TikTok Live, one of the most popular TikTok trends, gives users the opportunity to interact with their favorite TikTok creators in more personal ways. Creators typically use Lives to learn more about their audiences, answer follower questions, and keep their followers updated about need-to-know information. Live video can be an excellent way to entertain your audience, promote your brand, and get more views, but you need at least 1,000 followers before you can go live on TikTok.
Continue reading to learn more about how many followers you need on TikTok to go Live, how to start a TikTok Live stream, and how to make the most of the Live feature.
How Many Followers Do I Need on TikTok to Go Live?
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TikTok requires creators to have 1,000 followers to go Live. It doesn’t matter how engaged your followers are or how many followers you have on other platforms. You’ll still need at least 1,000 followers for TikTok Live. Once you reach that threshold, TikTok unlocks the Live feature, allowing you to start creating Live videos for your followers.
It’s important to note that if your follower count drops below 1,000 followers after unlocking the ability to go Live, you may lose your access to the feature until your follower count goes back up. Therefore, it could be wise to wait until your count goes above 1,000 to start promising your followers Live content.
How to Go Live on TikTok
We’ve answered how many followers on TikTok to go Live, but you should also know that there’s another important requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to start a TikTok Live.
TikTok uses the birthday that you signed up with to determine if you’re old enough to use the feature once you reach 1,000 followers. If not, the feature will remain locked until you’ve met both criteria.
Furthermore, only creators 18 and older can send and receive gifts during Live streams.
Once you unlock the TikTok Live feature, follow these steps to start a Live video on TikTok:
- Tap the + icon at the bottom of the app’s screen.
- Scroll the words on the bottom (Camera, Story, etc.) to the left until you find ‘Live.’
- Start your Live by tapping the red ‘Go Live’ button.
How to Make the Most of TikTok Live
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Once you have the TikTok Live feature, consider using these tips to create successful TikTok Lives.
Plan Your Content
Although TikTok Live streams can go viral even when their creators have general conversations with their followers, your chances of having a successful Live are better if you have a plan for your content. Have a specific topic to discuss, and create an outline of your talking points to avoid missing anything important. This will also help you identify relevant popular and trending TikTok hashtags to add to your posts in the lead-up to your Live and in the description for your Live.
Consider Your Audience
Knowing the best time to go Live on TikTok can boost your stream’s views. The ideal time depends on your audience’s typical TikTok usage. For instance, are most of your followers on TikTok on weeknights, or do they use the app more often on weekends? With a TikTok Business account, you can access TikTok’s analytics, which shows you when your followers are most active. These days and times are when you should consider planning to go Live.
Promote Your Live Before It Happens
Give your audience plenty of notice that you’re going Live before it happens to allow them to plan around attending. Share an announcement on your blog, social media channels, or email newsletter with the date and time your followers can expect you to go Live, and mention your upcoming Live in your TikTok bio. You can also promote your TikTok Live events with TikTok ads or create a custom hashtag for your Live to boost momentum.
TikTok Live FAQs
Here, we answer a few common questions about going Live on TikTok.
Can I go Live on TikTok without 1,000 followers?
It is currently impossible to go Live on your TikTok account without 1,000 followers. However, you may request to join another creator’s Live stream, even if you don’t have 1,000 followers.
Can you make money on TikTok Live?
Yes, TikTok creators can make money using TikTok Live. The Creator Fund pays creators per 1,000 views of their Lives. Creators can also receive gifts from viewers while on a Live stream. Additionally, some creators use their Lives to ask for donations or to promote products.
Does going Live on TikTok help your account?
Yes, going Live on TikTok can boost your account by increasing your engagement and building your audience. One Live with lots of viewers has the potential to reach an extensive audience and grow your account. Streaming regularly is the best way to continue that growth.
Building a Brand With the Help of TikTok Live
Consider using TikTok Live once you’ve reached the requirement of 1,000 followers. The feature provides an excellent opportunity for real-time engagement with your audience, laying a foundation for marketing, entertaining, and connecting. Add our TikTok Follow Button to your website in just a few minutes to help grow your audience and get closer to unlocking the TikTok Live feature.
