How to Schedule a Live on TikTok

Going LIVE on TikTok can feel completely spontaneous, but the most successful creators know that scheduling is the secret to getting more views and boosting engagement. By planning your broadcast in advance, you turn a random stream into a can't-miss event. This guide will walk you through exactly how to schedule a LIVE on TikTok, promote it effectively, and host a session that keeps your audience captivated.

Why You Should Schedule a TikTok LIVE in the First Place

Jumping on a LIVE last minute works in a pinch, but scheduling offers some serious strategic advantages that can help grow your account and build a stronger community. It’s a small step that brings a professional polish to your content strategy.

Build Real Anticipation

Think about your favorite TV show - you know when it airs, and you tune in for it. Scheduling a TikTok LIVE works the same way. It transforms your stream from a casual pop-up into an official event. When you schedule a Q&,A with a special guest, a new product launch, or an exclusive workshop, you give your audience a reason to mark their calendars and make time for you.

Maximize Your Audience

Your followers live in different time zones, and their daily schedules vary wildly. By scheduling, you can strategically pick a time when you know the largest segment of your audience is online and active. Instead of guessing and hoping people are browsing when you go live, you can launch your stream to an audience that is already waiting for you.

Give Yourself Time to Prepare

The best LIVEs have a clear purpose, even if they feel casual and off-the-cuff. Scheduling buys you invaluable time to prepare. You can outline your talking points, create any visuals you might need, test your lighting and audio equipment, and clean up your background. A little bit of prep makes the difference between a fumbling, awkward stream and a confident, engaging broadcast that people will actually stick around for.

A Great Signal for the TikTok Algorithm

When you start a LIVE with a group of people already waiting, it sends a positive signal to the TikTok algorithm right away. High initial viewership and engagement tell the platform that your content is valuable and interesting. As a result, TikTok is more likely to push your LIVE stream to the For You feeds of users who don't follow you yet, drastically extending your reach.

Before You Schedule: The TikTok LIVE Requirements

Before you get started, it's good to know that not every TikTok account has access to the LIVE feature. TikTok has put a couple of basic requirements in place to maintain the quality and safety of live streams on the platform.

Account Reqs Checklist

• Follower Count: To unlock the ability to go LIVE, you need to have at least 1,000 followers. This threshold is in place to ensure that creators have a foundational audience before they start broadcasting.
• Age: You must be at least 16 years old to host a LIVE stream. If you plan on using monetization features like Virtual Gifts and Diamonds, that age requirement goes up to 18 years old.

If you meet both of these criteria, you should see the LIVE option available in your app!

How to Schedule a LIVE on TikTok: Step-by-Step

The process of scheduling a LIVE is straightforward and only takes a minute inside the app. Here’s exactly how to do it.

1. Open the TikTok Camera Screen

First, open the TikTok app. Tap the plus (+ icon) located at the bottom center of your screen - the same button you use to create any new video.

2. Navigate to the 'LIVE' Option

Once you’re on the creation screen, look at the menu at the bottom. You’ll see options like ‘Camera’ and ‘Templates’. Swipe right along this menu until you find and select ‘LIVE’.

3. Find the 'Schedule' Icon

On the main LIVE screen, you’ll see several options on the right-hand panel. Look for an icon that looks like a calendar, which is usually labeled ‘Schedule’. Tap this to open the event creation menu.

4. Fill in Your Event Details

This is where you bring your event to life. You’ll need to set up a few key details that tell your audience what to expect.

• Event Name: Make it compelling and clear. "Makeup Tutorial" isn't as grabby as "Creating a 'Sunset Glow' Look LIVE". Be specific and exciting.
• Start Time: Pick the exact date and time you want your LIVE to begin. TikTok allows you to schedule up to 90 days in advance, giving you plenty of time to promote.
• Duration: Set an estimated length for your stream. You can choose anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. This helps viewers know how much time to set aside for you.
• Description: Write a short, enticing summary. What will you be covering? Why should someone tune in? Briefly mention the value you’ll provide, like answering questions, sharing exclusive info, or launching a new product.
• Topics: Add a relevant Topic tag to help TikTok understand what your LIVE is about. This can help them show it to users who have shown interest in that subject.

5. Review and Submit Your Event

Take one final look at all the details you’ve entered. If everything looks good, tap the 'Schedule' button at the bottom. And that’s it! Your TikTok LIVE is officially scheduled.

You Scheduled a LIVE! Now, How Do You Promote It?

Scheduling is just the first step. To make sure people actually show up, you need to spread the word. A strong promotion strategy is just as important as the LIVE itself.

Leverage Your TikTok Profile

As soon as you schedule an event, TikTok automatically adds a link to it right on your profile page, just below your bio. This is your most powerful promotional tool. Anyone visiting your profile can tap on it to see the details and set a reminder. You can even update your bio for a day or two to point directly to the event link (e.g., “⬇️ Sign up for my LIVE Q&,A this Friday! ⬇️”).

Create a Series of Teaser Videos

This is the most effective way to drive sign-ups. Create a few short TikTok videos focused on promoting the upcoming stream.

• Use the LIVE Event Sticker: When you’re creating your promo video, make sure to add the LIVE Event countdown sticker. This sticker is interactive - viewers can tap it right from your video to set a reminder for the event. It lowers the barrier to entry and makes it incredibly easy for them to sign up.
• Build Hype: Don't just announce the LIVE. Tease your content. Post a video asking followers what questions they want answered. Share a quick, behind-the-scenes clip of you prepping for the event. If you have a special guest, create a video introducing them and hyping their appearance.

Push a Notification to Your Followers

TikTok lets you send one announcement notification to all your followers about the scheduled live. About an hour before you're scheduled to start, head into your event settings (from the LIVE screen) and you’ll see an option to “Send notice”. This gives your community a direct reminder to tune in.

Share Everywhere Else

Your most dedicated fans might follow you on multiple platforms. Promote your LIVE across all your social channels. Share a screenshot of the event pin from your TikTok profile to your Instagram Story. Post the event link on Twitter/X or in your Facebook community group. The goal is to reach your audience wherever they are.

Best Practices for an Unforgettable LIVE Session

The promotion is done, the attendees are arriving - now it's time to deliver. Here are some key tips for hosting a smooth, engaging, and successful TikTok LIVE.

Test Your Tech Setup

Technical glitches can derail a stream instantly. Before you go live, do a quick test run to check your setup:

• Stable Internet: A weak Wi-Fi signal will cause a pixelated, buffering stream. If possible, connect directly via an ethernet cable or make sure you’re very close to your Wi-Fi router.
• Good Lighting: Dim, shadowy lighting makes it hard for people to see you clearly. Position yourself in front of a window for natural light or invest in a simple ring light.
• Clear Audio: The microphone on your phone works fine, but a cheap external mic can dramatically improve your audio quality. Make sure you’re in a quiet room with minimal background noise.
• Steady Camera: Prop your phone up on a tripod or mount to keep the video stable and get the perfect hands-free angle. No one likes a shaky camera!

Have a Loose Plan, but Be Flexible

You don't need to read from a script, but you should have a solid idea of how you want the LIVE to flow. A simple list of three to five key talking points is often enough to keep you on track. Start with a warm welcome, move into your main topic, leave plenty of time for audience interaction, and finish with a clear call-to-action.

Engagement Is Everything

A LIVE session is a conversation, not a monologue. Make it your mission to interact with the audience as much as possible. Welcome new viewers by calling out their usernames, feature and answer interesting questions from the chat, and thank people for their gifts and engagement. The more you make your audience feel seen and valued, the longer they will stick around.

End With a Clear Call to Action (CTA)

Don't end your stream abruptly. As you wrap up, clearly state what you want your viewers to do next. Do you want them to follow you? Visit the link in your bio to buy a product? Sign up for your newsletter? Tell them precisely what the next step is and thank them for spending their time with you.

Final Thoughts

Scheduling a TikTok LIVE is a powerful strategy that transforms a spontaneous stream into a planned event, helping you build anticipation and maximize viewership. By setting a date in advance, promoting it consistently with teaser videos, and focusing on genuine interaction during the broadcast, you create an experience that strengthens your community and helps you reach your goals on the platform.

To really nail your promotional strategy, we know how chaotic it can be to plan teaser videos for your TikTok LIVE while also keeping up with posts for Instagram, Reels, and everywhere else. That's why we built Postbase with a simple visual calendar at its core. You can see your entire content plan - from your regular schedule to the promotional clips for your next big LIVE - all in one place, making it easy to create a cohesive campaign without the stress.