How to Go Live on TikTok in 2025-2026: PC & Mobile Guide
TikTok has evolved from a short-form video app into a livestreaming powerhouse. For creators, going live is the fastest way to build a community, earn revenue through gifts, and boost your account's visibility.
Whether you want to chat with your followers from your couch or broadcast high-end gameplay from your PC, getting started is easier than you think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to go live on TikTok in 2025-2026.
1. TikTok LIVE Requirements: Can You Stream?
Before you hit the button, you need to ensure you meet TikTok's eligibility criteria. Unlike other platforms, TikTok has specific gates to keep the community safe.
To unlock the LIVE feature, you typically need:
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Age: You must be at least 18 years old to receive virtual gifts (and usually 16+ to host a live stream).
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Followers: The standard requirement is 1,000 followers.
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Location: TikTok LIVE is available in most regions, but some features may vary.
Pro Tip: Don't have 1,000 followers yet? Focus on posting high-quality short videos (Reels/TikToks) first. Consistent viral hits are the quickest way to unlock the LIVE feature.
2. How to Go Live on Mobile (iOS & Android)
Streaming from your phone is the most authentic and popular way to use TikTok. It requires no extra gear—just you and your smartphone.
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Open the App: Launch TikTok and tap the Create icon (+) at the bottom center of the screen.
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Swipe to LIVE: Swipe right on the bottom navigation bar (past "Camera", "Story", "Templates") until you land on LIVE.
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Set Your Title: Tap "Add a title" at the top. Use a catchy hook like "Chatting with followers" or "Ranked Gameplay".
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Choose a Cover Image: Pick a photo or take a new one that represents your stream.
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Adjust Settings: On the right side, you can toggle Comments, add Effects, or use Enhance filters to smooth your video.
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Go Live: Tap the big red Go LIVE button. You will see a 3-second countdown, and then you are on air!
3. How to Go Live on PC (TikTok LIVE Studio & OBS)
Streaming from a PC is essential for gamers and professional creators who need high-quality audio, overlays, and webcam setups. Just like professional streamers tracked on major analytics platforms like Streams Charts , using a PC allows for a more polished "TV-quality" broadcast.
There are two main ways to stream from a PC:
Option A: TikTok LIVE Studio (The Official Way)
TikTok has released its own streaming software called TikTok LIVE Studio. It is available for Windows and integrates directly with your account.
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Download and install TikTok LIVE Studio from the official TikTok website.
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Log in with your TikTok account.
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Set up your scenes (Microphone, Camera, Game Capture).
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Click Go Live directly within the software.
Option B: OBS Studio (For Advanced Users)
If you are used to Twitch or YouTube streaming, you might prefer OBS. However, getting a Stream Key for TikTok can be tricky as it is not available to everyone by default.
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Get the Key: If you have access, go to the TikTok app -> LIVE -> Cast to PC/Mac. Copy the Server URL and Stream Key.
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Configure OBS: Open OBS -> Settings -> Stream -> Service: "Custom". Paste your Server URL and Key.
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Start Streaming: Hit "Start Streaming" in OBS, then confirm on the TikTok app.
Check our guide article for more details: How to Stream Games on TikTok: OBS vs. TikTok LIVE Studio
4. Tips for a Successful First Stream
Going live is just the beginning. To grow, you need to treat your stream like a professional broadcast.
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Engage with Chat: Engagement Rate (ER) is a critical metric for growth. Acknowledging comments and thanking viewers for gifts keeps them watching longer.
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Check Your Connection: A stable internet connection is vital. WiFi is good, but an Ethernet cable (for PC) is better.
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Analyze Your Performance: After your stream ends, look at your numbers. How many people watched? What was your peak viewership?
Ready to grow?Understanding your data is the key to success. Keep track of your stream analytics and compare your growth with other creators using TikTok Stats.
