How to Stream to TikTok from Streamlabs

Streaming to TikTok directly from Streamlabs gives you the power of a professional broadcasting setup on a platform built for explosive growth. Forget shaky phone streams - this guide covers everything you need to know, from grabbing your secret TikTok stream key to designing slick vertical scenes that will captivate your audience. We'll walk you through the entire process so you can go live with confidence.

Why Stream to TikTok? The Massive Opportunity for Creators

If you're already creating content on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, you might wonder why you should add another platform to your routine. The answer is simple: discoverability. TikTok's algorithm is famously powerful at putting content in front of new faces. While growth on other platforms can feel like a slow grind, TikTok LIVE can introduce your stream to thousands of potential new followers on your "For You" page overnight.

Think of it as opening a new front door for your community. Someone who might never find you on Twitch could stumble upon your TikTok stream and become your next dedicated fan. The vertical video format also offers a more personal and intimate feel, making it easier to connect directly with viewers in a way that feels native to mobile users. It’s not about replacing your primary stream, it’s about expanding your brand’s reach and tapping into an energetic, highly engaged user base that's eager for live content.

Before You Start: TikTok LIVE Requirements

Before you get too excited, let's talk about the requirements. TikTok puts a few gatekeepers in place to make sure LIVE Studio access is given to established creators. This helps reduce spam and ensures users have a basic understanding of the platform's community guidelines. Here’s what you’ll likely need:

• A Minimum Follower Count: Historically, you've needed at least 1,000 followers to get access to streaming with a key. This number can change, so always check TikTok's latest guidelines, but it's a good benchmark to aim for.
• Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to go live and be eligible to receive virtual gifts from your viewers.
• A Clean Record: Your account needs to be in good standing, without recent suspensions or violations of community guidelines.

It's important to know that even if you meet these requirements, access to a stream key isn't always instant. TikTok often rolls out this feature in waves. Be patient, keep creating great content, and check your account regularly for access.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your TikTok Stream Key and Server URL

Once you have access, finding your stream key is straightforward. This key is the unique address that tells Streamlabs where to send your video feed. Treat it like a password to your channel - never share it publicly! Anyone with your stream key could stream to your account without your permission.

Here’s how to find it:

1. Log in on Desktop: Open your preferred web browser on your computer and go to TikTok.com. Log in to the account you want to stream from.
2. Find the "Go LIVE" Option: Look for a "Go LIVE" link. Typically, this can be found in the left-hand menu or sometimes by clicking your profile icon. If you don't see it, you may not have access to the feature yet.
3. Access Your LIVE Center: Clicking "Go LIVE" will take you to your personal LIVE Center dashboard. This is your command center for streaming to TikTok from a computer.
4. Locate Your Stream Key and URL: On this page, you'll find what you're looking for: a Server URL and a Stream Key. They will usually be displayed prominently. There will be "Copy" buttons next to each one.
5. Copy Both Securely: Click the "Copy" button for both the Server URL and Stream Key. We're about to plug these into Streamlabs.

Setting Up Streamlabs for TikTok: The Technical Side

Now that you have your credentials, it's time to set up Streamlabs. This part involves changing a few technical settings to make sure your stream is formatted correctly for TikTok's vertical-first world.

Part 1: Connecting Streamlabs to TikTok

First, we need to tell Streamlabs where to send your broadcast. This is where the custom RTMP server option comes in handy.

1. Open Streamlabs Desktop.
2. Navigate to the Settings cog, usually in the bottom-left corner.
3. In the settings window, go to the Stream tab.
4. Under "Stream Type," choose the option Custom Streaming Server.
5. Two new fields will appear: "URL" and "Stream key."
6. In the "URL" field, paste a copy of the Server URL from your TikTok LIVE Center.
7. In the "Stream key" field, paste a copy of your secret Stream Key from TikTok.
8. Click Done to save your changes.

Part 2: Configuring for Vertical Video (9:16)

This is the most critical step for making your stream look good on TikTok. A standard horizontal (16:9) stream will look tiny and awkward. We need to flip your canvas into a vertical (9:16) orientation.

1. Go back into Streamlabs Settings.
2. This time, select the Video tab.
3. You'll see two resolution settings: "Base (Canvas) Resolution" and "Output (Scaled) Resolution."
4. Change the Base (Canvas) Resolution to 1080x1920. Notice this is just the reverse of the standard '1920x1080'.
5. Change the Output (Scaled) Resolution to match it: 1080x1920.
6. Click Done. Your entire Streamlabs editing window will now be a tall rectangle.

Part 3: Redesigning Your Scenes for Vertical

Your old horizontal scenes won't work in this new setup. Your camera, alerts, and gameplay will all be scrunched up or cut off. The solution is to create Scenes just for TikTok streaming.

The best way to do this without disrupting your primary setup is to create a new Scene Collection. In Streamlabs, go to the scene selector area (usually above your list of scenes) and find the option for "New." Give your collection a name like "TikTok Vertical" to keep things organized.

Now, start building your scenes from scratch with the vertical layout in mind:

• Stack Your Sources: Think vertically. Instead of placing sources side-by-side, stack them on top of one another. For example, your face camera might be at the top, your gameplay in the middle, and an alert box or chat at the bottom.
• Frame Your Gameplay: Add your game capture source and resize it to fit into part of the vertical canvas. You won't be able to show the full widescreen view, so focus the capture on the most important parts of the screen.
• Enlarge Your Camera: TikTok is about connecting with YOU. Don't be afraid to make your camera source much larger than you would on Twitch. For "Just Chatting" style streams, a full-screen or half-screen camera is perfect.
• Get Creative with Space: Use the extra vertical space for fun elements like viewer goals, a rotating social media handle, or your subscriber alerts.

Best Practices for a Killer TikTok Live Stream

Going live is only half the battle. Thriving on TikTok LIVE requires a slightly different approach than other platforms.

• Promote Before You Go Live: A few hours beforehand, post a short TikTok video telling your followers when you'll be live and what you'll be doing. Use the LIVE sticker if you have it! This builds hype and brings an initial wave of viewers.
• Engage, Engage, Engage: The TikTok algorithm rewards interaction heavily. Greet people by name as they join, answer their questions, and thank them for gifts. Your goal is to keep the chat active. The more your viewers type, tap the screen for "Likes," and send gifts, the more TikTok will push your stream to new people.
• Have a Clear Hook: Your first 10 seconds are everything. Your title and what viewers see immediately should tell them exactly what your stream is about. Whether it's "Building a LEGO masterpiece" or "First time playing Elden Ring," be direct.
• Embrace the Energy: TikTok is a fast-paced platform. Bring high energy to your stream. Lean into the platform's culture - be authentic, be a bit chaotic, and have fun. A slow, quiet stream often gets swiped away.

Repurpose Your Best Live Moments

Don't let your live content "die" after the stream ends. Your best moments are pure gold for creating more content. Record all your streams, then watch them back later and clip out the best parts: the funniest quote, an amazing gameplay moment, or a great piece of advice you shared.

Edit these moments into short, punchy videos. Add on-screen captions (essential for mobile viewing), throw in a trending song, and post them as regular TikToks. This tactic creates a powerful growth loop. The clips act as advertisements for your live streams, attracting new people who then show up for your next session. It's the most effective way to turn one live broadcast into a week's worth of content that consistently fuels your channel's growth.

Final Thoughts

Connecting Streamlabs to TikTok opens up a massive new channel for your content. By getting your custom RTMP details, reconfiguring your scenes for a vertical format, and focusing on high-energy interaction, you can tap into TikTok's powerful discovery engine and build a community directly on the platform.

Once your stream ends, the work isn't over. Repurposing your best live moments into short-form videos is a great way to grow, but managing that content can be a hassle. At Postbase, we built our tool specifically for today’s content reality - especially short-form video. You can easily plan your repurposed clips in our visual calendar and schedule them to go out across TikTok, Reels, and Shorts all at once, helping you turn every live stream into weeks of evergreen content.