Short answer: open the TikTok app, tap the plus button, choose LIVE, give your stream a title and tap Go LIVE. You do need to be 18 or over and (usually) have 1,000 followers.

Go LIVE in four steps

  1. Tap the Add post (+) button at the bottom of the app.
  2. Tap LIVE at the bottom.
  3. Add a title and choose a filter or effect if you like. This is also where you find the settings, such as moderation and Gifts.
  4. Tap Go LIVE.

To stop, use the button at the top and then tap End now. Afterwards you see a summary showing, among other things, your viewers and the Diamonds you collected.

Can't see the LIVE option? Then you probably don't meet the requirements (yet). Read when you can go LIVE on TikTok.

Checklist for your first LIVE

Lighting

Put a lamp or window in front of you, not behind you. A simple ring light already makes a big difference. In the dark your picture is grainy, and TikTok sees a LIVE with a poor picture as low quality.

Sound

Stream somewhere quiet. A simple clip-on microphone for your phone costs little and makes your voice much clearer. Keep music low, and don't play music you don't have the rights to.

Camera and background

Mount your phone at eye level, upright. Make sure you are in the picture yourself: a still image or an empty room is against the rules.

Title

Say in a few words what is happening: "Playing guitar on request" or "Morning coffee and answering questions". A clear title attracts the right viewers.

Moderation

Set up one or two moderators you trust beforehand, and add a filter for words you don't want in your chat.

The first ten minutes

The start decides whether people stay. A format that works:

  • Start straight away, even if nobody is watching yet. Anyone who drops in should see right away what is happening.
  • Greet new viewers by name. It feels personal and keeps people watching.
  • Say what's coming: "In ten minutes I'll play your requests."
  • Ask a question everyone can easily answer.
  • Repeat your topic now and then for people who join later.

How long and how often?

Ideally keep a LIVE going for at least half an hour, so viewers have time to find you. More important than length is consistency: go LIVE on fixed days and at fixed times, so your viewers know when to find you. Announce your LIVE beforehand with a short video.

Common mistakes

  • Asking or begging for Gifts. It's not allowed, and it drives viewers away.
  • Saying nothing for a long time or looking away from the camera.
  • Trying to do too much at once. Choose one topic per LIVE.
  • Not responding to the chat. Interaction is the difference between a video and a LIVE.

Read more about what is and isn't allowed in the rules of TikTok LIVE. Streaming from your computer? Then read about TikTok LIVE Studio.

Help with your first streams

Creators at Grow Connect get a starter plan for the first 30 days and a manager who watches along during their first LIVEs. Joining is free. Sign up.

Source: TikTok Help Center, "What is TikTok LIVE?" (read November 2026).