How to Move Comments on TikTok Live

Trying to show off your expert gameplay or a detailed craft project on TikTok LIVE, only to have the endless stream of comments block the most important part of your screen? You're not alone. This is one of the most common frustrations for TikTok creators, but there are powerful workarounds. This guide will walk you through exactly how to regain control of your screen by effectively moving your comment feed so you can interact with your audience without sacrificing your content's visibility.

Here, you'll find step-by-step instructions for the most popular methods, including using professional streaming software for maximum control and a simpler screen-mirroring technique for a quick setup. Let's get you a clear view so you can focus on creating an amazing live experience for your viewers.

Understanding the Core Problem: Why You Can't Directly Move Comments in the TikTok App

First, let's get one thing straight: the native TikTok mobile app does not have a feature that allows you to move, drag, or resize the comment section block during a LIVE. The user interface is fixed. Comments scroll up from the bottom left, while gifts, new follower alerts, and likes pop up on the screen in predetermined locations. This design works perfectly well for casual, face-to-camera streams, but it becomes a major obstacle for certain types of content.

Creators often need a clear view of their entire screen, such as:

• Gamers: Comments often cover a game's heads-up display (HUD), blocking health bars, maps, or critical on-screen controls.
• Artists and Crafters: When doing a tutorial, the comment feed might obscure the intricate details of a drawing, painting, or knitting pattern.
• Musicians: For instrument tutorials, comments can hide hand positioning on piano keys or guitar frets.
• Chefs and Bakers: During a cooking live, the chat can cover up ingredients or key steps in a recipe demonstration.

Since the app itself doesn't offer a solution, getting a clear view requires thinking outside the phone. The goal is to separate your live video feed from your comment feed, giving you full control over how you see both. The following methods will show you exactly how to do that.

Pro Method: Using Streaming Software like OBS for Full Control

This is the gold standard for serious streamers. By using desktop streaming software like OBS Studio (which is free and powerful), you can go live on TikTok from your computer. This setup gives you complete control over your stream's layout and allows you to view your comments on a separate monitor - effectively "moving" them off your main content screen. This method requires a TikTok account with LIVE streaming access and over 1,000 followers to get a Stream Key.

Step 1: Get Your TikTok Stream Key

Your Stream Key is a unique code that connects your TikTok account to your streaming software. Think of it as a password that tells your OBS software where to send your video feed.

1. Open the TikTok app on your phone. Tap the + icon at the bottom.
2. Swipe over to the "LIVE" option at the very end of the bottom menu.
3. Instead of tapping the big "Go LIVE" button, look for an option called "Cast on PC/Mac" or "Device casting." The wording may vary slightly.
4. On the next screen, TikTok will provide you with a Server URL and a Stream Key. Do not share your Stream Key with anyone. Keep this screen open on your phone for the next step.

Step 2: Set Up Your Streaming Software (OBS Studio Example)

If you don't already have it, download and install OBS Studio. It's free and widely used in the streaming community. Once installed, let's connect it to TikTok.

1. Open OBS and go to File > Settings.
2. In the Settings window, click on the "Stream" tab.
3. For the "Service" dropdown menu, select "Custom…"
4. Now, copy the Server URL from your TikTok app and paste it into the "Server" field in OBS.
5. Copy the Stream Key from your TikTok app and paste it into the "Stream Key" field in OBS.
6. Click "Apply" and then "OK." OBS is now linked to your TikTok account.

Step 3: Add Your Content to the OBS Scene

Now you need to tell OBS what to show on your stream. In the "Sources" box at the bottom of OBS, click the + icon to add what you want to stream. Some common choices are:

• Display Capture: This shows your entire monitor, perfect for sharing your screen.
• Window Capture: Captures just a specific application window, like a game or design software.
• Video Capture Device: Adds a webcam so your audience can see you.

Arrange these sources on the main OBS canvas. This is the visual layout your audience will see. Now for the comments.

Step 4: Create a Separate Comment Window

This is the magic step. The comments won't be overlaid on your game or artwork. Instead, you'll open them in a dedicated browser window on a second monitor.

1. On your computer, open a web browser and go to your own TikTok presence on the TikTok website (e.g., tiktok.com/@yourusername). You should see your LIVE stream there after you've started streaming from OBS. The comments will appear here in the desktop view.
2. Alternatively, many streamers use third-party tools specifically designed to capture and display TikTok LIVE chat in a clean browser window. Research and find a reliable one that works for you. Always exercise caution when using third-party applications and services.
3. Arrange this browser window on your second monitor. You now have a large, clear view of your chat feed, completely separate from your main activity screen.
4. When you hit "Start Streaming" in OBS, your content (the scene you built in Step 3) will be broadcast to TikTok without any comments covering it up. You can read the live chats from your second monitor and engage with your audience effortlessly.

Alternative Method: Mirroring Your Phone to a PC or Mac

If the OBS method feels too technical, there's a simpler approach: mirroring your phone screen to a computer monitor. This method doesn't remove the comment overlay from the video itself, but it projects a larger version onto a dedicated screen, allowing you to read comments easily without them cluttering up your actual workspace.

How It Works

1. Choose a Screen Mirroring App: You'll need an application that can display your phone's screen on your computer. Popular options include AirDroid Cast, MirrorTo, LetsView, or the built-in AirPlay for Apple devices and Smart View for Samsung devices.
2. Connect Your Phone: Install the mirroring software on both your phone and computer, then follow the app's instructions to connect them. This is usually done by connecting to the same Wi-Fi network and either scanning a QR code or entering a passcode.
3. Go LIVE on TikTok: Start your TikTok LIVE broadcast directly from your phone as you normally would.
4. View Your Comments on a Larger Screen: Your phone's entire screen - including the live video and the comment overlay - will now be mirrored onto your computer monitor. Position this monitor somewhere easy to see.

While this method still shows the comments over your video, it solves the core problem by giving you a big, separate display for interaction. You can glance at your second monitor to read the chat, keeping your phone positioned perfectly to capture your game, art, or craft project without obstruction in your immediate view.

Pro Tips for Effective LIVE Comment Management

Once you've successfully "moved" your comments, here are a few more tips to professionalize your stream and keep your community engaged:

Set Up Comment Filters and Mutes

Before you go live, use TikTok's moderation tools to your advantage. You can filter comments containing specific keywords, mute disruptive viewers temporarily, or block problematic accounts permanently. Managing these settings prevents trolls and spam from derailing your broadcast.

In your LIVE settings, you can find options like:

• Filter Keywords: Automatically hide comments containing words you specify.
• Filter all comments: You can choose to pre-review all incoming comments before allowing them to be displayed to the public in the comment feed.
• Block Accounts: Stop disruptive users in their tracks. This is especially helpful during a heated gaming stream.

Use LIVE Supervisors

You can't do everything on your own, especially if you are looking to grow. Don't be hesitant to tap trusted friends or engaged followers to become your moderators. Supervisors can manage comment mutes on your LIVE, block problematic viewers, and help you answer recurring questions - freeing you up to focus solely on your LIVE performance.

Spotlight & Share Exciting Member Engagement

Interacting with positive members of your community leads to more meaningful relationships and keeps others engaged. Make sure you highlight awesome questions from audience members or funny comments. Even when your comment feed is on another monitor, it should not be put on mute. Calling out active viewers directly is one of the best ways to drive positive feedback and build loyalty with your growing audience. With TikTok tools for Live streams, it's also possible to Spotlight comments, giving other live feed audience members a chance to engage with the chat, create their own memorable on-stream moments, or share their own personal insights for other viewers to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Although TikTok doesn't offer an in-app button to move the comment feed, you're now equipped with two powerful strategies to solve the problem. Whether you choose the professional control of OBS Studio for a multi-monitor setup or the simple convenience of screen mirroring, you can create a clutter-free broadcast that lets your content shine while keeping you connected to your audience.

Of course, managing the conversation during your live stream is just half the battle. When the stream ends, the work of community building continues across your social platforms. At Postbase, we built our tools to solve this exact problem. Our centralized inbox brings all your TikTok, Instagram, and other social media comments and DMs into one clean place, so you can keep the momentum going without juggling multiple apps. We designed Postbase to make social media management simple and reliable, so you can focus on what matters most: engaging with your audience and creating more awesome content.