How To Get a TikTok Stream Key in 2023

September 19, 2023
by Liam Doherty

With the rise of livestreaming and the advent of social media platforms like TikTok, getting a stream key has become essential for those seeking to broadcast their content. While TikTok offers its own broadcasting software called TikTok Live Studio, using other popular broadcasting software like OBS or Streamlabs requires a stream key. In this article, we will delve into what a stream key is, how it enables complex graphics and overlays, and discuss the requirements and tips for obtaining a stream key on TikTok.

What is a stream key?

A stream key is a unique code that lets you connect your streaming software (e.g., OBS, Streamlabs, etc.) to a streaming platform. Your stream key is essentially a password & identifier rolled into one that gets interpreted by the streaming platform to verify you. When you go live in your broadcasting software, the stream key lets the platform know which account is streaming.

As you might have guessed a stream key should be concealed and considered sensitive data. If someone else gains access to your key they can stream on your channel, so be cautious, and never configure such settings while you’re live.

Stream keys make streaming very convenient by removing the need to log in every time you want to start a stream. As long as your stream key is valid, you can go live straight from your streaming software. And if you’re running an event, like a tournament or conference, you can share your stream key so others can go live through your account without giving up the credentials to your account.

TikTok only gives stream keys to users that meet their eligibility requirements. More on those below.

Do I need a stream key to go live on TikTok?

No. A stream key is not required if you want to go live to TikTok from the mobile app or if you want to stream using TikTok Live Studio. This proprietary streaming software works similarly to OBS and is designed to make going live to TikTok as simple and hassle-free as possible. However if you want more flexibility and advanced features when streaming to TikTok from a PC you’ll need to use broadcasting software such as OBS or Streamlabs. Both of which require a stream key to go live on your TikTok account.

For the advanced users out there that want greater control over their stream, TikTok Live Studio’s lack of features might feel like a major step down from OBS or Streamlabs. These applications have been in development for years and not only have more features, but a rich ecosystem of apps and plugins which continually push the boundaries of what’s possible. Crucially, these more advanced software let you stream to other platforms (known as multistreaming), which is a key feature if your brand also has a presence on Twitch, YouTube, or Kick.

If you have a basic setup and only stream to TikTok, TikTok Live Studio doesn’t require a stream key and is the easiest solution to get your stream up and running in no time. But if you want total control over your stream and plan to stream to multiple platforms, then you’ll want to use the other software solutions out there, all of which require a stream key.

How do I get a stream key on TikTok?

Unlike other major streaming platforms, users aren’t instantly granted a stream key. You must prove you have an active and engaged following before you’re given a key. There is currently no way to submit an application for stream key access. You’ll just have to work to fulfill the eligibility requirements and wait for TikTok to review your account.

Here’s the full list of minimum requirements you need to fulfill:

1. Age : You’ll need to be at least 18 years of age to go live on the Tiktok platform. In comparison to other platforms where you can go live as young as 13 years old, TikTok appears quite strict in this regard.
2. Followers : Typically, you need at least 1,000 followers to qualify for the stream key feature. This is arguably the most difficult requirement for most creators looking to get a stream key. Don’t worry if you’ve not yet reached this milestone, check out our tips below to help grow your following on TikTok.
3. Verification : Ensure your TikTok account is verified with a phone number, email, or connected to a social media account. Verification helps establish your authenticity as a creator.
4. Community Guidelines Compliance : TikTok expects creators to abide by its community guidelines, ensuring a safe and responsible environment for all users. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines and adhere to them.

Even after you’ve met the requirements it’s not guaranteed you’ll be given a stream key. Instead you’ll have to prove that you’re an active and consistent creator. TikTok gives a stream key to creators which they believe can create great content for their audience. Check out our tips below to learn some of the best ways to prove you’re a worthy creator.

Tips to Quickly get a Stream Key on TikTok

When it comes to getting your TikTok stream key there really are no shortcuts. TikTok are only interested in giving keys to creators who can demonstrate that they can produce high quality content consistently and within their guidelines. With that being said there are tried and tested ways of growing your account organically which will speed up the eligibility process. TikTok has been shown to grant stream keys to creators who:

- are active,
- have a sizable and engaged following,
- promote the TikTok platform on other social media,
- follow the platform’s community guidelines.

Here are several ways you can show TikTok that you’re a top creator:

1. Consistent Content Creation

Regularly posting high-quality content can help grow your follower count, making it easier to reach the 1,000 minimum requirement. Pay attention to what your followers are saying and commenting, and dive into the insight data TikTok provides to get an understanding of what content your audience likes or dislikes. Content creation is all about catering to the real people that are watching, so…

2. Engage with Your Audience

Interact with your followers by responding to comments and asking for their suggestions, creating a loyal and engaged community. Hold polls, listen to feedback, respond to comments. This part can be the most rewarding part of content creation, so have fun building your community!

3. Collaborate with Others

Partnering with other TikTok creators can boost your visibility and help attract new followers who are interested in similar content.

4. Leverage Other Social Media Platforms

Promote your TikTok account on other social media platforms to extend your reach and attract more followers faster.

Conclusion

Livestreaming on TikTok opens up endless possibilities for creators to connect with their audience in real-time. Although any user can stream from their phone, you can have more control by going live to TikTok from your PC, either through TikTok Live Studio or other streaming solutions, like OBS and Streamlabs.

TikTok Live Studio provides a seamless streaming experience and doesn’t require a stream key, but the software is simple and lacks many of the features of other streaming software. It also doesn’t let you stream to other platforms, like Twitch, YouTube or Kick. If you want advanced control over your entire viewer experience, OBS and Streamlabs both require a TikTok stream key but let you add professional graphics, overlays, and animations. Check out the Hexeum store for examples of the kind of top-quality add-ons you can use to elevate your stream.

By adhering to the requirements and implementing the tips mentioned above, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining a TikTok stream key and unlocking the full potential of livestreaming on the platform.

This entry was posted in Guides.

Bookmark the permalink

Liam Doherty

Liam Doherty comes from game development background, initially exposing him to the world of content creators. In 2017 he decided to dive headfirst into the creators realm, offering solutions for branding and creating better content.