Step By Step: Screen Sharing On A TikTok Live Stream

TikTok Live, the social media platform’s streaming feature, has been available to TikTok users since 2019. At first, it was primarily used by influencers and content creators to connect with their TikTok fans and to receive tips that show appreciation for their work (in the form of TikTok gifts).

Recently, however, TikTok Live actually passed longtime favorite Twitch to become the world’s second most-viewed streaming platform. It only trails YouTube Live for total audience.

Two reasons explain the huge jump in audience for the app’s Live sessions. One is TikTok’s easy accessibility and simple-to-use tools designed for those using mobile phones to watch broadcasts and host streams. The other is that the app (unlike Twitch) doesn’t cater primarily to gamers; it makes an enormous range of content topics and styles available.

Gaming is still important to TikTok Live, though, and most who run Live streams devoted to the topic need an easy way to share their screens as they play. The app provides that function —which can also be used by Live hosts who want to show tutorials, slide shows, or any other content that’s most easily displayed on their personal screen.

Here’s how it works.

How to Screen Share on TikTok Live

Not every user can stream or share their screen on the platform. Live hosts must be at least 16 (and they must be 18 to receive gifts from viewers), have at least 1,000 followers, and must have a TikTok account in good standing. To use screen sharing, they should be on the most recent TikTok app, and they must enable access to their device’s cameras and microphone.

There are slightly different processes for using the sharing feature on TikTok Live, depending on how you connect to the platform.

From a Mobile Device

1. Open the TikTok app and hit the “+” icon to enter the Create screen.
2. Tap the “LIVE” link at the bottom of the screen.
3. Click “Mobile gaming” (the option may be labeled “Screen Share” on some app versions) under the large “GO LIVE” button.
4. Tap the “Settings” icon to choose your desired settings (including enabling microphone access), enter a title for your stream, and hit the “GO LIVE” button. Your screen will now be shared with your viewers.

From Your Computer

Most experienced streamers already have pro-level streaming software like OBS installed on their computer, and the sharing streams they create will provide optimal quality. Those who prefer to get started quickly with no learning curve, though, can use a separate TikTok app to do it.

1. Visit TikTok’s website (tiktok.com) and download the TikTok LIVE Studio app to your machine.
2. Log in with your existing TikTok username and password.
3. Click “Set Up Now” and choose “Stream Settings” to configure the software with your preferred video quality, 
4. Look for the “Sources” heading (it may say “Display Mode”) and choose either “Fullscreen Desktop,” “Screen Capture,” or “Window Capture” (the name of the correct choice is different on different app versions).
5. Tap “Finish” and click the “GO LIVE NOW” button to begin streaming your screen share.

Even when you’re streaming Live, you still have to adhere to TikTok’s terms and conditions and Community Standards, which means no adult content, copyrighted material (unless you own it), personal chats (use the LIVE chat window for that), or login credentials can be shown.

Give live screen sharing a try on TikTok. You’ll love it!