In recent years, TikTok has evolved into a major platform for livestreaming. Today, TikTok Live section features hundreds of thousands of streamers who share their daily experiences, offer advice, play games, and engage in various other activities. In some countries and regions, TikTok Live is already a serious competitor to Twitch and YouTube Live. In this article we will introduce you to how the platform works, the requirements for launching broadcasts, monetization opportunities, etc.
What is TikTok Live?
TikTok Live, introduced in 2019, is a real-time video streaming feature that enhances user engagement by allowing content creators to broadcast live to their followers. Users can go live from their mobile devices, interact with viewers through comments, and receive virtual gifts. This feature was part of TikTok's effort to expand its capabilities beyond short-form videos, fostering deeper connections between creators and their audiences.
How do I start a live stream on TikTok?
To start a live stream on TikTok, open the app and tap the "+" button at the bottom center of the screen to access the Create page. Swipe left to find the "Live" option, then tap on it. Set up your stream by adding a title to inform viewers about the content, and then tap "Go Live" to begin your broadcast.
There are some requirements for going live on TikTok: you need to be at least 16 years old (or 18 if you want to use features like virtual gifts), have at least 1,000 followers, and ensure your account is in good standing with TikTok’s community guidelines. Additionally, a stable internet connection is essential for a smooth streaming experience.
Photo: Kilito Chan / Source
Any user can earn money from TikTok Live through virtual gifts. During your live stream, viewers can send you virtual gifts, which they purchase with TikTok coins bought with real money. Each gift has a different value, and the gifts you receive can be exchanged for cash.
To use virtual gifts in TikTok Live, encourage your audience to send them by creating engaging content. During the live stream, gifts will appear on your screen as they are sent. After the stream ends, you can view the total number of gifts in your account’s earnings section. To convert these gifts into cash, you need to reach a minimum withdrawal amount set by TikTok, after which you can request a payout through their payment system.
Most Common Content on TikTok Live
TikTok Live offers a diverse array of content, catering to a wide range of interests and providing engaging experiences for its audiences. One popular type of stream is the Q&A session, where creators interact with their followers in real time, answering questions and fostering personal connections. Gamers also frequently use TikTok Live to broadcast their gameplay, share tips, and engage with viewers, creating an interactive experience centered around gaming.
Musicians and performers take advantage of the platform to showcase live shows, jam sessions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their creative processes. This allows fans to experience live music and performance art in a unique way. Fitness enthusiasts stream live workout sessions, offering exercise routines, fitness tips, and motivational support to viewers seeking interactive ways to stay healthy.
Creators also host live tutorials on various subjects, such as cooking, makeup, and DIY projects, providing real-time guidance and allowing viewers to ask questions as they follow along. Casual chats, collaborations, and hangouts offer a more relaxed setting for creators to interact with their audience, engage in informal conversations, and work on collaborative projects.
Additionally, TikTok Live is a popular platform for product reviews and unboxings. Creators provide immediate insights into new products, offering honest feedback and generating interest in the latest items. The platform also features duo streams, which allow two creators to go live together, enhancing interactivity and bringing a collaborative dynamic to their content. Multistreams, where multiple participants broadcast simultaneously, offer viewers a multi-perspective experience, making it ideal for events, panel discussions, or joint activities.
Overall, the variety of content on TikTok Live — ranging from interactive Q&A sessions and gaming to live performances, fitness, and tutorials — ensures that the platform remains vibrant and engaging. The inclusion of features like duo and multistreams further enriches the user experience, promoting a dynamic and inclusive community.
TikTok Live popularity in different countries
TikTok Live's popularity varies significantly across different regions. In the United States, the feature enjoys considerable popularity, with influencers, celebrities, and everyday users actively engaging with their audiences in real time. Before its ban in 2020, TikTok Live was extremely popular in India, where it was widely utilized by influencers and brands for audience engagement. In China, where the app operates as Douyin, live streaming is a major component, heavily integrated into social commerce and influencer marketing. Southeast Asia is experiencing rapid growth in TikTok Live's usage, with local creators and brands increasingly using the feature to connect with their audiences. In Europe, TikTok Live is gaining traction, with more local influencers and brands adopting the feature. Meanwhile, in Latin America, TikTok Live is popular across various countries, serving a diverse range of content from music performances to live events. Overall, TikTok Live's regional popularity reflects the diverse ways in which users and brands interact with the platform worldwide.
Most popular categories in TikTok Live
Since the TikTok Live platform is designed for live communication between users and viewers, it is dominated by various categories of IRL content. The main and most popular category on the platform is Chats.
The Chats category on TikTok Live enhances real-time interaction between hosts and viewers through its live chat feature. During a broadcast, viewers can post comments, ask questions, and engage with both the host and other audience members, creating a dynamic and interactive experience. Hosts have access to moderation tools to manage the chat effectively, such as muting or blocking disruptive users and appointing moderators for larger streams. The chat can include various effects and filters, like stickers and emojis, to make interactions more engaging. Features like pinned comments and shout-outs allow hosts to highlight important messages or questions. Additionally, the chat feature supports community building by fostering connections among viewers and encouraging user-generated content. For creators, TikTok provides insights into chat activity, helping them understand audience engagement better. Overall, the "Chats" category significantly enriches the live streaming experience by facilitating immediate and meaningful communication.
TikTok Live's Chats category every week generates tens of millions of Hours Watched, and it's the only category on the service where the average concurrent viewership per month usually doesn't dip below the 1 million mark.
The second most popular category on TikTok Live is the Fashion section. Its coverage is about three times lower than that of the Chats section, but its topics are more specialized. Fashion centers around content related to style, clothing, and fashion trends, offering a vibrant platform for fashion enthusiasts. Live streams in this category often feature fashion shows, try-on hauls, and showcases of new clothing lines, from luxury brands to fast fashion. Creators provide styling tips and tutorials, demonstrating how to put together outfits and achieve specific looks. Viewers can get exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses of fashion shoots, events, or design processes. The category also includes live Q&A sessions where influencers and designers answer questions about style and trends. Interactive fashion challenges and collaborations with other influencers or brands keep the content fresh and engaging. Additionally, creators offer fashion advice for various occasions and share insights into emerging trends, all while encouraging direct viewer interaction through comments and discussions. Overall, the "Fashion" category on TikTok Live offers a dynamic and immersive experience for those interested in the latest trends and style tips.
The Talents category on TikTok Live features a diverse array of live performances and skill showcases, offering viewers a front-row seat to extraordinary talents. This category includes live music performances, dance routines, magic tricks, stand-up comedy, and other creative acts. Creators use this platform to display their unique skills, whether it’s a live singing session, intricate dance choreography, or impressive artistic demonstrations. The live format allows for real-time interaction, with viewers able to provide immediate feedback, ask questions, and engage with performers through comments. Hosts often use live sessions to connect with their audience, offering behind-the-scenes insights into their craft and sharing tips or tutorials related to their talents. This category also features collaborations and special guest appearances, enriching the content with a variety of talent and perspectives. Overall, the "Talents" category on TikTok Live creates an interactive and entertaining space where viewers can enjoy and engage with a wide range of live performances and creative skills.
Outdoors on TikTok Live showcases a variety of live content centered around outdoor experiences and nature. This category includes live streams of activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and traveling to scenic locations. Viewers can join in as hosts explore natural landscapes, provide real-time updates from their adventures, or share tips on outdoor skills and gear. Popular content often features breathtaking views, wildlife encounters, and immersive experiences in diverse environments, from mountain trails to coastal beaches. The category also includes live streams from outdoor events like festivals, sports competitions, or community gatherings. Through interactive elements, viewers can engage with the host by asking questions, seeking advice, or sharing their own outdoor experiences. Overall, the "Outdoors" category on TikTok Live offers an engaging way for audiences to connect with nature and explore outdoor activities virtually.
Game and Esports broadcast on TikTok Live
While TikTok Live is primarily designed for real-time interaction with audiences, it has also become a popular platform for game broadcasts and esports streaming. Games such as PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Garena Free Fire consistently achieve the highest audience reach on TikTok Live, regularly appearing in the top 10 most popular categories. In contrast, classic PC esports games like League of Legends and Valorant, which dominate platforms like Twitch, are less popular on TikTok Live and often do not make it into the top 10 categories.
The viewership for esports broadcasts on TikTok Live has been growing steadily, especially in Southeast Asia. For instance, the M5 World Championship tournament achieved a peak viewership of over 1.18 million viewers on TikTok Live, setting a new benchmark in esports. Nowadays, almost all major mobile tournaments have official broadcasts on TikTok Live. 
TikTok Live has significant potential to compete with Twitch and YouTube Live in the future, thanks to its large and diverse user base and its integration with TikTok's popular short-form content. The platform benefits from its strong recommendation algorithm and interactive features, which can drive engagement and viewership. However, to effectively challenge established platforms like Twitch and YouTube Live, TikTok Live must address several key challenges. These include expanding its content variety to include more in-depth and diverse genres, enhancing monetization options to support creators, and developing strategies to build niche communities. Additionally, TikTok Live needs to differentiate itself with unique features or experiences that set it apart from its competitors. Opportunities for growth include leveraging TikTok’s existing ecosystem to create seamless content transitions, expanding its global reach into emerging markets, and partnering with influencers and brands to attract more users. By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on its strengths, TikTok Live can position itself as a significant player in the live streaming space.