels. Hootsuite can help schedule this multi-channel promotional campaign. Additionally, creating content that promotes your stream, like linking to a landing page with more event information, can be effective. Start promoting a few days in advance so people can clear their schedules.
If you’re a creator, use TikTok LIVE Events to notify your audience about upcoming streams. This feature allows people to register for your event and receive notifications beforehand. You can even do paid promotions through TikTok to boost visibility.
Find the Right Time
Timing is crucial. Use tools like Hootsuite’s “best time to publish” feature to determine when your audience is most likely to be online and engaged. Plan your TikTok live stream accordingly to maximize reach and engagement.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to go live on TikTok and make the most of the platform’s live streaming capabilities.
Keep it Short
Aim for a TikTok live video to be around 30 minutes, depending on your content. This duration is long enough to keep your audience engaged but short enough to avoid losing their interest before you finish.
Planning for 30 minutes allows you to:
- Achieve your objectives
- Engage with your audience (don’t forget to interact in the chat!)
- Have a buffer for any unexpected issues
Set the Scene
Choose a clean, controlled space for your live stream. Ensure you have a stable filming surface and good lighting—a ring light can make your stream look more professional.
Be mindful of your surroundings to avoid interruptions. The last thing you want during a professional product review is someone bursting in with an unrelated question.
Since live videos can’t be edited, it’s crucial to minimize potential problems in advance.
Grow Your TikTok Presence
Enhance your TikTok presence alongside other social channels using Hootsuite. Schedule and publish posts at optimal times, engage with your audience, and measure performance—all from one easy-to-use dashboard. Try it free today!
