How to Go Live on TikTok (With or Without 1K Followers)

TikTok LIVE isn’t just a content feature, it’s one of the most effective ways to capture attention, build trust, and drive action in real time.

Whether you're launching a product, running a giveaway, or answering questions, going live gives your audience a reason to stop scrolling and engage with you directly, with urgency and intention.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• What it takes to unlock TikTok LIVE (and what to try if you haven’t hit 1,000 followers yet)
• How to start a live session step by step
• Proven ways to use LIVE to grow your following, drive conversions, and sell more
• How to run high-performing giveaways by combining TikTok LIVE with Gleam

TikTok LIVE gives you something few other features do, focused attention in the moment. You can connect with viewers, build trust, and prompt action, all in real time.

It's ideal for product demos, flash sales, time-sensitive giveaways, or Q&A-style content that builds confidence in what you’re offering. And if you’re using TikTok Shop, you can link products directly into the stream.

It’s also a powerful way to push viewers toward external campaigns, like a Gleam giveaway, while they’re actively watching and engaging.

LIVE videos are displayed by category:

To unlock TikTok LIVE, your account must meet three requirements:

• Be 16 years or older
• Have at least 1,000 followers
• Be 18+ to send or receive virtual gifts

These limits are applied automatically by TikTok.

Once you’re eligible:

1. Open the TikTok app
2. Tap the + button
3. Scroll to the LIVE tab
4. Add an attention grabbing title
5. Tap Go LIVE

Your title is the hook, so make it matter.

Officially, no. TikTok requires 1,000 followers to access LIVE.

That said, some users try submitting requests via TikTok’s in-app Feedback Form. Others switch to a Business Account (this doesn’t bypass the rule, but may improve account visibility). You can also promote upcoming lives on Instagram, YouTube, or your other platforms, then link back to TikTok from your bio.

For brands, creators, and eCommerce stores, TikTok LIVE is a really powerful tool. It helps you build urgency, answer objections, show off your products, and convert attention into valuable actions.

You can launch offers live, showcase new products, respond to FAQs, or co-host with influencers. Done right, it's as effective as a sales funnel, only faster.

It’s also ideal for running giveaways. You get people excited live on stream and drive them directly to take action while watching.

To make your live count, promote it in advance. You can:

• Mention it in regular TikToks
• Add a countdown or CTA in your bio
• Post on Instagram, X, or email to your list
• Use Stories or teaser clips to build interest
• Go live when your audience is most active (check your analytics)

One of the best ways to maximise your TikTok LIVE is by pairing it with a Gleam campaign.

While you’re streaming, direct your audience to enter a giveaway hosted on Gleam. You can reward actions like following your account, commenting, submitting content, or visiting your store, and Gleam handles entry tracking and winner selection for you.

This gives your live stream a purpose beyond entertainment, you're capturing attention and converting it into real, trackable results.