How to Go Live on TikTok Step-by-Step

Whether you’re an influencer, a small business owner, or someone who simply wants to interact with followers, TikTok LIVE can help you build a stronger community. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about going live on TikTok—even if you’re a complete beginner. Let’s dive in! 🚀

How Many Followers on TikTok to Go Live

To protect users and keep the platform safe, TikTok has a few requirements you must meet before you can go live. The most important one is your follower count.

To go live on TikTok, you need:

• At least 1,000 followers
• To be at least 16 years old
• To be 18+ to receive gifts

Once your account reaches 1,000 followers, the LIVE button should automatically appear in your “Create” section. If you don't see it immediately, don’t worry—sometimes it takes a few hours for the feature to activate. Restarting the app or updating it can also help.

The 1,000-follower requirement exists to prevent spam accounts from abusing LIVE features. It also ensures that live content comes from creators who are already somewhat active and established on the platform.

If you haven't reached 1,000 followers yet, don’t get discouraged—there are still ways to try to request access, which we’ll cover in the next section.

How to Go Live on TikTok Without 1,000 Followers

TikTok officially requires 1,000 followers, but some users have been able to access LIVE earlier by submitting a request. While this method isn’t guaranteed, many creators report that it worked for them.

Here’s how to request access:

Step-by-Step Method to Request LIVE Access

1. Open the TikTok app
2. Go to your Profile
3. Tap the three lines (☰) in the top-right corner
4. Select Settings and Privacy
5. Tap Report a Problem
6. Choose LIVE / Payment / Rewards
7. Select I can’t start a LIVE
8. Tap No → Still have problem
9. Write a short request message

Example message:
“Hi TikTok team, I would like to request access to the LIVE feature. My account follows all community guidelines, and I believe I meet the requirements. Please review my access. Thank you!”

Additional tips that may help:

• Switch to a Business Account (sometimes LIVE appears afterward)
• Post consistently
• Make sure your account has no guideline violations
• Complete your bio and add a profile photo

Again, none of these are guaranteed, but they’re the only known workarounds for going live before reaching 1,000 followers.

How to Get Live Access on TikTok

Once you meet the requirements, getting live access is simple. Here’s how to prepare your account and start your first broadcast:

✔️ Steps to Get LIVE Access

• Make sure your age on TikTok is 16 or older
• Reach 1,000 followers
• Ensure your app is updated to the latest version
• Avoid community guideline violations

After that, you can start a LIVE anytime:

1. Open TikTok
2. Tap the + (Create) button
3. Swipe to the LIVE tab
4. Enter a title for your stream
5. Choose your cover photo
6. Tap Go LIVE 🎥

Your live session will now begin, and followers will be able to join, comment, send gifts, and interact with you in real time.

Why Can’t I Go Live on TikTok?

If you're unable to go live, there are a few possible reasons. TikTok is strict about guidelines and feature eligibility.

Most common reasons you can’t go LIVE:

1. You don’t have 1,000 followers
2. You are under 16 years old
3. Your account has a guideline violation
4. Your app is outdated
5. LIVE is temporarily restricted
6. Your region doesn’t support certain LIVE features

What you can do:

• Update your TikTok app
• Restart your phone
• Clear cache in TikTok settings
• Check if you recently violated community guidelines
• Contact TikTok via the “Report a problem” section

Always remember: even one minor violation can temporarily remove your ability to go live.

What Is TikTok LIVE?

TikTok LIVE is a feature that allows creators to broadcast in real time to engage with their followers. It’s one of the most powerful tools for growth because it creates genuine, immediate interaction.

What makes TikTok LIVE special?

• Real-time engagement (comments, questions, reactions)
• Gifts and monetization options for creators 💰
• Stronger community building
• Higher visibility in the For You Page
• Perfect for Q&A sessions, tutorials, music, product demos, and more

TikTok LIVE also offers tools such as:

• Moderators
• Keyword filters
• Live topics
• Multi-guest live options

Overall, it’s a feature designed not just for content but for connection.

TikTok Live Streaming Guide

Here’s your complete guide to starting and managing a professional LIVE session on TikTok:

✔️ Before the live:

• Test your lighting
• Check your internet connection
• Keep your phone battery charged
• Plan your main theme or talking points
• Remove background noise

✔️ During the live:

• Greet new viewers 👋
• Ask questions to increase engagement
• Pin important comments
• Use filters or effects if needed
• Keep your background clean and simple

✔️ After the live:

• Review your analytics
• Check average watch time
• Read viewer comments
• Adjust for the next stream

Following these steps helps your LIVE session look professional and enjoyable for viewers.

Best TikTok LIVE Settings

To get the best quality during your stream, make sure your LIVE settings are optimized.

Recommended settings:

• Resolution: Enable “High Quality” mode if available
• Lighting: Use natural light or ring light
• Audio: Prefer an external microphone 🎤
• Comments: Turn on moderation filters
• Effects: Keep them minimal for clarity
• Connection: Use strong WiFi (5 GHz recommended)
• Device Position: Vertical mode for full-screen visibility

You can also assign a moderator to help manage comments and block spam. This is especially useful if you expect a large audience.

Top 3 TikTok LIVE Tips

If you want to grow on TikTok through live streaming, these tips can make a huge difference:

⭐ 1. Stay Engaging

Talk constantly—silent moments make viewers leave quickly. Ask questions, respond to comments, and keep the energy high.

⭐ 2. Add Value

People join lives when they feel they will learn something or be entertained. Try:

• Tutorials
• Behind-the-scenes
• Storytelling
• Q&A sessions

⭐ 3. Promote Your LIVE Beforehand

Let your followers know when you’ll go live by posting a video or story. Include a countdown ⏳ or reminder.

These simple habits significantly increase the number of viewers who join your stream.

Best Time to Go Live on TikTok

Choosing the right time can boost your viewer count dramatically. While it varies by audience, most creators agree the best times are during high-activity hours.

Best global times to go live:

• 6 PM – 10 PM (weekday evenings)
• 11 AM – 2 PM (weekends)
• Friday and Saturday nights perform especially well 🎉

However, the true best time depends on your own audience. You can find personalized data under Analytics → Followers → Active Times. Check when your followers are online the most and schedule your lives accordingly.