TikTok Live lets creators stream in real-time to their audience and there are some simple tips for getting the best results. Starting a broadcast itself is straightforward as long as users have the right account permissions. TikTok, though, suggests users should also consider things like when they go live, lighting and sound quality, and how to engage an audience.
TikTok Live was first launched in 2019, allowing content creators to broadcast to their followers. Users can flip their camera direction, add virtual effects, and view and filter comments from viewers. The Live feature doesn’t have a limit on length, creators can invite other TikTok users to broadcast with them, and viewers can ask to broadcast with hosts.
To start a broadcast on TikTok Live, users just need to select the Create icon on the taskbar at the bottom of their screen and then swipe along to find the Live tab. Once here, they can customize the cover image and title for their livestream in order to hook followers into clicking on and viewing their stream. When the broadcast starts, hosts will be able to see any comments coming in as well as edit the settings for their live stream via the ellipsis menu button. Users can also connect the Live with a donation sticker in order to prompt donations from viewers to a livestream host’s chosen charity that viewers are able to see.
TikTok’s Own Tips For Going Live
It’s tempting to just jump straight into a live broadcast to explore what it’s all about and there’s nothing wrong with that. For those keen to achieve something from their broadcast or build an audience, though, it’s important to plan what a broadcast will entail. As TikTok says, “There’s no need to write a script, but having a plan for what your stream is about can help you stay focused.” Planning isn’t just for the broadcast itself either. Trailing a broadcast in advance can drum up an audience while posting a video shortly before a broadcast will cause an icon to show during the livestream and drive traffic to the host’s feed.
There are a few more practical things to think about in advance. Videos need a fast, stable internet connection, for example, and broadcasting at the best time for an audience is important to ensure maximum viewers. Good lighting doesn’t need expensive equipment and makes a huge difference in terms of the sense of quality users will get, while background noise can be distracting, so finding somewhere quiet to broadcast is important. The camera angle is another thing to consider — what will users need to see, will the camera need to be moved, and how will the scene look?
Once live, users need to keep their viewers engaged to build a relationship with them and keep numbers up (and coming back). This can, of course, be done through the video content, but also by responding to comments and answering questions from audience members. Finally, and importantly, users need to stay safe. Live hosts shouldn’t give away any information that might put them at risk and can make use of TikTok’s tools for filtering comments, muting certain viewers from commenting, and blocking people who have been problematic.
Source: TikTok
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