How to Go Live on TikTok: A Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Last Updated on April 29, 2025 by Himanshu Rawat

TikTok has evolved beyond short-form videos—going live allows creators to connect with their audience in real-time, answer questions, showcase talents, and even earn money.

If you’re wondering how to start a TikTok Live session, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to go live on TikTok, from the basic requirements to tips for making the most of your live sessions.

What is TikTok Live?

TikTok Live is a feature that lets creators broadcast live video streams to their followers. Viewers can interact via comments, send virtual gifts, and engage directly with the host. It’s a powerful tool for building a loyal community.

Why go live on TikTok

Going live on TikTok is a great way to connect with your followers. Here’s why you should do it:

Talk to people directly: When you’re live, followers can ask questions, and you can answer right away.
Get more likes and comments: Live videos feel real, so people engage more by liking and commenting.
Reach more people: TikTok might show your live video to new users, helping you get more followers.
Earn money: Viewers can send you gifts during your live stream, which you can turn into real money.
Promote events: You can tell people about your live streams ahead of time, even on other platforms.
Host Q&A sessions: You can answer questions from your fans while you’re live.
Go live with others: You can team up with another creator and go live together.
Ask for donations: You can ask viewers for donations during your live stream to support you.

Tip: If you’re looking to use TikTok for selling products, head over to our How to Sell on TikTok Guide to get started.

How to Unlock the Live Feature on TikTok

Want to go live but don’t see the button? Don’t worry—you just need to meet TikTok’s requirements first. Here’s how to unlock TikTok Live in a few simple steps:

Basic Requirements to Go Live on TikTok

Before you can start streaming, TikTok wants to make sure you’re a real, active user. Here’s what you need:

Need to be at least 18 years old
Have 1,000+ followers (this is TikTok’s magic number)
No recent violations (if your account has been banned before, you may be blocked from going live)

Note: These rules can vary slightly by country, so if you’re close but still can’t go live, keep growing your account!

What If You Meet the Requirements But Still Can’t Go Live?

Update the app (old versions sometimes block features).
Check your age in settings (if you set it under 16, you won’t see the option).
Contact TikTok Support if you think it’s a glitch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Going Live on TikTok

Here’s how you can go live on TikTok:

Open the TikTok app on your phone.
Tap the plus (+) button at the bottom of the screen.
Swipe to the “Live” option at the bottom.
Write a title for your live video. This tells people what your live is about.
Choose a cover image (if TikTok shows this option). This is the picture people see before joining your live.
Tap “Go Live” to start your stream.
Talk to your viewers. They can send comments while you’re live, and you can reply.

That’s it! You’re now live on TikTok.

Understanding TikTok’s LIVE Features

When you go live on TikTok, you get some cool features to make your stream better. Here’s what you can use:

Comments
People watching your live can type messages. You can read and talk back to them while you’re live.
Filters and Effects
You can add fun filters or effects to change how your video looks. It makes your live more fun and interesting.
Moderators
You can pick someone to help you during your live. They can remove rude comments or block people if needed.
Gifts and Diamonds
Viewers can send you virtual gifts. TikTok turns these into “Diamonds,” which you can exchange for real money.
Live Goals
You can set a goal, like “get 10 roses.” Viewers can see it and try to help you reach it by sending gifts.
Q&A Box
People can ask questions using a Q&A tool, and you can answer them live.
LIVE Together
You can invite another creator and go live at the same time. It’s great for chatting or working together.

How to make money on TikTok Live

You can earn money while going live on TikTok. Here’s how it works in super easy words:

People send you gifts
While you’re live, your viewers can send you gifts like roses or other fun items. These gifts cost real money.
TikTok gives you Diamonds
When you get gifts, TikTok gives you something called “Diamonds.” The more gifts you get, the more Diamonds you earn.
Turn Diamonds into cash
You can turn your Diamonds into real money and take it out using PayPal or your bank account.
Go live more often
The more you go live, the more people will watch you—and the more chances you’ll have to earn gifts.
Ask nicely for support
It’s okay to tell your viewers that gifts help you. Just be kind and say thank you when someone sends one.
Make your live fun
Do something people enjoy—like answering questions, sharing tips, or just chatting. If they like it, they may support you.

Tip: For more information on monetizing your TikTok account, Check out our “How to Make Money on TikTok” Guide for additional tips and strategies.

6 Tips for a Successful TikTok Live

Here are 6 simple tips to make your TikTok Live sessions more successful:

Promote your live in advance – Post teasers, update your bio, and remind followers when you’ll be going live so they don’t miss it.
Grab attention fast – Start with energy, ask a question, or tease something exciting in the first few seconds to hook viewers.
Engage like a pro – Say commenters’ names out loud, answer questions, and encourage reactions to keep the chat active.
Optimize your setup – Use good lighting, stable Wi-Fi, and a clutter-free background so your stream looks professional.
Plan key moments – Structure your live with highlights like Q&As, demos, or surprises to keep viewers watching longer.
End with a call to action – Tell people to follow you, check your bio, or comment what they want next to keep them coming back.

Bonus tip: Save your live replay and repurpose the best clips into regular posts for extra reach!

Final Thoughts

Going live on TikTok is a fun way to talk to your followers. You can share updates, answer questions, and even earn some money while chatting with people in real time.

If you meet the rules to go live, it’s pretty simple to start. Just think about what you want to say, be yourself, and enjoy talking to your viewers.

The more you go live, the better you’ll get at it. And if you’re using TikTok for your shop or content, check out our post on TikTok Marketing for more tips on growing your account.

FAQs: How to Go Live on TikTok

1. Why can’t I go live on my TikTok?

If you don’t see the option to go live, it’s likely because you don’t meet TikTok’s rules. To go live, you need to be at least 18 years old and have 1,000 or more followers. If you’re underage or have fewer followers, the LIVE button won’t show up.

2. How to go live on TikTok if you’re under 18?

TikTok doesn’t allow users under 18 to go live. This rule is there to help keep the platform safe. If you’re not 18 yet, you’ll need to wait until you reach the age limit to use the LIVE feature.

3. How much does TikTok pay per 1000 views?

TikTok pays a small amount for regular video views—usually around 2 to 4 cents per 1,000 views through the Creator Fund. This doesn’t apply to live videos, though. For LIVE, you can earn through gifts from your viewers, not views.

4. Can I go live on TikTok with 500 followers?

No, TikTok only lets users with at least 1,000 followers go live. If you have fewer than that, you’ll need to grow your account before you can start streaming.

5. How to earn live rewards on TikTok?

You can earn rewards during your live streams when viewers send you virtual gifts. These gifts are bought using TikTok coins and can be turned into Diamonds, which you can cash out for real money.

6. How much money do you get from TikTok Live gifts?

The money you make depends on the gifts you receive. TikTok takes a cut (around 50%), so if someone sends you a $10 gift, you might end up with about $5 after their share.

7. How do I invite someone to join my TikTok Live?

When you’re live, you’ll see an option to “Add Guest” on your screen. Tap that, and you can invite a friend or viewer to join your live session. You can go live together and chat with your audience.