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When you log onto TikTok, you’re automatically taken to your For You page (FYP), where you can view random TikTok posts from an endless assortment of users. You might immediately open your Following feed instead, to see the new content your friends and other like-minded TikTok followers have posted.
After a while, though, TikTok videos can become somewhat monotonous. Instead of logging out, though, it might be time to explore an entirely new world of TikTok content: the live streams that run on the social media platform day and night.
TikTok Live launched in 2020 and has become an enormously popular feature on the app. Many influencers and content creators love running Live sessions, where they can build stronger connections with their fans, showcase some of their newest productions, promote products from their TikTok shops, and earn money from viewers by accepting tips (in the form of “gifts”).
There are Live shows in almost every imaginable format: Q-and-A’s, tutorials, product demos, interviews with guests, gaming streams, behind-the-scenes shows, challenges, wide-ranging discussions, and just bull sessions. In short, there’s something for every taste and every interest.
Where do you find TikTok Lives? Let’s find out.
How To Watch TikTok Live
The easiest way to get started is right on your TikTok home screen.
On the same top menu bar where you choose between the For You and Following feeds (as well as the TikTok Shop and the Explore page), you’ll see the “Live” icon (a small TV labeled LIVE”) all the way to the left. Tap on it, and you’ll see the first live stream in a continuous feed. If you don’t like the one that opens, just keep scrolling and you’ll see hundreds more.
To participate in a session, just type your comments in the text box toward the bottom of the screen. Other icons allow you to do everything from notifying friends about the stream and opening the comments window, to buying gifts for the stream’s host.
When you’re done watching streams, just exit the Live area by tapping the “x” at the top right of the screen.
How to Find Different Types of Live Sessions
It can be tedious to scroll through TikTok Lives that you’re not interested in. For many people, an attractive alternative is clicking the magnifying glass icon at the top right of the home screen and doing a TikTok search for Live sessions on specific topics.
Once you’ve opened the search screen, enter “LIVE” followed by a word that describes a subject that might interest you. Tap “Search,” then choose “LIVE” from the top of the results page. You’ll see a page of currently available live streams to choose from.
How to Find Streams from Specific Users
If you have a favorite creator, you can see whether they’re currently streaming live by entering LIVE and their TikTok username in a search as described above. You can also take a look at their TikTok profile page; if there’s a circle around their profile picture and a “LIVE” banner, just tap on it and you’ll be taken to their stream.
There are other options as well. When creators you follow are going Live, you’ll receive a notification in your Inbox. Tap the “Watch” box in the notification, and you’ll enter their stream. Or you can check your “Following” feed, and you’ll see if any of the TikTok users you follow are running Live streams.
TikTok Live sessions have become a hot and exciting feature of the app. Give them a try to see what you’ve been missing!
About the Author
Peter Hasselworth is a contributor at iDigic, sharing valuable insights about Instagram growth and social media marketing strategies.