6 Tips for Going Live on TikTok for the First Time

What do The Weeknd and 23 museums worldwide have in common? They have all streamed on TikTok Live. If you’re looking for an innovative way to connect with your audience, creating live content on TikTok is the way to go. Here are six tips to ensure your TikTok Live broadcast is a smashing success.

How to Go Live on TikTok

Starting a live stream on TikTok is a breeze. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your TikTok account.
2. Tap the “+” button at the bottom center of the screen.
3. Click on the “Live” button.
4. Add an enticing cover photo and video title (up to 32 characters).
5. Select “Go Live” and you’re all set.

Psst! If you can’t find the “Go Live” button, it might be because you haven’t met all the qualifications. Unlike regular TikToks, you need at least 1,000 followers to start using TikTok Live.

Tip 1: Plan Your Live Content

To keep your audience engaged, it’s crucial to plan the flow and content of your Live session in advance rather than improvising. After all, long periods of silence can be rather awkward. Here are some ideas to get started:

• Host an AMA (ask me anything) session.
• Conduct a behind-the-scenes tour of your operations (introduce your team for a closer connection with your brand).
• Host an interview with a brand partner (on a topic interesting to both audiences).
• Bust common myths about your industry.
• Create a product demo.

No matter the content format you choose, TikTok recommends live streams to run for at least 30 minutes.

Tip 2: Invest in Production

Nobody wants to watch a pixelated stream in someone’s dark basement-turned-makeshift TikTok studio. The good news is, making your TikTok Live look more professional doesn’t require a significant investment. It can be as simple as:

• Choosing a well-lit room or purchasing a small ring light.
• Finding a stable surface for your camera.
• Ensuring fast and reliable Wi-Fi.
• Having a friend or team member moderate or screen comments.

Pro tip: You can add filters to your broadcast to enhance your appearance or brighten up your background.

Tip 3: Promote Your Stream Beforehand

Want more viewers for your TikTok Live broadcast? Consider posting a TikTok video to build anticipation and encourage your followers on other platforms, like Facebook or Instagram, to tune in. If you’re using multiple social media platforms, you can use our social media advertising tool to manage, measure, and analyze ads all in one place.

Tip 4: Interact With Your Audience

Now that you’ve planned your Live content meticulously, it’s time to go live! But remember, TikTok Live is more than a one-way communication channel. It rewards interactions with your audience. Try to ask and answer questions and address comments in a friendly and personable manner. If you’re naturally introverted, don’t panic. Practice makes perfect.

Tip 5: Don’t Forget a Call to Action (CTA)

Before concluding your stream, make sure to deliver a quick summary and include a call to action. Whether it’s encouraging viewers to follow you, visit your site, or check out other content on your TikTok profile, a CTA helps guide your audience to the next step.

Tip 6: Use Your Analytics

Just like other social media platforms, TikTok offers valuable audience insights and data. After a few Live sessions, check your Analytics dashboard to understand when your followers are most active on the app. Use this information to determine the best times to go live. You can also explore the latest trends and use them as inspiration for your upcoming Live sessions. Pro tip: You can use our cross-channel marketing dashboard to gain more insights into your performance.

If you want more tips on acing your TikTok marketing strategy to capture the attention of eager eyeballs on the platform, we’ve got you covered at Mr Reviews. Get all the guidance you need in our TikTok Marketing Strategy Guide.

Last updated on May 11th, 2023.