How To Go LIVE On TikTok In 2025 (Ultimate Guide)
Going LIVE on TikTok in 2025 is one of the best ways to build real engagement, grow your TikTok following fast, and start stacking up earnings through gifts and subscriptions.
TikTok LIVE has levelled up massively over the past few years — with new tools, monetisation options, and opportunities for creators who are willing to show up consistently. If you're serious about getting seen, making bank, or just connecting with people on a deeper level, LIVE is your cheat code.
Here’s the full breakdown to get you started (and to help you avoid all the rookie mistakes along the way). Let's get into it.
✅ What are the requirements to go LIVE on TikTok in 2025?
Minimum 500 followers (it used to be 1000)
Be at least 18 years old
Have an active account (good standing, no major violations)
For LIVE gifting: You must strictly be 18+ to receive diamonds/gifts.
Pro Tip: If you're under 500 followers, focus on posting short, high-engagement videos first. One viral post can be enough to unlock LIVE access.
✨ How to start your first LIVE on TikTok
Below are some steps to walk you through going LIVE for the first time on TikTok. Refer to the image below for some numbered and color-coded visuals to help guide you.
Tap the “add post” or “+” button in the center of the bottom of your TikTok app screen.
Tap “LIVE” at the bottom.
Add a title, filter, effect, or adjust other LIVE tools and settings.
Tap “Go LIVE” to start your LIVE.
Note: You can also adjust LIVE tools and settings, including safety settings, during your LIVE.
When you're ready to end your LIVE, tap the off symbol at the top right of your window while LIVE.
A visual of how to set up and go LIVE on TikTok.
🔥 New TikTok LIVE features in 2025
TikTok keeps rolling out new toys. Here's what's hot right now:
LIVE Subscriptions: Fans can subscribe monthly for exclusive perks, like subscriber emotes and sub-only chats.
Multi-Guest Panel: Host up to 9 people in one LIVE session.
LIVE Shopping: Sell products directly during your stream (not available in AU, sadly).
Keyword Moderation: Block spam automatically.
If you’re just doing "talk to camera" streams, you're leaving money and followers on the table. Use the features TikTok gives you.
📊 Best practices for going LIVE (and actually growing)
Stream Consistently: Same times, same days = your audience will anticipate you’ll show up, and they’ll show up for you.
Hook Viewers Fast: Start strong. People decide in 3-7 seconds if they’re staying.
Interact Heavily: Call out usernames. Answer questions. Say thanks for gifts.
Good Lighting + Clear Audio: You’re competing with everyone’s For You Page. Look sharp.
Battle Other Creators: Matchmaking exposes you to new audiences fast.
Experiment: Try games, Q&As, giveaways, or tutorials. Find your vibe.
🔎 FAQ: Common LIVE Problems
"Why can't I go LIVE even though I have 500 followers?"
Your account may have minor violations, or you may have some special conditions imposed on your account. Review your notifications and appeal if needed, and/or head to the LIVE page or LIVE Center to find out more.
"What’s the best time to go LIVE?"
Evenings (6PM-12AM local time) or weekends generally get more traffic.
"How can I grow my LIVE faster?"
Battles, co-hosting with new creators often, and experimenting with different segments and entertainment in your LIVE can help massively.
📢 Final Tips
If you're serious about getting somewhere with TikTok LIVE, it’s not about going LIVE whenever you feel like it. It’s about treating LIVE like a real opportunity to earn money and expand your circle of friends. Put in the effort, show up, and don’t give up if your metrics or earnings aren’t amazing every stream - consistency is something you earn over time.
Put some heart and humanity into your streams and be good to people - the rest will follow.
📊 Want help? Apply here to join AU and NZ’s #1 TIkTok LIVE Creator Network, Stream Chasers.