How to Get a TikTok Stream URL

Trying to find your TikTok stream URL and stream key can feel like a hunt for something that doesn't exist. You want to connect professional streaming software like OBS Studio to create a high-quality broadcast, but the options seem to be hidden. This guide will show you exactly where to find your TikTok stream URL and key, what you need to do to unlock the feature, and how to plug those credentials into OBS to level up your live content.

What is a TikTok Stream URL and Stream Key (And Why Do You Need Them)?

Before you start looking, it helps to know what these two things actually do. Think of it like a mailing address and a key to your front door.

• Stream URL (RTMP URL): This is the specific server address that TikTok provides for your live stream. It tells your streaming software where to send your video feed. Every creator with access gets a unique URL.
• Stream Key: This is a long, unique string of characters that acts as a password. It tells the TikTok server that the stream coming from your software is authorized to go live on your specific account.

You need both of these pieces of information to connect third-party broadcasting software - like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, or xSplit - to your TikTok account. While streaming from your phone is great for simple, on-the-go broadcasts, using desktop software opens up a new world of possibilities. It allows you to:

• Improve Video and Audio Quality: Use professional cameras and microphones for a crisp, clean look and sound.
• Add Custom Overlays and Graphics: Display your brand logo, alerts for new followers, chat boxes, and other engaging visual elements.
• Share Your Screen: Perfect for gamers who want to stream their gameplay directly, tutors sharing a whiteboard, or artists showcasing their design process.
• Use Multiple Cameras: Switch between different camera angles for a more dynamic and professional-looking broadcast.

In short, using a stream URL and key is the bridge between a casual mobile stream and a polished, professional live production.

The Catch: Understanding TikTok's Access Requirements

This is the most important part of the entire process: not everyone has access to a stream key. TikTok is pretty selective about who gets this feature. If you can't find the option, it's almost certainly because your account hasn't met the platform's unlisted criteria yet. Here’s what you need to know.

To go LIVE from your phone, you usually only need to have at least 1,000 followers and be 16 or older. However, streaming from a PC using a stream key (or TikTok's LIVE Studio software) is a completely different feature with higher requirements.

While TikTok hasn't published an official "checklist," the creator community has a good handle on what the platform looks for. Generally, you’ll need:

• A Substantial Follower Count: This is usually the biggest hurdle. The number isn't set in stone and can change, but it's typically far more than the 1,000 followers required for mobile LIVE. Many creators report getting access somewhere between 10,000 and 30,000 followers, though it can vary widely.
• An Account in Good Standing: Your account must be free of community guideline violations or restrictions.
• A Consistent Going-LIVE History: TikTok wants to give this feature to active streamers. If you regularly go live from your mobile device, it signals to the platform that you are a dedicated creator who is serious about live content.

So, before you hunt for the settings, the first step is to honestly assess your account. If you’re a smaller creator who is just getting started, the best thing you can do is focus on growing your community and streaming a few times per week from your phone. Patience is a big part of the process.

How to Get a TikTok Stream URL: The Definitive Method

Years ago, you could find your stream key in various places, but now TikTok has streamlined the process. The only reliable method is through a desktop browser. If you don't see the "Go LIVE" button with this method, your account does not have access.

Here is the step-by-step process for getting your stream URL and key.

Finding Your Stream Credentials on Desktop

1. Log In to TikTok on Your Computer: Open your web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) and go to tiktok.com. Log in to the account you want to stream from.
2. Find the "Go LIVE" Button: Once logged in, look for a button in the upper right-hand corner of the page that says "Go LIVE." If you can't see this button, your account has not been granted PC streaming privileges yet.
3. Enter the LIVE Center: Clicking "Go LIVE" will take you to TikTok's LIVE Producer dashboard. This is your control center for your desktop stream.
4. Set Up Your Stream Details: In the dashboard, you’ll see fields to fill out your LIVE video title, select a topic (e.g., Gaming, Music, Chat), and set a cover photo. Fill these out first.
5. Locate Your Stream Key: Below the setup details, you'll find a panel for "Stream setup." This is what you’re looking for! You will see two fields:
   • Server URL: This is your TikTok Stream URL.
   • Stream key: This is your unique password.
6. Copy Your Credentials: Click the "Copy" button next to each one. Now you have what you need to connect your streaming software.

Extremely important note: Never, ever share your stream key. Anyone with this key can stream directly to your TikTok account. Treat it with the same security as your account password.

How to Use Your TikTok Stream URL and Key in OBS Studio

Now that you have your credentials, it's time to put them to work. OBS Studio is the most popular broadcasting software because it's free, powerful, and highly customizable. Here’s how to connect it to your TikTok account.

Step 1: Configure Your OBS Settings

1. Open OBS Studio.
2. Navigate to File >, Settings (or OBS >, Preferences on Mac).
3. In the settings window, click on the Stream tab on the left.
4. In the "Service" dropdown menu, select Custom...
5. In the "Server" field, paste your Server URL that you copied from the TikTok LIVE Producer.
6. In the "Stream Key" field, paste your Stream Key.
7. Click "Apply," but don't close the settings window yet.

Step 2: Set the Correct Video Resolution for TikTok

TikTok is a vertical platform, so your stream needs to be formatted in a 9:16 aspect ratio. A standard horizontal (16:9) stream will look squished and unprofessional.

1. In the same Settings window, click on the Video tab.
2. Change your "Base (Canvas) Resolution" to 1080x1920.
3. Change your "Output (Scaled) Resolution" to 1080x1920 as well.
4. Click "OK" to save all your changes. Your OBS canvas should now look like a tall smartphone screen.

Now you can set up your scenes and sources (webcam, game capture, images, text) within this vertical canvas to create your perfect layout.

Step 3: Go Live!

The sequence for going live is important here.

1. In your OBS main window, click the Start Streaming button. This will send your video feed from OBS to TikTok's servers. You aren't live yet at this point.
2. Go back to your TikTok LIVE Producer page in your web browser. You should see a preview of what your OBS stream looks like.
3. If everything looks good, click the pink Go LIVE button in the browser.

That's it! You are now successfully streaming from your PC to TikTok with a high-quality feed.

Troubleshooting: What If You Still Can't Find Your Stream URL?

The most common issue creators face is not being able to find the access point in the first place.

"I went to tiktok.com, but there's no 'Go LIVE' button."

Unfortunately, this is a clear sign that TikTok hasn't enabled PC streaming for your account. It's not a glitch or a setting you've missed - the feature is simply not turned on for you yet. At this point, trying to find your stream key is impossible because one hasn't been generated for your account.

"Okay, so how do I get access?"

There is no form to fill out or button to click to request access. Your account has to earn it organically. All you can do is focus on the fundamentals:

• Create awesome content that people want to watch and share.
• Grow your following and build a community around your niche.
• Go LIVE consistently from your phone. This is probably the biggest factor. Show TikTok that you're an active streamer, and the algorithm will be more likely to flag your account for advanced features.
• Keep your account in good standing. Stay away from content that could earn you a community guidelines strike.

Final Thoughts

Getting your hands on a TikTok stream URL and key is a milestone for any creator, signaling that you've built an audience large and engaged enough for TikTok to grant you access to powerful tools. Once you have it, combining it with software like OBS allows you to transform your casual broadcasts into professional, dynamic productions that stand out from the crowd.

As we've managed all sorts of social accounts, we understand that building the kind of audience that unlocks these features stems from consistency. Planning out our content calendar to make sure we're always present on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts is fundamental to that growth. To keep everything straight, we rely on Postbase. Being able to visually plan, schedule, and see gaps in our short-form video strategy across every platform helps us keep up the momentum required to earn creator tools like a stream key.