How to Go Live on TikTok

It's easy to live stream on TikTok

by
Brenna Miles
Brenna Miles
Writer
Brenna Miles is a technology writer with a B.A. in Business Management and HR Management. She's been writing about technology for 6+ years.
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Brenna Miles
Updated on January 27, 2020

TikTok takes social networking to another level with video sharing and creation. You can create your own fun and unique videos to share with your followers using TikTok's simple tools. Plus, in 2018, TikTok released the TikTok Live tool, allowing some users to live stream from inside the app. Here's how to go live on TikTok.

The instructions in this article apply to both iOS and Android devices. The instructions also assume that you have a current TikTok account.

Hand holding a phone with TikTok open in front of a wall that says TikTok
Chesnot/Getty Images 

TikTok Live Limitations

Although the Live feature is super simple to use, there are certain limitations for privacy and security purposes. For example, users under the age of 16 are unable to host a live stream via TikTok.

To use the live stream feature, you must also have at least 1,000 followers, although this number differs in different countries across the globe. Also, since the feature is still considered to be in testing, it's unclear if there's a time limit for how long a live stream can be.

How to Go Live on TikTok

If you meet the necessary requirements, going live on TikTok is simple and fast.

  1. Launch the TikTok app, then tap the Plus at the bottom of your screen.

  2. On the video screen, tap the Live option next to your recording button.

  3. Enter a title for your live stream. Once your title is ready, tap Go Live to begin your live stream.

    Some keywords are now censored on TikTok, such as "donation," "follow," etc. Be smart about how you title your live streams and stay away from clickbait terms.

TikTok Live Safety Tips

Planning to go live using TikTok? It's important to keep your online safety and privacy in mind while doing so. Here are some useful tips to remember as you create your live videos:

  • Guard your personal information: As you live stream, make sure you avoid giving away personal info such as your name, address, phone number, etc. Also, ensure you don't have personal info in the background of your videos or any landscape or scenery that may give away your whereabouts.
  • Turn off location services: Turning location services off prevents others from pinpointing your exact location while streaming.
  • Try a private account: If you're concerned about your videos being seen by strangers, you can try a private account. With this setting, only those you approve can view your live stream.
  • Avoid live-streaming distracted: Don't live stream while driving or operating anything that moves. This can cause serious accidents.
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