How to Schedule a Live Stream on TikTok

Scheduling a TikTok LIVE is one of the most effective ways to build hype, lock in a bigger audience, and turn a spontaneous stream into a can't-miss event. Instead of just hoping people are online when you decide to go live, an official scheduled event gives you a powerful tool to promote your stream ahead of time. This guide will walk you through exactly how to schedule your LIVE on TikTok and share proven strategies for making it a massive success.

First Things First: Can You Go Live on TikTok?

Before you get into scheduling, it's important to know if you have access to TikTok's LIVE features. The requirements are straightforward, but they are firm. If you don't see the "LIVE" option in your creator tools, it's likely because of one of these reasons.

Eligibility Checklist:

• Follower Count: You generally need to have at least 1,000 followers to unlock the LIVE function. This number can sometimes vary by region, but 1,000 is the standard benchmark.
• Age Requirement: To host a LIVE stream, you must be at least 18 years old. This is also the minimum age to send or receive gifts during a LIVE. This is a hard rule, so make sure your account's birthdate is registered correctly.

If you meet both of these requirements, you're good to go. The ability to schedule a LIVE Event is part of the standard LIVE feature set, so if you can go live, you can schedule it.

So, Why Should You Bother Scheduling Your LIVE Stream?

You might be wondering if it's worth the extra effort. Why not just hit the "Go LIVE" button whenever you feel like it? While spontaneous streams have their place, scheduling your broadcast ahead of time offers some major advantages for creators and brands serious about growth.

• It Builds Serious Anticipation: Scheduling transforms your LIVE from a random event into a planned occasion. It gives you something tangible to promote, allowing you to build excitement and conversation with your audience for days leading up to the stream. People can register, get notifications, and feel like they're part of an exclusive event.
• It Significantly Boosts Viewership: The biggest reason to schedule is to get more people to actually show up. When your followers know exactly when you'll be live, they can plan to be there. This is especially helpful if you're announcing something important, launching a product, or hosting a special guest.
• It Communicates Professionalism: Planning your content shows that you respect your audience's time. It signals that you are a dedicated creator who puts thought into your content, which can help foster a more loyal and engaged community.
• It Simplifies Collaboration Prep: If you're planning a multi-guest LIVE stream or an interview, scheduling is a must. It gives all parties a clear timeline and allows everyone to promote the same official link to their respective audiences, creating a bigger pre-launch buzz.

How to Schedule a Live Stream on TikTok: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Ready to get your first LIVE Event on the calendar? The process is simple and takes just a couple of minutes right inside the TikTok app. Here's how you do it.

Step 1: Open Your Creator Tools

Open the TikTok app and tap the create button (+) at the bottom of your screen, just like you would to film a new video.

Step 2: Navigate to the LIVE Screen

At the bottom of the recording screen, you'll see a navigation bar with options like "Photo," "Story," and "Video." Swipe left on this bar until you land on the "LIVE" option.

Step 3: Go to LIVE Events

Once you're on the LIVE screen, look for the calendar icon. On most phones, it appears on the right side of the screen labeled "LIVE Events." Tap this icon to open the scheduling center.

Step 4: Create Your Event Details

This is where you bring your event to life. Fill out each field with catchy, informative details that will make people want to join you. This is your promo material, so make it good!

• Event Name: This is your title. Keep it short, punchy, and clear about the topic. Instead of "Live Q&A," try something more specific like "My Skincare Routine: RANKING My Empties!"
• Start Time: Choose the date and time that your stream will begin. You can schedule an event up to 7 days in advance. Be mindful of your audience's time zones - use TikTok Analytics to see when your followers are most active.
• Duration: Select how long you plan for the stream to last. Options usually range from 30 minutes to a few hours. This gives viewers a clear expectation of the time commitment.
• Description: Here's your chance to really sell it. Write a compelling, 2-3 sentence description of what viewers can expect. Are you unboxing a new product? Spilling some tea? Hosting a special guest? Announcing a giveaway? Mention it here to entice people to register.
• Engage with a Gift Goal (optional): You can set a goal for Gifts you'd like to receive during the LIVE. While not required, setting a clear goal for something you're saving up for (e.g., "New Streaming Mic") can give engaged fans a fun way to show their support.

Step 5: Review and Submit Your Event

Take one last look at your Event Name, time, and description to check for any typos. When everything looks good, tap the "Create" button. That's it! Your LIVE Event is now officially scheduled.

Step 6: Share and Promote

After you create the event, TikTok will generate a unique link. A pop-up menu will let you share it to friends directly on TikTok, copy the link to your clipboard, and share it on other platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or your email newsletter.

You've Scheduled It. Now, How Do You Get People to Show Up?

Scheduling is just the first step. The real work - and the real fun - is in the promotion. Your goal in the days leading up to the stream is to get as many people as possible to see your event announcement and turn on their notifications. Don't be shy, you need to tell people what's happening more than once.

Announce It Everywhere

• Create a Dedicated Promo Video: Don't just rely on the auto-generated notification. Create at least one dedicated TikTok video to promote your upcoming LIVE. In the video, tell people exactly what you'll be talking about, what they'll gain from watching, and a clear call-to-action to register. Most importantly, add the official LIVE Event sticker to your video. When people see the video, they can tap the sticker and sign up for a reminder directly from your For You Page.
• Add the Link to Your Bio: For a few days before the LIVE stream, swap the regular link in your TikTok bio with the registration link for your event. This gives anyone visiting your profile a direct path to sign up.
• Cross-Promote on Other Platforms: Share your excitement everywhere your audience hangs out. Post the event link to your Instagram Stories with a countdown sticker. Announce it on Twitter (X). Mention it in your Discord community or on Facebook. The more places you promote, the wider your net of potential viewers.
• Do a Quick Promo LIVE: This might sound counterintuitive, but it works wonders. The day before your scheduled event, go live for a quick 5-10 minutes. Use this time as a "tech check" and, more importantly, to directly remind your most engaged followers about the big event happening tomorrow. Tell them what you have planned and how they can sign up for the notification right from their profile page.

Tips for Hosting an Unforgettable LIVE Session

You've done the prep work and people are starting to file in. Now it's time to deliver an amazing experience that keeps them watching, commenting, and coming back for more. Here's a quick checklist for a smooth and engaging session.

Get Your Setup Right

• Test Your Internet Connection: Nothing kills a LIVE faster than a choppy, lagging connection. Connect to a stable and fast Wi-Fi network. Avoid streaming from a location with a weak signal.
• Find Good Lighting: Natural light is your best friend. Sit facing a window if you can. If you can't, a simple ring light will elevate the look of your stream immensely and make you look much more professional.
• Prioritize Clear Audio: Viewers are more forgiving of mediocre video than they are of bad audio. Use an external microphone if you have one. If not, make sure you're in a quiet room with minimal background noise and echoes.
• Have a Loose Plan: You don't need a word-for-word script, but you should have a basic outline. Know what your main talking points are, what order you'll cover them in, and how you want to wrap up. This prevents awkward silences and keeps the stream on track.

Master Engagement in the Moment

• Acknowledge People as They Arrive: When you first go live, take a minute or two to let people join. Greet users by their names, say hello, and thank them for showing up. This creates a welcoming environment right from the start.
• Read and Respond to Comments: Your audience is there to interact with you. Make them feel seen by reading their comments aloud and responding directly to their questions. This is the core of what makes LIVE so valuable.
• Encourage Use of the Q&A Feature: If comments are flying by too fast, gently remind your audience to use the Q&A feature (the button with a question mark). This organizes all the questions into one place so you don't miss any good ones.
• Pin a Comment: If you have a primary call to action or a key topic you want everyone to see, write it as a comment and then pin it. It could be a question for your audience, a reminder about a giveaway, or a link you're discussing.
• Appoint a Moderator: If you're expecting a big crowd, it's wise to have some help. Ask a friend, colleague, or trusted community member to hop on as a moderator. Their job is to filter spam, remove negative comments, and help you bubble up important questions, freeing you up to focus on being a great host.

Final Thoughts

Scheduling your TikTok LIVE broadcasts is a simple strategic shift that can make a huge difference in your viewership and engagement. Taking a few moments to set up an event in advance gives you the necessary tools to build excitement, promote your stream effectively, and deliver a more professional and impactful experience for your community.

Here at Postbase, we are all about planning content to help creators grow consistently on social media. We understand that organizing everything - from your daily videos to your LIVE stream promotions - can be a lot to juggle. That's why we've focused on building a simple, visual calendar so you can get a clear overview of your entire content strategy. This lets you map out posts, plan cohesive campaigns around big events like a LIVE stream, and spot any gaps in your content. If you're looking for a cleaner way to manage your social media content calendar planning, you should take a look at Postbase.