End your TikTok live stream on PC by clicking the X button or the "End Live Video" option in the bottom toolbar

When you are broadcasting live on TikTok from your computer, you stop the stream by locating the end button in your broadcast controls. On most setups, this appears as an X icon or a red "End Live Video" button at the bottom of your screen. The exact location depends on whether you are using TikTok's web version or a third-party streaming tool connected to your account.

The process takes seconds, but what happens after you end the stream matters. Your video does not automatically save to your profile — you have to choose whether to save it as a post, delete it, or let it disappear. Understanding this step prevents you from losing a broadcast you wanted to keep.

Key Takeaways

  • Click the X button or "End Live Video" button in your broadcast toolbar to stop streaming when ready.
  • After you end the stream, TikTok shows you options to save the video to your profile, delete it, or discard it.
  • If you do not save the video within the time window TikTok provides, the broadcast disappears and cannot be recovered.
  • Third-party streaming software like OBS or Streamlabs requires you to stop the broadcast in that software first, then end the TikTok connection separately.

Ending a live stream through TikTok's web browser

Open TikTok in your web browser and start or join a live stream from your account. Once you are broadcasting, look at the bottom of your screen for the broadcast control panel. You will see several buttons: one for comments, one for gifts, and one for ending the stream.

Click the X button or the button labeled "End Live Video." TikTok will ask you to confirm that you want to end the broadcast. Select "Yes" or "Confirm" when prompted. The stream stops when ready, and viewers are disconnected.

After the stream ends, a window appears showing you a preview of your broadcast. You can choose to "Save" the video to your profile, "Delete" it permanently, or let it expire. If you save it, the video becomes a regular post on your profile that viewers can watch later. If you delete it, the broadcast is gone and cannot be recovered.

Ending a stream when using third-party software like OBS

If you are using OBS Studio, Streamlabs, or similar broadcasting software to stream to TikTok, you must stop the broadcast in two places. First, stop the stream in your streaming software by clicking the "Stop Streaming" button. This disconnects your software from TikTok's servers.

Then, go to TikTok itself — either in your browser or the mobile app — and end the live stream from there as well. Some users forget this second step and leave the TikTok broadcast running even though no video is being sent. This can confuse viewers and may prevent you from starting a new stream right away.

After you stop the stream in both places, the same save-or-delete window appears. Choose whether to keep the broadcast on your profile or remove it.

What happens to your video after you end the stream

When you end a live broadcast on TikTok, the video does not stay on your profile by default. Instead, TikTok holds the recording temporarily and shows you a preview with three options: Save, Delete, or let it expire.

If you click "Save," the video is added to your profile as a regular post. Followers can watch it, like it, comment on it, and share it. The video remains on your profile until you delete it manually.

If you click "Delete," the broadcast is removed when ready and permanently. You cannot undo this action. If you do nothing and close the window, TikTok keeps the video for a limited time before automatically deleting it — usually within 24 to 48 hours, though this varies.

Troubleshooting when the end button does not work

If you click the end button and nothing happens, refresh your browser page. Sometimes the TikTok web interface freezes or lags, especially if you have been streaming for a long time or have many viewers.

If the page is frozen, close the browser tab entirely and reopen TikTok. Your stream will have ended on TikTok's servers even if your browser did not respond. Check your profile to see if the broadcast appears in your video history.

If you are using third-party software and the stream will not end, close the streaming software completely. This forces the connection to TikTok to drop. Then log back into TikTok to confirm the stream has stopped and to save or delete the video.

Preventing accidental streams and saving your broadcast

Before you start a live stream, make sure your camera and microphone are working and pointed the right way. Test them in a private call or recording first so you do not broadcast something you did not mean to.

Once you end the stream, save it when ready if you want to keep it. Do not rely on TikTok's temporary hold — close the browser, restart your computer, or get distracted, and you may lose the video. Saving takes one click and ensures the broadcast stays on your profile.

If you stream regularly, consider saving your broadcasts to your computer as well. Use screen recording software or read the video from TikTok after you post it. This gives you a backup in case TikTok removes the video or your account has issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I end a live stream and start a new one right away?

You can start a new stream a few minutes after ending the previous one. TikTok sometimes requires a short wait between streams to prevent abuse. If you try to go live when ready and get an error, wait 5 to 10 minutes and try again.

What if I end the stream but forget to save the video?

TikTok holds the video for a limited time, usually 24 to 48 hours. If you remember within that window, go to your profile, find the broadcast in your video history, and save it. After the window closes, the video is deleted permanently.

Does ending a live stream notify my followers?

Viewers see that the stream has ended when they try to watch it, but TikTok does not send a notification to your followers saying you went offline. If you want to tell them you are ending, say so in the chat before you click the end button.

Can I edit a live stream video after I save it?

No. Live stream videos cannot be edited in TikTok's editor the way regular videos can. You can delete it and upload a new version, or use external video editing software to edit the file before uploading it as a regular post instead.

Why does TikTok ask me to save or delete the video?

TikTok stores live broadcasts separately from regular posts. The save-or-delete step converts the broadcast into a regular post on your profile or removes it entirely. This gives you control over what stays visible to your audience.