How to Go Live on TikTok: Requirements and Steps (2026)
To go live on TikTok you generally need to be at least 18 and have about 1,000 followers, although TikTok does not apply one number everywhere. This guide covers the requirements, the steps on phone and computer, what to try if you do not have 1,000 followers and how to fix a missing LIVE button.
Quick answer: open TikTok, tap +, swipe to LIVE next to the record button, add a title and tap Go LIVE. If you do not see LIVE, you probably do not meet the age or follower requirement yet.
Key Takeaways
- Age and followers. Most sources say you must be 18 or older and have about 1,000 followers.
- Rules vary. TikTok does not apply the same follower number in every region or account.
- Phone and PC. You can go live from the app or with TikTok LIVE Studio on a computer.
- Without 1,000 followers. Some users report getting access by contacting TikTok, but this is not guaranteed.
- Never buy followers. Fake followers risk penalties and do not make a good live audience.
Table of Contents
TikTok LIVE Requirements
| Requirement | What sources report |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 or older to host a LIVE. Gifts also need 18 or older (19 in South Korea) |
| Followers | About 1,000 is the most common figure, but it can vary by region and account |
| Account standing | No recent Community Guidelines violations or LIVE restrictions |
| App version | Up to date, with LIVE available in your country |
TikTok changes these rules over time, so use the app as the final check. Many guides suggest opening TikTok Studio from your profile menu and looking for the LIVE section to see whether you meet the requirements, but check your own app menus to confirm.
How to Go Live on TikTok on iPhone and Android
Figure 1. Four steps to start a TikTok LIVE.
- Open the TikTok app and tap the + button at the bottom of the screen.
- Swipe along the options below the record button until you reach LIVE.
- Add a title and choose settings such as who can comment, effects and filters.
- Tap Go LIVE and wait for the countdown.
- When you finish, tap the close button and end the stream.
If you are new to posting, read our guide on how to post on TikTok first.
How to Go Live on TikTok on a Computer
You can stream from a computer with TikTok’s LIVE Studio app, if your account is eligible. This helps when you want a better camera, screen sharing or game streaming.
- Download and install TikTok LIVE Studio from TikTok’s site.
- Log in with your TikTok account and choose portrait or landscape mode.
- Add your sources, such as your camera, microphone and screen.
- Add a title, topic and thumbnail, then start your stream.
How to Go Live on TikTok Without 1,000 Followers
If you do not meet the follower requirement, these are the options people report:
- Check again. Some accounts get LIVE earlier than 1,000 followers depending on region and activity, so look under TikTok Studio or the LIVE button periodically.
- Contact TikTok support. Go to Settings and privacy, then Report a problem and choose LIVE. Explain that you want to use LIVE. Some users report success, but it is not guaranteed and TikTok does not publish this as a process.
- Grow your audience. Post consistently and reach the threshold. See how to get more followers on TikTok and get more views on TikTok.
- Avoid shortcuts. Do not buy followers or pay for “LIVE access”. Fake followers can trigger penalties and will not watch your streams. See our guide to free TikTok likes for how these offers work.
If You Do Not See the LIVE Button
- Update the app. Old versions may not show LIVE.
- Check your age. Accounts under 18 cannot host.
- Check your follower count. You may not have reached the threshold yet.
- Check restrictions. A recent violation or a shadow ban can limit features.
- Region. LIVE may not be available in every country.
- Try later. Features are often rolled out gradually.
Tips for Your First TikTok LIVE
- Pick a clear topic. Q&As, tutorials and behind-the-scenes work well.
- Announce it. Post a video or caption before you go live. Use our TikTok captions for ideas.
- Choose a good time. See the best time to post on TikTok.
- Check your setup. Use good lighting, a stable connection and a charged device.
- Talk to viewers. Greet people by name and answer comments live.
- Plan how to earn. Gifts and other income options are covered in our guide to making money on TikTok and how much TikTok pays.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying followers. It risks penalties and gives you an empty audience.
- Going live with no plan. Have a topic and a few talking points ready.
- Ignoring the rules. Violations can remove your LIVE access.
- Not reusing the content. Clip highlights into short videos afterward.
For more TikTok guides, see our TikTok guide hub and TikTok Business accounts.
Need 1,000 Real Followers First?
Real followers make LIVE worth it. To grow a real TikTok and Instagram audience, see how AiGrow can help.
See How AiGrow WorksFrequently Asked Questions
How many followers do you need to go live on TikTok?
Most sources say about 1,000, but TikTok does not apply the same number everywhere, and you also need to be at least 18.
How do I go live on TikTok?
Tap +, swipe to LIVE, add a title and tap Go LIVE.
Can I go live on TikTok without 1,000 followers?
Sometimes. Some users report getting access after contacting TikTok support, but it is not guaranteed.
Why do I not have the LIVE option on TikTok?
You may be under 18, below the follower threshold, on an old app version, restricted or in a region where LIVE is not available.
Can I go live on TikTok from a computer?
Yes, with TikTok LIVE Studio, if your account is eligible.
Is it safe to buy followers to go live?
No. Fake followers can lead to penalties or a ban and do not give you a real audience.
