The Question of the moment: How to go live on TikTok
What Is TikTok Live?
TikTok has an in-app feature called “Tik Tok Live” that enables users to broadcast live. This function allows creators to interact with their followers in real-time via the comment section. Fans even have the ability to send virtual gifts giving creators one more way to monetize their content on TikTok.
Feature Unlocked: Who Can Go Live On Tiktok?
With TikTok, a click of a button means you can broadcast your talents live to people all over the world. Whether you want to show off your new dance moves, display your culinary abilities, or share your opinions, there are people who are interested in what you’ve got going on.
Anyone can create a TikTok account in only a few simple steps, but there are particular prerequisites you’ll need to meet before going live. To unlock the Tiktok Live feature, you must be 16 years old and only those 18 years or older can earn gift points or be given virtual gifts during the live stream.
TikTok has also restricted the number of accounts that can go live to those with more than 1,000 followers. If you are a TikTok user with fewer than 1000 followers, the live feature of the app will be locked.
It’s also important to note: During a live stream, you cannot solicit donations or offer incentives for donating money to your cause as this will violate TikTok’s community guidelines.
Need a few more followers before you can go live? Check out this post on How To Gain More Followers On Tiktok!
How to Go Live on TikTok: A Beginners Guide
The possibilities for Live TikToks are unlimited and it’s an effective way to advertise your brand or products. Once you meet all the requirements the process is fairly simple. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1. Open the TikTok app and click the ‘+’ button. This process is the same when recording or uploading a pre-recorded Tiktok video.
Step 2. Choose the Live option. There are four recording methods available under the record button on TikTok: Camera, Quick, Templates, and Live. Swipe to select the Live option.
Step 3. Add an image and a title for the stream. Remember, the title has a 32-character limit, so make sure it’s brief and to the point. This step is optional, but adding one to describe your broadcast topic will draw in viewers.
Step 4. Now click the ‘Go Live’ button, a countdown will signal your cast is beginning. After you go live, your followers will be notified. You may make changes to the broadcasting while streaming, such as rotating the camera, adding effects, and filtering comments.
You’re rolling in 3, 2, 1 action!
8 Easy Tips For Going Live On Tiktok
1. Identify A Goal, Then Choose A Topic
It’s best if you first determine your objective first to make the subsequent stages easier. Maybe you want to drive more traffic to your other social media accounts, generate engagement or promote a product or service.
Identify your objective by asking: What do I want to communicate to my audience?
Focus on topics that will pique the interest of your viewers and are relevant to the message you’re trying to convey.
2. Find A Time Slot When Your Users Are Active
It’s pointless to go live on TikTok when no one is watching. Make sure that you live stream when most of your audience is online and active. Check the analytics available within the app to identify when your key followers are online. It is critical you broadcast at “prime time” in order for your live stream to be seen by as many people as possible.
3. Time Limits For TikTok Live
When doing live broadcasts, keep an eye on the time. It’s a good idea to figure out how long you want the live sessions to last beforehand. This aids in making the sessions concise and on-point. Though TikTok live videos have a time limit of 60 minutes, we recommend keeping the length at 30 minutes or less.
4. Promote Your Live Sesh Beforehand
Before you go live, make sure to tell your fans about it. Promote and advertise your planned LiveStream on your TikTok feed and other social media platforms.
This strategy also maximizes your chances of hooking new viewers. Promotions let your viewers know you want to connect with them and encourages them to interact with you on your live stream.
5. Sound Check!
Background noise should be kept to a minimum. Users won’t be able to hear you if you’re broadcasting from somewhere with a lot of background noise. If there are no alternatives and your streaming background is slightly noisy, seek a quiet corner and use headphones with a mic to broadcast. This will help your audience hear you clearly enough to get your message across.
6. Light It Up
Good lighting can make a subtle yet significant difference to the quality of your video. On the other hand, the experience of a video stream may be ruined by bad lighting. Create a well-lit filming area using a light ring or sit in a room with lots of natural light to improve your stream’s visibility and engagement. You can also use TikTok Live filters to brighten and enhance the quality of your videos.
7. Be Authentic
Be yourself. Take every opportunity to engage with the people watching you. Read, react, and answer comments like you’re talking to a friend. To engage your followers, you need to be as genuine as possible. So switch off your sales voice and try to connect with your viewers more personally. Even if you have written a script for your broadcast, keep it real—it needs to feel natural.
8. Finish With A Call-To-Action
Ending your live stream on a high note is key to keeping viewers engaged. Recap what you’ve talked about and thank viewers for tuning in. Then, wrap up your stream with a solid call to action that ties back to your objective or promotes your next TikTok Live.
Inspiration For Your TikTok Live Stream
If you’re not sure what to do for your next broadcast here are some out-of-the-box ideas to share with your audience:
- Engage your followers by inviting them to play interactive games.
- Give demos on products you’re using.
- Offer Behind-the-scenes coverage of events.
- Do an ask-me-anything tell-all with fans.
- Do live interviews with other influencers or industry experts.
- Going live is a fantastic way to raise awareness, generate leads, and even drive sales.
TikTok Live gives users freedom in terms of creativity. Remember to keep it fresh, consistent and, most importantly—FUN!
Good luck and happy streaming!
Ervin Kalemi
