How To Go Live On TikTok
Going live on TikTok is simple once the feature is available on your account. The confusing part is not how to start a live stream, but when TikTok decides to give you access in the first place.
Officially, TikTok says you need 1,000 followers. In reality, some people can go live well before that, but these cases are rare and cannot be triggered intentionally. Others hit the threshold and still do not see the LIVE option. Both situations happen, and neither is unusual.
What TikTok LIVE Really Is
TikTok LIVE lets you broadcast video in real time and interact directly with viewers through comments and virtual gifts. Compared to regular posts, LIVE feels more personal and less polished, which is exactly why it works.
Creators use it to:
- Talk directly to followers without editing
- Answer questions on the spot
- Stream gameplay, events, or daily life
- Build trust faster than short-form videos alone
For many accounts, LIVE becomes the point where growth starts to feel less passive and more intentional.
TikTok LIVE Requirements
TikTok publishes clear requirements for LIVE access, but the platform does not apply them as rigidly as most people expect.
How many followers you need to go live on TikTok
The standard requirement is 1,000 followers. This is what TikTok states publicly and what most accounts experience.
That said, some users can go live with fewer followers. It is often observed when:
- TikTok is testing LIVE access in certain regions
- The account has a long, clean posting history
- Engagement signals are strong despite a smaller audience
TikTok does not explain or document these exceptions, which is why users often discover LIVE access by accident.
Age requirement
- You must be at least 16 years old to go live
- You must be 18 or older to receive gifts
These rules are enforced more consistently than follower counts.
Account standing
If your account has repeated guideline violations, LIVE access can be limited or removed, even if you meet every other requirement.
How To Go Live On TikTok
If the LIVE option is available on your account, starting a stream takes less than a minute.
- Open TikTok, tap the Create (+) button
- Swipe until you see LIVE
- Add a short title
- Adjust your settings if needed
- Tap Go LIVE.
Once you are live, TikTok may show your stream to followers and, in some cases, push it to new viewers.
Going Live On TikTok Using Your Phone
Most TikTok LIVE streams happen on mobile. It is the easiest setup and works well for:
- Casual chats
- Travel and lifestyle content
- Behind-the-scenes moments
As long as your connection is stable, going live from a phone is usually enough.
Going Live On TikTok Using A PC
TikTok does not currently support going LIVE directly from a web browser. If you want more control, TikTok offers Live Studio for desktop streaming. This is mainly used for:
- Gaming
- Screen sharing
- Higher-production streams
Live Studio is not available to everyone, even if mobile LIVE is enabled. Access is rolled out selectively and can change over time.
Why You Might Not See The LIVE Option
If LIVE is missing from your account, it is usually because:
- You have not reached 1,000 followers and are not part of a test group
- Your age information does not meet the requirements
- TikTok has limited LIVE access due to past violations
- The feature is still rolling out in your region
In most cases, there is nothing you can manually "fix". LIVE appears automatically once TikTok decides your account is eligible.
Can You Get LIVE Access Faster?
There is no request button and no guaranteed shortcut. What does help is keeping your account low-risk and consistent.
That usually means:
- Posting original content regularly
- Avoiding copyright or guideline issues
- Growing followers organically
- Engaging naturally with comments
TikTok does not publicly confirm these signals, but the platform tends to unlock LIVE for accounts it trusts to handle it responsibly.
FAQs
How many followers do you need to go live on TikTok?
TikTok usually requires 1,000 followers, but some accounts receive access earlier due to testing, region, or account history.
Can you go live on TikTok with less than 1,000 followers?
Yes, it happens. TikTok does not officially explain why, and access is not guaranteed.
How old do you have to be to go live on TikTok?
You must be 16 years old to go live and 18 years old to receive gifts.
Can I go live on TikTok from a computer?
Yes, if TikTok Live Studio is available on your account.
