ReelShiftHow to go LIVE
on TikTok.
TikTok LIVE has requirements the other platforms do not, and they change by country. Here is who can go LIVE, how to do it on your phone or computer, and what to check if the button is missing.
Guides · Published 2026-09-19 · Updated 2026-09-19 · 6 min read
Short answer: you must be 18 or older. TikTok's help pages mention 1,000 followers for LIVE, and TikTok says the requirements can vary by region. On your phone, tap +, swipe to LIVE, add a title and tap Go LIVE. On a computer, use TikTok LIVE Studio, which runs on Windows and Mac. If you do not have LIVE access yet, you can apply from LIVE Studio, including with a channel you already run on another platform.
Who can go LIVE?
- Age: 18 or older to go LIVE. The same age applies to sending and receiving Gifts (19 in South Korea).
- Followers: TikTok's support pages mention 1,000 followers, and say the requirement may vary across regions.
- For LIVE Studio: TikTok looks at account age, recent LIVE time and followers. It does not publish the numbers, and says they vary by country and can change without notice.
How to go LIVE from your phone
- Open TikTok and tap the + button at the bottom.
- Swipe to LIVE.
- Pick a cover and write a title that says what is happening.
- Tap Go LIVE.
When you end the LIVE, the replay is kept for 30 days in TikTok Studio under LIVE recordings.
How to go LIVE from a PC or Mac
TikTok's desktop app is TikTok LIVE Studio, available for Windows and macOS. Install it, log in, add your game, screen or camera, and go LIVE. If your account does not have access yet, apply inside LIVE Studio. TikTok lets streamers from other platforms apply with their existing channel.
LIVE Studio also saves highlights: press the Highlight button or Ctrl+1 to keep the last 2 minutes. More in how to clip a TikTok LIVE.
You may see guides about streaming to TikTok from OBS with a stream key. TikTok does not publish who gets a key, so LIVE Studio is the reliable route.
Why can't I go LIVE on TikTok?
- You are under 18, or your birthday on the account says so.
- Not enough followers for your region yet.
- A recent Community Guidelines strike can block LIVE for a while.
- Your region has different requirements, or the app needs an update.
How you earn on TikTok LIVE
Viewers send Gifts. Gifts turn into Diamonds, and Diamonds can be withdrawn for money. LIVE Subscription lets viewers pay monthly; when TikTok launched it, it was invite only for creators with 1,000+ followers. LIVE agencies (Creator Networks) are independent businesses that TikTok says it does not endorse. See how to make money streaming to compare with Twitch, Kick and YouTube.
Turn your LIVE into TikToks
A LIVE disappears when it ends. Clips keep working for days. ReelShift watches your TikTok LIVE, whether you stream from your phone or LIVE Studio, and cuts the best moments into vertical clips with captions while you are still on. See the TikTok LIVE clipper.
Pick your plan.
Every plan starts with a 7-day free trial: 1 channel and 5 streaming hours to try it on a real stream. Nothing is charged today, and we email you the day before it ends.
Quick answers.
How many followers do you need to go LIVE on TikTok?
TikTok's help pages mention 1,000 followers and say it may vary by region. You also need to be 18 or older.
Can I go LIVE on TikTok from my computer?
Yes, with TikTok LIVE Studio on Windows or Mac. If you do not have access yet, you can apply inside the app.
Can I stream to TikTok with OBS?
Only with a stream key, and TikTok does not publish who gets one. LIVE Studio is the official desktop route.
How long does TikTok keep LIVE replays?
30 days. Find them in TikTok Studio under LIVE, then LIVE recordings.
Why is the LIVE button missing?
Usually age, followers, a recent guidelines strike, or your region's rules. Update the app and check your account status.
Last updated 2026-09-19