How to schedule a live stream on TikTok

Learning how to schedule a live stream on TikTok is key for content creators who love sharing live videos. 

With millions of TikTok users engaging daily, the platform has become a vibrant hub for sharing videos and connecting with a diverse audience.

Live streaming here is all about being real. It’s you, live without any cuts. This honesty makes streams special, even if it sometimes feels a bit scary.

Remember, it’s okay not to be perfect. Your audience likes seeing the real you, mistakes and all. But, if you like to plan and want things just right, TikTok lets you schedule your live stream.

This way, you can get ready without rushing and tell your followers when to watch. It’s like setting up your live show in advance. In this guide, I’ll show you how to schedule your live streams on TikTok, helping you do well on the platform.

Let’s get started!

TikTok Live Streaming Rules

This is the checklist to see if you are TikTok-live-stream ready.

• Have 1000+ TikTok followers.
• Are 18 and above.
• You belong to a non-restricted region.
• Own a decent setup. (Decent mic, camera, quiet room, and good lighting conditions.)

Note: Always follow TikTok’s established Community Guidelines and Terms of Service for creating a positive, entertaining, and safe environment on the platform.

Benefits of scheduling a live stream

Enhanced Audience Engagement:

On TikTok, just posting videos might not always get you the engagement you’re looking for. But, TikTok live streaming changes the game.

Live lets you interact in real-time, making things more personal and fun. This can boost your audience engagement, as viewers feel more connected to you.

Increased Visibility:

• Struggling to get new followers on TikTok? Try scheduling the live stream!
• TikTok’s algorithm often gives a boost to live content, which means more people might see your videos. 
• This can help you reach a whole new audience and grow your follower base.

Authenticity and Trust:

• In this virtual world being your true self is special. Going live on TikTok lets you show your real personality. 
• Your viewers will appreciate seeing the real unedited you, and this helps build trust and authenticity. 
• It’s a great way to show you’re genuine and not just another face on the screen.

Instant Feedback:

• Are you thinking of trying something new or want honest opinions on your videos? TikTok Live is perfect for that.
• When you go live, you get immediate feedback from your viewers. This is super helpful for planning what to do next with your content. It’s like having a helpful guide for your future videos.

Opportunities for Monetization:

• Want to earn live gifts from your TikTok post or live? 
• When you go live, you can receive diamonds from viewers.
• Later, you can turn these into real money. It’s a fun way to earn while doing what you love on TikTok.
• You can set a goal for yourself. For instance, you might want to buy a fancy camera that costs $800. In order to achieve this, you need to put in enough effort to make sure your viewers get so much value that they give you $800 worth of diamonds.
• Every time you hit a goal, try to set a newer higher goal to push yourself harder. 

Note: According to the community guidelines, 1 TikTok diamond is equivalent to $0.005. But, TikTok retains a few dollars after the conversion process. 

For example, if you have earned $100 worth of diamonds, TikTok will take $50 as commission, and pay you the rest $50.

You can withdraw your money once you’ve reached a threshold of $100.

The maximum daily withdrawal limit is $1000.

Ready to Learn More?
For additional strategies on how to effectively monetize your TikTok presence and maximize your earnings, check out our detailed guide.

Building a Loyal Fanbase:

• Every TikTok creator wants a group of loyal fans, and live streaming can help you with that. 
• When you schedule a live on TikTok, you let your followers know ahead of time. 
• This way, they can plan to join in, even if they’re busy. It’s a great way to grow a dedicated fanbase who look forward to your TikTok live events.

Preparing for Your TikTok Live

Content Planning: Before you go live, spend some time thinking about what you’ll do or talk about. This is like making a plan for a fun project.

You can jot down ideas for topics, decide the order of things you’ll show or discuss, and think about any questions you might ask your viewers.

Similar to how you might schedule TikTok posts, organizing your TikTok streaming content in advance ensures a smooth and engaging session for your viewers.

Bonus Tip:

While planning your TikTok live don’t forget about your regular TikTok posts as it is equally crucial for boosting engagement.  Read our guide on how to post on TikTok to get started with your TikTok journey.

Use the Auto Post to TikTok feature to schedule your regular videos to be posted automatically, ensuring that your audience gets a consistent flow of content.

It’s a smart way to maintain engagement with your followers, balancing live interactions with regular updates.

Technical Aspects: A great live stream needs good-quality video and sound. Ensure you are in a well-lit area where everyone can see you.

For best results use ring lights or shift near a window where there is ample sunlight. Play around with different camera angles to see what suits you. 

Also, be mindful of background noise. A quiet environment ensures your viewers can focus on your content without distractions.

Sometimes, even subtle noises can be picked up by your microphone, so it’s worth doing a sound check before you go live. Investing in a good noise-canceling mic is worth every penny.

And don’t forget about your internet connection – a strong and stable connection is important to avoid any interruptions during your live stream.

Taking care of these technical details means your audience can enjoy your live session without any glitches. Once you’re confident with your setup and content plan, you’re ready to start streaming. Remember, the key is to be authentic and engaging.

Bonus Tip: If you’re considering a new software for your TikTok live, look for options that offer a trial. 

This way, you can test the compatibility with TikTok and ensure it meets your needs before committing. 

Also, consider using TikTok Live Studio which offers advanced features for live streaming, helping you create a professional and engaging live session.

How to schedule a live stream on TikTok: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Update TikTok

First, make sure your TikTok app is on the latest version by visiting the App Store or Google Play Store. This will ensure you have all the new features and fixes.

2. Access the Live Features

• Tap the “+” button visible at the bottom of your screen.

• Choose the “Live” option.

• Go to “Live Center.”

• Select “Live Events.”

• Click on “Create Event.”

3. Set Up Your Live Session

• Create a catchy title that describes your live stream.

• Choose the date and time.

• Select event duration.

• Write a brief description to tell viewers what to expect.

• Now, Click on the “Create” button. 

• You can add the TikTok event calendar to your device.

• Your event will be reviewed by TikTok before it goes live.

Bonus Tip: Consider making TikTok content to promote your upcoming livestream. 

This will create a positive impact on your upcoming live by notifying your audience and giving them a short snippet.

Also, this can help your followers set a reminder for your livestream session, so they don’t miss it.

4. Notify Your Audience

TikTok Notifications: Use TikTok’s system to alert your followers. For special fans, send direct invites through the app.

Social Media Promotion: Share your live stream details on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. This helps reach more people, including those not frequently on TikTok.

Keep an eye on the upcoming TikTok events to understand what’s trending. This can give you ideas for your own streams and help you align with the latest TikTok happenings

What are the Issues with Live TikTok?

Stop thinking, “Why can’t I schedule a live event on TikTok?” Scheduling a live event on TikTok can be tricky for a few reasons, and you must take care of them. Let’s break them down and understand each of them. 

1. Account Requirements: You must adhere to TikTok Live Streaming Rules as they are deal breakers. 
2. Feature Availability: Certain features might not be available in your region or for your account because TikTok often rolls out features gradually. You must wait until they are available. 
3. App Version: Ensure you have the latest version of TikTok. In many cases, certain features are only available for the newest update.
4. Technical Issues: Try reinstalling or restarting TikTok to prevent technical glitches or server issues while using certain features.   
5. Community Guidelines: TikTok has strict community guidelines. It can restrict accounts that violate them from using certain features, including live streaming. Hence, do not violate the guidelines.
6. Account Verification: TikTok may require users to verify their accounts before allowing them to schedule live events. Wait for the verification process (e.g., linking your phone number and email to your account) to finish.
7. Missing Live Event Button: Don’t worry if your live event button is missing. You have to get creative and find another way to schedule live events. Go to “Settings & Privacy” > Live Events.  

Ensure your account meets specific platform requirements. So stop getting confused, “Why can’t I go live on TikTok with 1000 followers?” or “Why is there no live option on my TikTok?” and address your issues.

After Your Live Stream Session

Analyzing Performance: Once your live stream is over, it’s a good idea to look at how it went. This means checking your TikTok analytics.

Analytical data provides information about viewership, interaction, and most popular content, much like a report card.

Knowing these figures enables you to identify what is effective and what needs improvement for the next time.

Repurposing Live Content: Your live stream doesn’t have to stay just on TikTok. You can use parts of it on other social platforms.

For example, you might share a fun moment on Instagram or a helpful tip on Facebook. This way, more people can see your content, even if they missed the live stream.

It’s like giving your session a second life on other platforms.

Best Practices for a Successful TikTok Live Video Session

• Engage with Your Audience: During your live stream, talk to your viewers like they’re with you. Ask questions, respond to their comments, and make them feel part of the show. It’s like having a fun conversation with friends!

• Manage and Moderate Live Chat: Keep an eye on the chat. You can answer questions, give shoutouts, and make sure everyone’s being nice. Think of it as being the friendly host of your live party. You can also add Moderators from your list to help you manage the comments section on behalf of you. This is a great help if you have a huge follower count.

• Time It Right: When most of your followers are online, choose the best time to go live. It’s like picking the perfect time for a get-together so everyone can join. According to experts the best time to go live on TikTok is early morning or late evening, i.e., 6 AM to 11 AM or 7 PM to 11 PM.

• Promote Your Live Stream: Let people know when you’ll be live. Share it on TikTok and other social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. It’s like sending out cool invites to your live event. To maximize your promotion efforts, consider using TikTok ads to reach a larger audience and boost visibility.

• Be Yourself: Just be you! Your viewers are there to see your true personality. It’s like showing your friends the real, awesome you.

• Handle Negative Comments Professionally: If you get any not-so-nice comments, stay calm and positive. You can ignore them or respond kindly. It’s like keeping your cool and staying friendly, no matter what.

• End with a Purpose: Wrap up your livestream with a clear ending. You could tease your next live, say a big thank you, or share a final thought. It’s like ending a great story on a high note.

How to Get a Stream Key from TikTok?

Users require a TikTok stream key to go live on the platform through a desktop or a laptop device. You don’t require a stream key to go live on the TikTok app if you are using a tablet or a smartphone. However, you must have a minimum of 1,000 users to use the TikTok live feature. You can use the TikTok Live Studio software or third-party streaming software to go live. Third-party streaming software will demand a stream key for live sessions. 

1. Update the App:  You must have the latest version of TikTok on your device. 
2. Apply for a Stream Key: Select the “LIVE” option on the left side. The “Live Center” window will open, but you have to scroll down and click on the “Go Live” option. You have to choose the cover image, topic, and title of your stream. Click on “Save & Go Live” and you will see a live stream dashboard. 
3. Copy the Stream Key: You will find your “Server URL” and “Stream Key”, which will last for 2 hours maximum. You can copy and paste the link to your live-streaming software. 

How to Get Access to TikTok Live Studio?

You can easily download TikTok Live Studio from the official TikTok website or download the app. Log in to your account and configure settings (i.e., resolution, bitrate, and audio settings) to match your preferences and internet capabilities. You can use your stream key and server URL if needed.

After everything is set, you can start your live stream directly from the TikTok Live Studio without any hassle. Contact TikTok support if you encounter any issues. The software availability and features may differ based on your region and account status. 

Conclusion

Scheduling and planning your TikTok live is super important. It assists with preparation, notifies your audience when to join, and may even increase the number of views to your videos. Keep in mind that each live stream on TikTok is an opportunity to interact with your audience and present the real you.

Ultimately, the success of your TikTok live hinges on delivering quality content that resonates with your audience. So, go ahead and plan your next TikTok livestream, and remember, be yourself, have fun, and keep exploring what works best for you and your followers.

Frequently Asked Questions