TikTok has recently opened its live streaming capabilities to a broader range of users, allowing those with a solid track record of live streaming on other platforms to apply for the feature, regardless of their follower count on TikTok. This move diverges from the previous requirement of having at least 1,000 followers to go live on the platform.
Criteria for Live Streaming Eligibility
The selection process for granting live streaming rights is rather vague, assessing applicants based on their influence and the quality of their live content on platforms other than TikTok. Successfully approved users will then be able to broadcast live via TikTok’s LIVE Studio as well as from their PCs or consoles.
This new policy essentially allows content creators with a history of streaming on other venues, such as Twitch or YouTube, to bypass the previous follower count restriction and directly apply for TikTok live streaming.
Maintenance of Live Streaming Privileges
The initial approval for TikTok live streaming is valid for 14 days. To extend this access for another 180 days, creators must avoid violating TikTok’s community guidelines and must stream for over 25 minutes at least twice in the first two weeks. Continued eligibility for streaming is subsequently extended for further 180-day periods provided the creators stream for the required duration three times every 30 days.
For those looking to stream from their PCs, TikTok offers a LIVE Studio software, which users can download and set up with relative ease. The software supports features like importing settings from other tools and setting video quality to enhance the viewing experience. Creators can show their game or include their webcam feed to create a more engaging experience for their audience.
After ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, shut down its Nuverse gaming brand in late 2023, it appeared to be stepping back from gaming-focused strategies. However, this new initiative to democratize live streaming access could signal a renewed interest in integrating gaming content into their platform.
