Going LIVE on TikTok lets you talk to your audience in real time, answer questions and sell products – which is why many Malaysian brands now use TikTok LIVE alongside short videos.
What are the requirements to go live on TikTok?
To go LIVE on TikTok you must be at least 18 years old, and most accounts need at least 1,000 followers. Your account must also follow TikTok’s Community Guidelines. TikTok raised the minimum hosting age from 16 to 18 in November 2022 (TikTok Newsroom, FOX); before that, hosts needed to be 16 with at least 1,000 followers.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to host a LIVE | 18 years old (based on your account birthday) |
| Followers | Usually at least 1,000 – can vary by region |
| Minimum age to receive Gifts | 18 years old |
| Account standing | No recent Community Guidelines violations |
| App | Latest version of TikTok |
Requirements change from time to time, so the simplest check is to tap + in the app – if you see LIVE, your account is eligible.
During a LIVE, TikTok’s Community Guidelines still apply: no hateful, explicit or extremist content, and creators shouldn’t pressure viewers to send Gifts.
How do you go live on TikTok?
Tap the + button, swipe to LIVE, add a title and cover image, choose your settings, then tap Go LIVE.
- Tap + at the bottom of the screen.
- Swipe to LIVE next to the record button. If you only see photo and video options, your account isn’t eligible yet.
- Add a title and cover. A clear title (and relevant TikTok hashtags) helps TikTok show your LIVE to people outside your followers.
- Choose settings such as comment filters, effects and who can join.
- Tap Go LIVE. Viewers, comments and Gifts appear on screen as notifications.
- End the LIVE by tapping the end/power button and confirming.
How do you schedule a TikTok LIVE?
Create a LIVE Event from your profile so followers can subscribe and get a reminder before you go live.
- Open your profile and look for the LIVE Events option (in the LIVE Center or menu, depending on your app version).
- Tap Create an event and enter the name, date, time and description.
- Submit the event and promote it with a short video before the session.
How do you go live on TikTok with a guest or co-host?
While you’re LIVE, tap the co-host or guest icon, pick a creator or viewer to invite, and they’ll appear on a split screen once they accept.
- Start your LIVE.
- Tap the co-host / guest icon on the LIVE screen.
- Choose a creator who is also LIVE, or accept a viewer’s request to join.
- To end the session, tap the same icon and remove the guest.
How do you join someone’s TikTok LIVE as a guest?
Open the creator’s LIVE and tap the request-to-join option; if the host accepts, you’ll appear on screen with them. You can only join if the host allows guests, and the host can remove you at any time.
Can you go live on TikTok from a PC?
Yes – accounts with LIVE access can stream from a computer using TikTok LIVE Studio, TikTok’s desktop streaming app. It’s useful for gaming streams, presentations and higher-quality cameras and microphones.
Why can’t I go live on TikTok?
Usually because of age, follower count, a guidelines violation, an outdated app, or LIVE not being available for your account yet.
| Reason | What to do |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | You can’t host until you’re 18 |
| Fewer than the required followers | Keep posting until you reach the threshold (usually 1,000) |
| Community Guidelines violation | Check your account status in Settings; wait for restrictions to end |
| Old app version | Update TikTok and restart |
| LIVE not available in your region/account | Check again later; requirements can change |
How do you make your TikTok LIVE stand out?
Plan your LIVE like a show: promote it in advance, go live when followers are active, use good light and sound, and keep talking to viewers.
- Go live when followers are active. Check Follower activity in TikTok Analytics – see our guide to the best time to post on TikTok in Malaysia.
- Promote it first. Post a short video announcing when you’ll go live.
- Use a stable setup. A phone stand or tripod, a ring light or window light, and a quiet room.
- Check your internet. A steady connection prevents lag and dropped streams.
- Talk to viewers. Greet new viewers by name and answer comments.
- Have a rough script. List the topics or products you’ll cover.
- Moderate comments. Ask a teammate to filter, mute or block trolls.
Need help with TikTok marketing?
One Search Pro runs TikTok content, LIVE selling strategy and TikTok advertising as part of our social media marketing services. Contact us for a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How many followers do you need to go live on TikTok?
Most accounts need at least 1,000 followers to go LIVE on TikTok. TikTok can change this and it may differ by region, so check whether LIVE appears when you tap + in the app.
How old do you have to be to go live on TikTok?
You must be at least 18 years old to host a TikTok LIVE, based on the birthday on your account. You also need to be 18 or older to receive LIVE Gifts.
Why can't I go live on TikTok?
The most common reasons are being under 18, having fewer than the required followers, a recent Community Guidelines violation, an outdated app, or LIVE not yet being available for your account or region.
Can I go live on TikTok from my computer?
Yes. Accounts with LIVE access can stream from a computer using TikTok LIVE Studio, TikTok's desktop streaming app, which also supports screen sharing for games and presentations.
Can someone join my TikTok LIVE?
Yes. During a LIVE you can invite another creator as a co-host or let viewers request to join as guests, and you choose who to accept.