Get ready to go live on TikTok in 2023, the fastest-growing social media platform! This guide will show you how to do it. Going live on TikTok in 2023 offers the same advantages as other platforms—it allows you to connect with your audience in real-time. Viewers can interact with you by asking questions and engaging with your content on the spot. The spontaneity and authenticity of live streaming make it an exciting experience, and it can also boost social commerce. Whether you’re hosting a series, having a conversation, giving a tutorial, or putting on a performance, going live lets you showcase your skills and build your brand.
So, get ready to embrace the thrill of going live on TikTok and make your mark on the platform!
The basics to go live on TikTok
Before diving into the exciting aspects of TikTok Live, it’s crucial to cover some basics that you should be aware of before attempting to go live:
- Community guidelines apply: TikTok’s community guidelines still hold when you go live. The platform moderates videos, and breaking the rules can lead to consequences. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines, which are fair and encompass various policies, such as prohibiting illegal subjects, adult content, and misleading information. It’s essential to review these rules thoroughly.
- Age requirement: To go live on TikTok, you must be over 16 years old. The platform places strict measures to protect minors, so attempting to bypass this requirement is not permitted.
- Copyright awareness, particularly with music: While TikTok allows broader use of music compared to Instagram and YouTube, you must use only the music available in their library or purchased legally. Using copyrighted music not authorized on the platform can lead to your video being taken down or the sound being muted.
- Unlocking TikTok Live: To access TikTok Live, you need to have at least 1,000 followers. While there may be some claims of workarounds and cheats online, attempting them is discouraged as they might lead to violating TikTok’s community guidelines. A clear distinction can be observed between accounts that have over 1,000 followers and those that haven’t reached that threshold.
It’s important to note that there is no LIVE tab available on the video upload + menu bar for Contentworks.
But for accounts that have over 1,000 followers, the LIVE option appears:
How to Live on TikTok in 2023?
If you satisfy the criteria mentioned earlier, going Live on TikTok becomes a straightforward process. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps you need to follow:
- Open TikTok on your phone and tap on the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Scroll to the “Live” option and tap on it to access the Live screen.
On the screen, you will find various prompts, including title, topic, goal, and image. The title should not exceed 32 characters, but it’s better to keep it short and captivating. The Live Goal feature adds a fun element as it relates to the money you can earn through TikTok credits. You can set a goal for a charity fundraiser or something you’re saving up for. Additionally, you get to choose an icon, which represents real money if you are over 18. It’s essential to select the icon wisely, considering your audience. Keep in mind that lower-end donations from fans will result in less money for you. If you prefer not to set a goal, it’s not mandatory, especially for brands where it may not be the right approach.- The moment has come to go Live! Once you tap that button, your followers will receive notifications and can join your live stream if they wish. During your live session, you have the option to add up to 20 co-hosts. Additionally, you can make on-the-fly edits to various features, such as flipping the camera between selfie and front-facing views, applying effects, and filtering out comments.
- Your TikTok Live video can last up to 60 minutes, but TikTok suggests aiming for 30 minutes, considering audience attention spans. However, if you find 30 minutes still too lengthy, use that time only if you can maintain engagement throughout. (Stay tuned for live ideas coming up in a minute!)
- Following the conclusion of your LIVE video, the LIVE replay will be available from the LIVE Center. You can then watch your LIVE video again, download it to your device, or delete it.
On the screen, you will find various prompts, including title, topic, goal, and image. The title should not exceed 32 characters, but it’s better to keep it short and captivating. The Live Goal feature adds a fun element as it relates to the money you can earn through TikTok credits. You can set a goal for a charity fundraiser or something you’re saving up for. Additionally, you get to choose an icon, which represents real money if you are over 18. It’s essential to select the icon wisely, considering your audience. Keep in mind that lower-end donations from fans will result in less money for you. If you prefer not to set a goal, it’s not mandatory, especially for brands where it may not be the right approach.Follow these steps to access your LIVE replays:
- Tap Profile in the TikTok app.
- At the top, press the Menu button.
- Select Creator tools.
- Choose LIVE Center, then Replays.
LIVE replays are accessible for a duration of 90 days, and you have the flexibility to delete them from the Replays section in the LIVE Center whenever you prefer. For further details regarding your archived Live videos, you can refer to TikTok’s help center. It’s essential to note that TikTok live videos will vanish after the broadcast ends, and they won’t be available on your profile for fans who missed it. If you wish to watch it again later or upload it, save it while the broadcast is ongoing. TikTok only allows you to save your live streams.
What You Shouldn’t Do When Going Live on TikTok in 2023?
It’s important to be aware of what you should avoid doing:
1. Going Live without a clear plan of what you will say or do.
2. Streaming a corporate PowerPoint or other uninteresting presentations.
3. Neglecting to inform your fans about your Live session or promoting it on other channels.
4. Broadcasting without a specific purpose or objective, even if it’s just for engaging with your audience.
5. Failing to engage with your viewers, acknowledge their comments and questions, and show appreciation for their participation.
6. Missing the right time slot for your Live session. It’s essential to choose a time when your target audience is likely to be active and not asleep or occupied with work.
7. Overlooking technical aspects. Ensure that your video doesn’t have distracting background noise, a crackly microphone, or poor lighting. Check your sound and Internet connection beforehand to record with good audio and lighting quality.
Last thoughts
Keep in mind that Build My Plays can help you promote your TikToks and your engagement in one centralized platform, alongside your other channels. This convenient integration lets you optimize your video engagements and generate impressive reports for your company or clients.