Are you ready to engage with your audience in real-time on TikTok? Going live on this rapidly growing social media platform presents unique opportunities to connect, entertain, and build your brand. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to go live on TikTok, how many followers you need, and even explore some potential workarounds. Plus, we’ll share seven tips to help you make the most of your TikTok Live experience.
What are TikTok Lives?
TikTok Lives are real-time broadcasts that people watch within the TikTok app. While they are known for their informality, many brands have found success using more structured Lives, such as cooking shows, workout tutorials, and product demonstrations. Going live on TikTok allows you to build trust, educate your audience, and increase engagement.
How many followers do you need to go live on TikTok?
To go live on TikTok, you typically need to have at least 1,000 followers and be at least 16 years old. While there are rumors of a workaround to bypass the follower requirement, it hasn’t been proven successful. However, if you’re interested, we’ll discuss the suggested steps below.
How to go live on TikTok: Step-by-Step Guide
If you meet the follower requirement and have access to the platform’s live streaming capabilities, here’s how you can go live on TikTok:
-
Tap the Create icon on the home screen (the plus sign at the bottom of the screen).
-
Swipe left to access the LIVE feature in the bottom navigation. Choose an image and write an attention-grabbing title for your stream.
-
Once you’re ready, press “Go LIVE” to start your stream. After a countdown from 3, you’ll be live!
-
While live, you can access settings and features by tapping the three dots. Here, you can flip your camera, add effects, filter comments, and assign moderators.
-
When you’re finished, tap the X in the top-left corner to end your TikTok live stream.
How to go live on TikTok on a tablet
Going live on a tablet is no different from going live on a mobile device. Follow the same steps we’ve outlined above, and you’ll have no problem streaming on TikTok.
How to join someone’s Live on TikTok
You can easily request to join someone else’s Live on TikTok. Here’s how:
- Find the live stream you want to join and click on it. Then, head to the comments section.
- In the comments section, you’ll see a button that looks like two smiling faces. Tap it to send a request to join the broadcast.
- Once your request is approved, your screen will split into two, and you’ll have joined the live broadcast.
How to go live on TikTok without 1,000 followers
While there are claims of a workaround to go live without 1,000 followers, it remains unverified. However, if you’d like to explore this option, here’s the suggested protocol:
-
Go to your profile and select the hamburger menu in the top-right corner.
-
Go to Settings and Privacy.
-
Scroll down to Report a problem.
-
Under Popular, select “I can’t start a LIVE.”
-
Hit “No.”
-
Fill out a report stating that you were previously able to start a live broadcast but can no longer do so. Submit your report and wait for a representative to respond.
While some individuals claim success with this method, we cannot guarantee results. If it doesn’t work for you, the best approach is to focus on building engagement and growing your fanbase organically.
7 tips for going live on TikTok
Live streaming can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to TikTok. To help you succeed, here are seven tips to enhance your TikTok Live experience:
Don’t wing it
Take some time to plan your content and rehearse what you want to say before going live. Preparation reduces the chances of getting tongue-tied or resorting to awkward improvisation. Your followers will appreciate your professionalism and well-thought-out presentation.
Collaborate with friends
Consider collaborating with like-minded accounts or influencers to reach a wider audience. Interviews are a fantastic way to engage your viewers and provide valuable content.
Give people a reason to attend
Offer exclusive content or host giveaways to entice viewers to join your live stream. Find a unique hook that sets your stream apart and keep the conversation interesting and engaging.
Promote in advance
Promote your stream on various social media platforms to attract an audience. Cross-promote your posts to maximize exposure and consider using TikTok Live Events to notify your followers in advance.
Find the right time
Determine the best time to go live by leveraging tools like Hootsuite’s best time to publish feature. Knowing when your audience is most active and engaged will ensure that your live stream doesn’t go unnoticed.
Keep it short
Ideally, aim for a live video duration of around 30 minutes. This timeframe allows you to achieve your goals, interact with your audience, and leaves room for any unexpected disruptions.
Set the scene
Create a clean and well-lit space for your live stream. Ensure that you won’t be interrupted during filming and consider using additional lighting, such as a ring light, to enhance the quality of your stream.
Going live on TikTok presents exciting opportunities for engagement and brand building. By following these tips and leveraging the platform’s features, you’ll be well on your way to creating captivating and successful TikTok Live streams.
So, what are you waiting for? Go live, have fun, and connect with your audience like never before!