How to Stream Pre-Recorded Video on TikTok Live

Streaming a pre-recorded video on TikTok Live transforms your content strategy, allowing you to deliver a perfectly produced broadcast with all the real-time buzz of a live event. This guide will walk you through why this is such a powerful technique for creators and brands, what tools you need to get started, and provide a clear, step-by-step tutorial to get you streaming flawlessly.

Why Stream a Pre-recorded Video on TikTok LIVE?

Going live can be stressful. You might worry about mistakes, awkward silences, or technical glitches. Streaming a pre-recorded video eliminates these anxieties and unlocks a ton of strategic benefits. It’s the perfect blend of polished production and live audience interaction.

Deliver a Flawless, High-Quality Broadcast

With a pre-recorded video, you can edit out mistakes, fine-tune your audio, add graphics, B-roll, and create a seamless presentation. This is your chance to show up with the highest possible production value. Imagine a product demo without technical difficulties, a workout class with perfect form and motivational graphics, or a music performance where every note is perfect. This level of polish is nearly impossible to achieve in a spontaneous live stream, and it instantly makes you look more professional.

Engage with Your Community in Real Time

The most powerful benefit of streaming a pre-recorded video is that you can fully engage with your audience while your video plays. Instead of being preoccupied with presenting, you can be in the comments section of your own LIVE, welcoming viewers by name, answering questions, and reacting to comments live. This interaction makes your pre-recorded stream feel incredibly alive and fosters a much stronger connection with your community. They get a high-quality broadcast and direct access to you.

Save Time and Reduce Performance Anxiety

You don't have to be "on" at the exact moment you go live. You can record your video whenever you're feeling your best and have the time - days or even weeks in advance. This removes the pressure of performing live and lets you create content on your own schedule. It also means you can run the same LIVE event multiple times for different time zones without having to repeat the performance yourself, making it an incredibly efficient way to reach a global audience.

Automate Content for Consistent Engagement

Want to run a weekly Q&,A session where you answer the most common questions about your industry? Record it once and stream it every week. Got a fantastic tutorial that drives sales? Run it on a loop for a few hours. This method allows you to create evergreen "live" content that works for you even when you're focused on other things. It’s an unbeatable strategy for consistently showing up for your audience without burning out.

Getting Started: The Essential Toolkit

You can't do this from your phone, but the setup is simpler than you might think. Before you get started, make sure you have these four things ready to go.

• A TikTok Account with LIVE Access: To go live from a computer, you generally need at least 1,000 followers and to be over 18. This requirement can change, so always check TikTok's latest policies.
• A Pre-Recorded Video: Film and edit a high-quality video in a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio (1080x1920 pixels is standard). Make sure the audio is crystal clear. Even though it's pre-recorded, try to film it with an energetic, "live" style.
• A Computer (PC or Mac): All the streaming magic happens on your desktop or laptop. A reasonably modern computer should be able to handle it without any issues.
• Streaming Software (OBS Studio): Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a free, powerful, and widely used application that lets you send your video feed to platforms like TikTok. This is the bridge between your computer and your LIVE stream.

Step-by-step Guide to Streaming Pre-Recorded Video on TikTok LIVE

Once you have your toolkit assembled, it's time to connect the pieces. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll be streaming in no time.

Step 1: Get Your TikTok Stream Key

Your TikTok Stream Key is a unique code that tells TikTok that the stream coming from your computer is authorized to post to your account. Never share this key with anyone.

1. On your computer, go to tiktok.com and log in to your account.
2. Click the "Go LIVE" link, which is usually located on the left-hand sidebar or found by clicking your profile picture on the top right.
3. This will open the LIVE Center. On the "LIVE settings" card, you'll see a section called "Server URL" and "Stream key." Click the "Copy" button for each of these. Keep this browser tab open for later.

Step 2: Download and Install OBS Studio

If you don't already have it, OBS is easy to get. Simply go to obsproject.com and download the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Follow the installation prompts like you would with any other software.

Step 3: Configure OBS Settings for TikTok

You need to tell OBS what to stream and where to send it. When you first open OBS, you might be prompted by the Auto-Configuration Wizard. You can cancel this and configure the settings manually for perfect results.

1. In OBS, go to File >, Settings (or OBS Studio >, Settings on Mac).
2. Video Settings:
   • Click the "Video" tab on the left.
   • Set both the "Base (Canvas) Resolution" and "Output (Scaled) Resolution" to the vertical format: 1080x1920.
   • Set "Common FPS Values" to 30. Hit "Apply." The main OBS canvas will now look like a tall phone screen.
3. Stream Settings:
   • Click the "Stream" tab on the left.
   • For "Service," select "Custom..." from the dropdown menu.
   • Paste your Server URL from TikTok into the "Server" field.
   • Paste your unique Stream Key from TikTok into the "Stream Key" field.
4. Output Settings:
   • Click the "Output" tab on the left.
   • For most internet connections, set your "Video Bitrate" to around 4000 Kbps. If you have a slower connection, you can try 2500 Kbps. A higher bitrate results in better video quality.
   • Click "OK" to save all your settings.

Step 4: Add Your Pre-Recorded Video as a Source

This is where you load your video into OBS.

1. In the main OBS window, find the box labeled "Sources" (usually at the bottom). Click the "+" icon.
2. Select "Media Source" from the menu.
3. Give it a recognizable name, like "My Awesome Tutorial," and click "OK."
4. In the new window, click the "Browse" button next to "Local File" and locate the video file on your computer.
5. Important: If you want your video to play continuously, check the box that says "Loop." This is great for evergreen content you want to run for an extended period.
6. Click "OK." Your video should now appear in the OBS preview window, filling the vertical canvas.

Step 5: Go LIVE!

You’re at the final step. It's time to connect everything and start the broadcast.

1. In your OBS window, click the "Start Streaming" button. This will start sending your video feed from your computer to TikTok's server.
2. Go back to your TikTok LIVE Center tab in your web browser. After a few seconds, you should see a live preview of your stream. This confirms TikTok is receiving the signal from OBS.
3. In the LIVE Center, enter a catchy title for your stream, select a topic, and pick an engaging cover photo.
4. When you're ready, click the final "Go LIVE" button on the TikTok page. You are now officially live on TikTok with your pre-recorded video!
5. Hop on your phone, open the TikTok app, go to your own LIVE stream as a viewer, and start engaging with your audience in the comments.

Best Practices for a Great "Live" Experience

The technical setup is only half the battle. To make your stream successful, you need to create an experience that feels interactive and alive.

• Live in the Comments: This is non-negotiable. The number one reason this strategy works is because you're free to handle community management. Greet people by username as they join. Pin interesting comments. Respond thoughtfully to questions. People will stay longer when they see the creator is actively participating.
• Record with Interactivity in Mind: When filming your video, speak as if you're live. Ask questions for the audience to answer in the chat ("Let me know in the comments where you're tuning in from!"). This makes the recording feel less static and prompts engagement.
• Add a Simple Overlay in OBS: Use the OBS "Sources" menu to easily add a text layer over your video with a call-to-action like "Tap the screen to show some love!" or "Follow for more!" This adds a professional touch and reminds viewers how to engage.
• Promote Your Stream in Advance: Just like a real live event, let people know when it's happening. Post regular TikTok videos in the days leading up to your stream, building anticipation for the topic and telling people to show up.

A consistent LIVE strategy is a key part of growing your brand, but so is maintaining a steady drumbeat of daily content. Keeping all those pieces organized can be tough. At Postbase, we designed our visual calendar to give you a clear, bird's-eye view of your entire social media schedule. It lets you plan and schedule your standard TikTok videos with ease, so you can build hype before a big LIVE stream and have great follow-up content ready to post right after it ends, all without the chaos.

Streaming high-quality videos and engaging with your audience is crucial for success on TikTok Live. Remember to always strive for the best visual and audio fidelity to capture and retain viewers.

Effective engagement is key to building a loyal following. Learn how to increase engagement on TikTok through active participation in comments and interactive content creation.