More people and organizations are using the video-sharing platform TikTok. As of January 2023, the US has the largest TikTok audience, with 113 million users. The number highlights the popularity of this social media app in the country.
Now, marketers are using TikTok’s live feature to connect with their audience in real time. Users only need to build a following and an internet connection to go live. If you want to know how to go live on TikTok, this short guide can help.
Key Takeaways
- TikTok Live is a live stream that users watch on the TikTok app. They can last for an hour, making them ideal for modern brands that want to provide long-form video content to their audience.
- TikTok Live allows brands to build a community, interact with their followers in real time, and create longer video content.
- To go live on TikTok, users must choose the “Live” option after tapping the “Create” button. After going live, they will have a preview window of their video feed. They can add titles, turn on comments, and add live video filters.
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What is TikTok Live?
TikTok Live is the live stream feature of TikTok, allowing content creators to connect with followers in real time. By going live, TikTok users can react to comments and answer questions as soon as they get them. Lives also enable users to receive virtual gifts from followers that hosts can exchange for real money.
TikTok released this new feature as direct competition to the live streams from other social media platforms, like Instagram and Facebook.
To qualify for TikTok Live, users must have 1,000 followers, at least. They must also be over the age of 16 before they can use this feature.
One key feature of TikTok Live is the gift rewards from viewers. Those over 18 can receive cash if their viewers buy them “gifts” during live feeds. To get gifts, users need at least three TikTok posts with over 1000 views in the past month.
Viewers will have TikTok Coins, which they can use to buy gifts during their favorite influencer’s TikTok Lives. These gifts can be anything from pictures of a cute corgi to a tennis ball. Once a host receives a certain amount of gifts, they can convert them to “Diamonds,” which they can exchange for real money.
Hosts must also be part of TikTok’s Creator Next program if they want to receive gifts. This program allows qualified TikTok users to access the platform’s monetization features and tools.
Unfortunately, some users are having trouble getting access to this live-stream feature. If you cannot go live, you might be experiencing any of the following:
- You may be ineligible because you have a follower count below 1,000. You are ineligible if you have more than 1000 TikTok followers, but people unfollowed you, dropping your follower count below this number.
- You cannot go live if you are in China, India, or Hong Kong. These countries banned TikTok, so you cannot use the application if you are in these territories.
- You are using an outdated version of TikTok. Go to your phone’s list of applications and see if there is an update for TikTok. Uninstall the app and reinstall or restart your phone if needed.
If you are not experiencing the troubles mentioned above but can’t go live, contact the TikTok support team.
To file a report, go to your profile and choose “Settings and Privacy.” Then, select the “report a problem” option. Choose the “Live” section and tap “I can’t start a live.”
When reporting your problem, make sure to be as detailed as possible. Describe your issue thoroughly, then submit your report. TikTok will review your message and should give you a fix for your problem.
How TikTok Live Can Help Modern Brands
Short TikTok videos are valuable marketing tools on their own if you know how to use them properly. However, TikTok Lives can be a helpful addition to your advertising strategy. Take a look at the significant benefits of using this feature in this section.
Interact with your audience in real time
Talking to audiences in real time, even through a screen, can be an effective way for brands to build relationships with their followers.
Businesses can share dynamic links to their services and products through live streams. They can also hold tutorials and demonstrate how to use their products, which can help boost trustworthiness and sales prospects.
Grow your online community
When you stream and react to messages from your followers, you are strengthening your relationship with your audience. Live streaming also allows you to reach new people because you can get the attention of people who enjoy watching longer videos.
It is wise to post a TikTok video first to promote your stream so people know when you are going live. In this video, talk about what you will be doing in your live stream so the people interested can join.
With your post, you may reach new people through the For You Page, and they then may decide to visit your live stream. This tip can help you get to more people and boost your following. It also means you will have more viewers during the live stream.
By growing your online community, you also boost brand identity and awareness. This is why TikTok Lives can be crucial for businesses active on social media.
Forecasters predict that TikTok will have roughly 834.3 million monthly users this year. The numbers show that a presence on the platform provides businesses with the opportunity for growth in terms of brand awareness and identity.
The video-sharing platform's casual but personal approach to sharing new live content makes it unique. For marketers to take full advantage of it, they need to match the established tone that most users in the platform use. They need a creative take on their content by offering behind-the-scenes footage, fun how-to guides, or other engaging video ideas.
For example, luxury vehicle brand BMW shares behind-the-scenes clips into the shooting of their commercials and ads. Meanwhile, the clothing line Zara uses the app to share fun in-store experiences.
Using hashtags on the platform lets users jump on popular trends and get significant traction from their videos. This feature allows people to browse videos according to topics relevant to them. This advantage enables brands to create tailored content to hop in on popular trends and get more views.
Create long content
A TikTok live stream allows brands to publish longer content on the platform. Unlike usual TikTok videos, which are limited to 10 minutes, live streams can last up to one hour.
This advantage gives TikTok users greater flexibility, which is crucial for those who want to do Q&As. It is also perfect for entrepreneurs who want to talk about extensive topics relevant to their industry.
Save money on promotion
Many modern brands are still on the fence about investing time and money in TikTok as a part of their marketing strategy. Some entrepreneurs feel it can be a hassle to set up advertising campaigns on the platform and keep track of them.
However, what makes TikTok worth it is that you can have a successful marketing campaign on the platform even without a huge budget. You only need to be creative in producing content. Doing live streams, on the other hand, can allow you to create something more engaging.
If you are a new entrepreneur who does not want to spend too much when starting, TikTok can be an excellent option. The platform can be a budget-friendly application that everyone can use to promote their services and products.
Monetize your account
Another significant advantage of using TikTok Live is it provides different ways to monetize your account. Since you have more time, you can promote more products or discuss your offering at length.
You can also play fun games with your followers, host competitions, or take donations from fans. With TikTok Live, you can explore various ways to accumulate more profit through the platform.
How To Go Live on TikTok
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Those unfamiliar with TikTok’s design may find it challenging to host their live stream through the app. This step-by-step guide can tell you what you need to know to go live on the platform.
Step 1: Prepare your set
Before you go live, you must prepare your set. Check the camera angle, the background, and other parts of the room that the camera will catch.
Good lighting is crucial for your audience’s viewing experience, so ensure you have enough light in the room. You can get a ring light so your viewers can see your face and expressions.
You should also check the quality of your sound output. If there is a lot of distracting background noise, your viewers might leave because they cannot hear what you are saying.
You can also get moderators who can filter comment sections and manage stream settings so you can focus on entertaining your audience. Make sure your mods are ready before you go live so they can help new viewers. TikTok allows hosts to have up to 20 moderators.
Step 2: Log in to your TikTok account
After setting up, download TikTok on your mobile phone and log in to your account. Tap the create or plus icon at the bottom of the screen, then swipe until you see the live option.
Step 3: Think of a title
The next step is picking a cover photo and title for your stream. When writing a title, ensure it will inform your viewers of what your stream will be about. The title and image must also be enticing enough so you can grab your viewer’s attention.
Step 4: Go live
After choosing a title and an image, you can go live. Press the “Go live” button to start the stream. The screen will show a three-second countdown before the app begins streaming.
Step 5: Choose filters
Once the live session begins, you can tap the three dots on your screen to access additional settings, templates, and stream features. These settings allow you to add effects, filter comments, and flip your camera.
Step 6: End the stream
You can end the stream when you are done demonstrating a product or talking to your audience. Tap the X button at the top-left corner of your screen, and the live broadcast will end.
Pro-Tip: Although you can go live for 60 minutes on TikTok, keeping a 30-minute time limit is still the best practice. This way, watching your content from start to finish can be easier for your followers.
Enjoy the Benefits of Social Media Marketing With Archive
Using TikTok Live can be an excellent way to connect with your followers. It can also help you build brand identity and boost brand awareness on the platform. By talking to your followers in real time, you can create an authentic and engaging experience that can help you increase your following.
However, remember that doing a live stream comes with particular challenges. Live streams require careful planning and preparation to be successful at the end of the day.
To maximize the impact of your stream, you must promote it beforehand so people know about the live event and then show up. Consider the technical aspects of streaming, such as lighting and sound quality.
By considering these crucial factors, you can host a professional stream that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.
If you need help improving your social media marketing strategies, contact Archive. We can support your marketing efforts and get your brand the attention it needs to stay competitive.
TikTok Live can help content creators become more relevant today. Visit Archive and learn more tips to boost your brand’s social media marketing efforts today.
FAQs on Going Live on TikTok
Can I still go live on TikTok after I lose followers?
Consistency is crucial if you want to keep using all features on TikTok. Only accounts with over 1000 followers can use the app’s live feature. You cannot go live if you met this follower requirement at one point but lost some of them over time.
What is not allowed on TikTok Live?
TikTok prohibits mentions of dangerous acts, self-harm, bullying, or sexual acts on the platform. These are only some of the banned topics on the app, and it is wise to consult the community guidelines before going live. TikTok can remove any content that violates the regulations specified under the guidelines.
Does TikTok give money to users who go live?
Followers can make donations to live stream hosts through gifts. However, users must be eligible to stream on the platform before they can go live and accept donations.
