You can go live on TikTok if your account has access to LIVE. Open the app and check whether you can select LIVE. Is that option missing? Check the age and follower requirements. If you do have access, set up your phone first and check your video and sound before you start.
Below, you’ll read what to look out for and how to prepare your first broadcast.
What requirements apply to TikTok LIVE?
First, check your age and the number of followers TikTok requires.
How old do you need to be?
According to TikTok’s explanation of the age requirement for LIVE you must be at least 18 years old to go live yourself. So you cannot use older tips that mention 16 as your starting point.
How many followers do you need?
TikTok mentions 1.000 followers, but says the threshold may vary by region. This is stated in the official explanation of TikTok LIVE, where you can also find the starting steps.
So do not assume that having 1.000 followers will definitely give you access. Check which requirement TikTok shows for your account.
How do you start a TikTok LIVE?
Can you select LIVE in the app? Prepare your broadcast in this order:
- Choose one topic. Think about what you want to show or discuss. For example, you could show how to repot a plant.
- Place your phone securely. Use a stand and make sure your face or hands are clearly in view.
- Test your video and sound. Make a short regular test video. Listen to check that you can be heard clearly. Also check whether any private information is visible.
- Open LIVE. Read the options and any notices on the screen before starting the broadcast.
Not sure where the LIVE button is? Check the official starting guide at the link above. If the option is still missing, first check whether you have access.
Why can’t I go live on TikTok?
If LIVE is missing, you do not yet know why. Go through these points to work out what you can do.
| What is your situation? | What can you do? |
|---|---|
| You are not yet 18. | Wait until you meet the age requirement. Entering an incorrect date of birth is not a solution. |
| You have fewer followers than the stated threshold. | Check which threshold TikTok lists for your account or region. |
| You see a notice about your access. | Read the entire notice and note what TikTok asks or explains. |
| You think you meet the requirements, but LIVE is missing. | Ask TikTok for help and describe what you see. If necessary, attach a screenshot without private information. |
In your help request, write that you want to start a live broadcast yourself. Also state which country you are in and what notice you receive. This makes it clear where you are stuck.
How do you prepare your first TikTok LIVE?
Choose a topic that you can cover in a short broadcast. You do not need to fill an hour straight away. Write down three points and place the note next to your phone.
A fictional example for a broadcast about repotting a plant:
- Show the plant and the new pot.
- Explain why you are choosing a different pot.
- Show step by step how you repot the plant.
Also think of your opening sentence in advance. For example: “I’m going to repot this plant and show you what I look out for.” This lets you start straight away with your topic.
Make sure you can continue if viewers do not ask questions. Have you shown or explained everything? Then wrap up the broadcast instead of continuing to talk simply because you are still live.
What should you look out for with TikTok LIVE gifts?
Want to use gifts? Check separately which requirements TikTok shows for your account. Access to LIVE does not automatically mean that you can use all the gift features as well.
Read any costs and payment conditions before confirming anything. For your first broadcast, you can also focus only on your topic, video and sound.
More questions about TikTok
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