You can stream on TikTok from a PC using OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS, connected to your TikTok account through a browser

TikTok's native PC app does not include a built-in streaming feature. To go live on TikTok from your computer, you need third-party streaming software — most commonly OBS Studio (free, open-source) or Streamlabs OBS (free with optional paid features). Both capture your screen or camera feed and send it to TikTok's servers using a stream key that you generate in your TikTok account settings through a web browser.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes to set up the first time. After that, starting a stream takes under a minute. Your account must be at least 18 days old, have at least 1,000 followers, and have no recent violations of TikTok's community guidelines.

Key Takeaways

  • You need OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS on your PC plus a stream key from your TikTok account to broadcast live.
  • Your TikTok account must be at least 18 days old and have at least 1,000 followers before you can stream.
  • OBS Studio is free and lightweight; Streamlabs OBS is also free but uses more system resources and includes built-in alerts and overlays.
  • You generate a unique stream key in TikTok's Creator Center through a web browser, then paste it into your streaming software.
  • Your PC needs a stable internet connection (at least 2.5 Mbps upload speed recommended) and a webcam or capture card if you want to show video.

What you need before you start streaming

Check your TikTok account first. Open TikTok in a web browser, go to your profile, and look for Creator Center in the menu. If you do not see it, your account may be too new or does not meet the follower requirement. TikTok requires accounts to be at least 18 days old and have a minimum of 1,000 followers to access the live streaming feature.

On your PC, you will need streaming software (OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS), a stable internet connection, and ideally a webcam or external camera. If you want to stream gameplay, a capture card is not required — you can capture your screen directly in the software. Test your internet speed at speedtest.net; TikTok recommends at least 2.5 Mbps upload speed for stable streaming, though 5 Mbps or higher is more reliable.

read and install OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS

OBS Studio is the lighter option. Go to obsproject.com, read the Windows version, and run the installer. The setup wizard walks you through basic settings. Once installed, open OBS and you will see a blank canvas with sections for Sources, Scenes, and Controls at the bottom.

Streamlabs OBS is available at streamlabs.com. read the Windows installer and run it. Streamlabs OBS is heavier on system resources but includes built-in alerts, chat overlays, and scene templates that save setup time. Both are free; Streamlabs offers a paid tier for additional features, but the free version is sufficient for streaming.

If your PC is older or has limited RAM (under 8 GB), OBS Studio will perform better. If you want alerts and overlays without extra work, Streamlabs OBS is the faster choice.

Generate your TikTok stream key

Open TikTok in a web browser and log in. Click your profile icon, then select Creator Center from the menu. Look for the Live option or Broadcasting section — the exact label varies by region. Click it, then select Go Live or Start Streaming.

You will see a section labeled Stream Key or RTMP URL. Copy the stream key (a long string of characters). Do not share this key with anyone; it is like a password to your live stream. If someone has your key, they can broadcast to your audience. Keep it private and regenerate it if you think it has been compromised.

Some regions show both a stream key and an RTMP server address. If you see both, copy both — you will need them in your streaming software.

Set up your streaming software to connect to TikTok

In OBS Studio: Click Settings (bottom right), then Stream. Under Service, select Custom. Paste your RTMP server address in the Server field (if you have one; if not, use rtmps://live-api-s.tiktok.com:443/live_api). Paste your stream key in the Stream Key field. Click explore, then OK.

In Streamlabs OBS: Click the Settings icon (gear) in the bottom left. Select Stream, then select TikTok from the platform dropdown. Paste your stream key into the Stream Key field. Streamlabs will handle the server address automatically. Click Done.

After you paste your key, do not close the settings. You still need to add a video source so viewers see something when you go live.

Add a video source and test your stream

In OBS Studio, click the plus sign under Sources and select Video Capture Device. Choose your webcam from the dropdown. If you want to stream your screen instead, select Display Capture and choose which monitor. Click OK. You should see your webcam feed or screen in the preview window.

In Streamlabs OBS, click the plus sign under Sources and select Video Capture Device or Display Capture. Choose your camera or screen. The preview updates when ready.

Before you go live, click Start Streaming (OBS) or Start Stream (Streamlabs) to test. Wait 10 seconds, then click Stop Streaming. Go back to TikTok in your browser and check your Creator Center — you should see a test stream in your history. If the video appears, your setup is working. If it does not, check that your stream key is correct and your internet connection is stable.

Go live on TikTok from your PC

Open your streaming software and make sure your scene is set up the way you want it. In OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS, click Start Streaming. Wait a few seconds for the connection to establish — you will see a timer counting up once you are live.

Open TikTok in a browser tab and go to your Creator Center. You should see your live stream appear within 10 to 20 seconds. Share the link to your followers, or they can find your stream by visiting your profile directly. While you are streaming, you can read comments in real time in most streaming software, though the delay is usually 5 to 15 seconds.

To end the stream, click Stop Streaming in your software. The broadcast will end when ready on TikTok. Your stream will be saved to your profile as a video for 30 days unless you delete it.

Troubleshooting common streaming problems

Stream keeps disconnecting: Check your internet speed and close other programs using bandwidth. Move closer to your router or use a wired ethernet connection if possible. Restart your streaming software and try again.

No video appears on TikTok: Verify your stream key is correct by copying it again from Creator Center. Make sure you selected the right video source in your streaming software. Check that your firewall is not blocking OBS or Streamlabs — you may need to add them to your firewall's allowed apps list.

Audio is missing or distorted: In OBS Studio, click Settings, then Audio. Make sure your microphone is selected under Mic/Auxiliary Audio. In Streamlabs OBS, click Settings, then Audio, and verify your microphone device. Test your microphone in Windows Settings before streaming.

Stream is laggy or choppy: Lower your bitrate in your streaming software settings. Start at 2500 kbps and adjust down if you see lag. Close other programs on your PC. If your PC is old, OBS Studio will perform better than Streamlabs OBS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a capture card to stream on TikTok from my PC?

No. You can stream your webcam or screen directly using OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS. A capture card is only necessary if you want to stream video from a console or external device like a Nintendo Switch or camera. For PC screen and webcam streaming, the software alone is enough.

Can I stream on TikTok if my account is less than 18 days old?

No. TikTok requires accounts to be at least 18 days old and have at least 1,000 followers before the live streaming feature becomes available. If you do not see the option in Creator Center, wait until both requirements are met.

What internet speed do I need to stream on TikTok?

TikTok recommends at least 2.5 Mbps upload speed. For stable, high-quality streams, 5 Mbps or higher is better. Check your upload speed at speedtest.net. If your speed is lower, close other programs using the internet and move closer to your router.

Can someone else use my stream key to broadcast to my account?

Yes, which is why you should keep your stream key private. If you think your key has been shared or compromised, regenerate it in Creator Center. The old key will stop working when ready.

How long does my stream stay on my TikTok profile after I end it?

Your stream is saved as a video on your profile for 30 days. After 30 days, it is automatically deleted unless you read it or save it to your drafts. You can delete it manually at any time.