Live streaming features have become popular on social media platforms in recent years as the market for live video continues to expand. This gives creators a personalized chance to interact with their audience, unlike pre-recorded content, which can come off sterile & impersonal.
Platforms are starting to recognize this and emphasize it; TikTok is one of the newest platforms for having this feature. One of the best features of the TikTok app is that it can offer live broadcasting and a way to interact with followers, which makes it an engaging social media platform.
Going live on TikTok using an android device or iPhone is no longer a new story. However, now you can enjoy TikTok live streaming from the comfort of your computer, so you never miss out on a single moment again!
By using Streamlabs OBS and some other streaming software, this process is relatively easy. Learn how in the full instructions below.
Why Go Live On TikTok?
TikTok has become a powerhouse in social networking and video sharing, and it surpassed a billion user mark in September of 2021 and continues to grow at an unmatched pace.
The app’s ease of use has made it popular and is a big reason it’s gaining more attention. Anyone can download the app to start uploading videos for clients or themselves.
With live streaming enabled on TikTok, content creators have a way to reach their audiences in real-time.
Success on the platform relies heavily on fostering community, and there’s no better way than interacting with your fans while they watch.
Requirements For Going Live On TikTok
To live stream on TikTok, there are two basic requirements that you’ll need to check off.
1. First, you need to be at least 16 years old.
2. As the second requirement, you’ll need to have at least 1,000 followers to unlock the capability to go Live.
If you are below 1,000 followers, post engaging content to draw in more people.
Should I Use An Emulator To Go Live On TikTok From My PC Or Laptop
You can use emulators such as Bluestacks, NoxPlayer, or Genymotion to run the mobile TikTok app on your PC, providing the convenience of a native application. However, it’s important to remember that it’s not the easiest way to go live on your computer.
You don’t even need to install TikTok on your PC. There are streaming softwares that will bypass this and allow you to live stream to TikTok without any issues.
How To Go Live On TikTok From Your Computer Or Laptop With Streamlabs OBS
We will need to use a piece of software before connecting through your PC and broadcasting live on TikTok, and it’s available for free. Here are the steps to go live on TikTok on a PC using Streamlabs OBS.
1. Download and install the Streamlabs OBS software here.
2. Open Streamlabs Desktop, select TikTok from the platform dropdown, and sign in using your TikTok login credentials.
3. Log in to TikTok: Streamlabs has now integrated with TikTok, allowing you to connect your accounts with only one login.
4. After you log in, press “Go Live.” The pop-up screen will prompt you to access your stream key and Server URL.
After you access your URL and Stream Key, you can paste them into Streamlabs Desktop. You’ll also be able to update the title of your broadcast and cover image and press the pink “Save” button to continue. Now, click on “Confirm & Go Live,” and you’ll be streaming to your TikTok account.
How To Go Live On TikTok On PC Using MirrorTo
ìMyFone MirrorTo is the best app for screen mirroring for your iOS and Android devices. You can cast your smartphone’s screen onto your PC to live-stream on TikTok with MirrorTo.
To go live using iMyFone MirrorTo, follow these steps below:
1. After connecting your phone, click on the stream button and select ‘to live streaming platforms’ from the toolbar.
2 To start live streaming, click on the ‘Go LIVE’ button at the bottom of your screen. A pop-up window will appear with the Server URL and Stream Key. Copy those two.
3 Paste the stream code to the window “Please fill in your live streaming information.”
4 Click “start streaming.”
How To Go Live On TikTok With Restream
To go live on TikTok from your desktop (or laptop), Restream Studio can help. Make sure to create a custom RTMP channel in Restream and get your TikTok stream key and server URL first.
- Open the TikTok app and select the plus sign at the bottom.
- Select the LIVE option.
- Choose your title and filter effects.
- Select the “Cast to PC” option underneath the “Go Live” button.
- You will see your TikTok stream key and server URL; write them down.
- Open your Restream Studio account and navigate to the dashboard.
- Select the “Edit Destinations” button, then “Add Destination.” Select “Custom RTMP” from the list.
- Fill in the stream key and server URL you copied from TikTok in the appropriate fields.
- Select “Add channel.”
- Head back to the Restream dashboard and select “Stream with Studio.”
- Give Restream Studio access to your camera and mic, provide your name, then launch the Studio.
- You’re ready to start streaming on TikTok!
Tips For Improving Your TikTok Streams
Want to attract a following on TikTok? Be sure you’re following these best practices to create high-quality live streams to get started. These strategies will help your audience take notice of your presence, and you’ll be able to start making some money too!
1. Avoid banned words
TikTok enforces a strict community guidelines system that flags hate speech and derogatory terms. This prevents people from making sexist, racist, and other offensive statements on the platform. TikTok has no list of banned words or phrases, but some will be censored if used in your content.
You should always read the terms of service before live streaming on TikTok to ensure you comply. You need to ensure that you never appear to violate those terms and guidelines, which will get you banned.
2. Create a schedule
Platforms like Facebook and YouTube allow your audience to watch a video of your live event easily, and users can then rewatch the video as a regular video on demand.
For this reason, many streamers prefer to structure the session in a way that’s a bit more VOD-friendly.
TikTok does not save your live streams, and if someone misses one, they can’t go back and watch it later. It is a great way to encourage your fans to tune in when you’re live.
TikTok live streams are usually much more successful if you go live simultaneously every day or week. You’ll have a regular audience that watches most days if you do this.
3. Prepare your topic in advance
It would be best if you considered creating a plan for your TikTok LIVE sessions that features things that will keep viewers engaged. If you don’t have a good plan, your audience will likely see fewer return views and could drop out of the session.
It’s best to plan your topics out and not just go in unprepared. You shouldn’t spend hours writing a script – jot down quick ideas and a rough outline to keep you on track. Creating a blueprint for the stream will help guide you and make sure you hit all the right points.!
4. Limit streaming length
TikTok recommends keeping your live streams to 30 minutes, but you can stream for longer if that’s what your audience prefers. On the one hand, the platform is known for short-form videos, which tend to be better performing than lengthy ones. On the other hand, making longer videos is an exciting way to try and reach a different audience demographic.
5. Set up a live streaming studio
For short broadcasts, holding your phone in hand is enough. However, for longer ones, the best bet is a tripod or something similar that can be used to hold your phone in place.
For a high-quality video, you’ll want to add some lighting. That way, your Tik Tok stream will look more professional.
One of the people’s biggest mistakes when live streaming is having objects or furniture in your background. Make sure to clear the space behind you & have a purposeful area set up where you can be comfortable and not be disturbed.
6. Check your internet speeds
One of the worst experiences that viewers face is when they lose video, have a buffer that lasts too long, or cannot load. These can lead you to lose viewers during your stream, so it is essential to double-check your WiFi connection before starting your stream.
What Are The Benefits Of Live Streaming On PC
The method we’ve outlined above involves using Streamlabs OBS. It’s a popular software tool that you can use for free.
Those who already know the software will be able to take advantage of all the additional features that it provides over regular TikTok live functionality on your smartphone.
For example, you can choose which part of the screen you capture, your live viewers can see what your computer’s desktop looks like, and you can do a lot more editing.
With OBS, you can create live streams and broadcasts that are informative & engaging. It will also take a little bit of time to figure out all the fancy features that the software provides.
Another excellent benefit of PC live streaming is having the gear you need to produce high-quality content. As long as you are prepared to invest time and money, your viewers will be able to see much better performance when visiting your stream.
