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How to Go Live on TikTok in 2026: Requirements, Steps & Tips

How to Go Live on TikTok in 2026: Requirements, Steps & Tips

Ana Tyshchenko
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Ana Tyshchenko
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How to go LIVE on TikTok (Step-by-step)Why can’t I go live on TikTok?Tips for highly engaging TikTok LIVE sessionsHow Kontentino helps with TikTok LIVE prep

Going LIVE on TikTok is one of the most effective ways to connect directly with your audience. But the LIVE feature is not given to everyone by default – TikTok requires users to meet certain criteria before unlocking it.

The essential requirements include being 18 years old or older and having at least 1,000 followers, though the follower threshold can vary slightly by region. If you meet these criteria, TikTok automatically enables the LIVE option in your creation menu.

How to go LIVE on TikTok (Step-by-step)

  1. Open TikTok and tap the “+” button
    This is the same button you use for recording any video.
  2. Swipe to the LIVE tab
    At the bottom of the screen, scroll through the options (Camera, Templates, etc.) until you find LIVE.
    If it’s missing, you haven’t unlocked the feature yet.
  3. Set up your LIVE
    • Add a title
    • Choose a category
    • Adjust filters/effects
    • Select camera orientation
    • Prepare any talking points
  4. Turn on moderation tools
    You can filter keywords, restrict comments, or assign a moderator – a must for brands.
  5. Tap “Go LIVE”
    Once you’re live, greet viewers, introduce your topic, and guide the conversation with prompts.
  6. End the LIVE & review stats
    TikTok will show you viewer count, duration, engagement, and gifts.

Why can’t I go live on TikTok?

If the LIVE option doesn’t appear, it’s usually due to:

  • Not enough followers (you need ~1,000+)
  • Under 18 years old
  • Recent violations of community guidelines
  • Regional restrictions
  • Feature not yet rolled out for your account

Tips for highly engaging TikTok LIVE sessions

  • Start with a strong hook (“Stay if you want to learn…”).
  • Encourage small actions (“Comment YES if you’re here from IG”).
  • Repeat your key CTA every 5–7 minutes.
  • Save and repurpose your best moments into Reels, Stories, or Shorts.

How Kontentino helps with TikTok LIVE prep

You can’t schedule a LIVE, but you can schedule everything around it: teaser posts, countdown reminders, Q&A prompts, recap content, and cross-platform repurposing. Kontentino keeps your scripts, promo codes, and assets organized so your LIVE becomes part of a cohesive content system – not a one-off event.

Stay connected with Kontentino.

Lienke de Wolf

Kontentino saves us a lot of time and the clients we work with are very enthusiastic about it. So our professional lives definitely got an upgrade ;)

Lienke de Wolf
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