TikTok LIVE gaming: how to stream games

First: can you go LIVE?

Every option below needs LIVE access: you're 18 or over, you have enough followers (1,000 is commonly reported) and your account is in good standing. TikTok decides this per account.

Mobile games from your phone

If you play on your phone, you can go LIVE in the TikTok app with your screen showing. When you start your LIVE, choose the mobile gaming or screen share option. It's available on Android and iOS, but doesn't appear for every account.

• Turn off notifications so private messages don't pop up on stream.
• Use Wi-Fi or a stable connection; a laggy stream loses viewers.
• Keep a charger nearby.

PC games with TikTok LIVE Studio

TikTok LIVE Studio is TikTok's free desktop app for Windows and Mac. You can stream your camera, screen or game with it, without a stream key. Download it from TikTok's website.

Note: TikTok LIVE Studio is not the same as TikTok Studio. TikTok Studio is for uploads and analytics; you can't go LIVE from it.

Whether you can use LIVE Studio depends on your account. The requirements differ between accounts and change from time to time; the app shows whether you have access.

OBS or Streamlabs with a stream key

Prefer OBS or Streamlabs, for example for overlays and scenes? Then you need a stream key from TikTok. Not every account gets one; if you have one, you'll find it through TikTok LIVE Center. The key usually changes every session, so copy it fresh each time.

No stream key? LIVE Studio is the official way to stream from PC.

Console: PlayStation, Xbox and Switch

Consoles can't stream to TikTok LIVE by themselves. You need a PC with LIVE Studio (or OBS with a stream key), plus one of these:

• A capture card between your console's HDMI output and your PC. This works for PlayStation, Xbox and Switch.
• Remote Play or the Xbox app on your PC. You play through your PC, which sends the picture to your stream.

Tips for a better gaming stream

• Show your face: viewers stay longer for a person than for gameplay alone.
• Talk to your chat, even when it's quiet. Explain what you're doing and why.
• Put the game in your title so people looking for it can find you.
• TikTok is vertical: arrange your camera and the key part of the game so they're easy to see on a phone.
• Stream at regular times and tell viewers when you're next on.

Upfluence started out in gaming and still supports many gaming creators. See our TikTok LIVE agency in the UK or read how to make money on TikTok LIVE.