TikTok is a popular social media platform known for its short-form videos. In recent years, TikTok has also introduced live streaming capabilities, allowing users to broadcast live video to their followers in real-time. TikTok Live offers interactive features like adding comments, virtual gifts, and inviting guests.
TikTok users must have at least 1,000 followers to host their own live stream. There is also a new feature called “TikTok Live Studio” that allows users with 10,000+ followers to live stream using professional production tools.
Live streaming continues to grow in popularity on social media. According to one source, over 140 million users engage with live streams daily on TikTok. As live video becomes more central to the platform, both creators and viewers are interested in how TikTok handles and stores streamed content. This article provides an overview of TikTok’s live streaming features and video saving options.
TikTok’s Live Streaming Options
TikTok offers three main ways for users to live stream on the platform:
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Go Live allows users to start broadcasting live to their followers at any time. Creators can go live by tapping the plus button in the app and selecting “Go LIVE.”
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Live Now shows users a feed of live videos from people they follow that are currently streaming. Viewers can join Live Now streams while they’re happening.
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Livestreams are recordings of live broadcasts that remain viewable for up to 90 days after the live stream ends. Fans can watch replays of livestreams posted by creators they follow.
TikTok also provides features like Live Topics, guest features, real-time effects, and more to enhance the live streaming experience.
Do Live Videos Get Saved?
Live videos on TikTok are not automatically saved after a broadcast ends. However, creators do have the option to save their live videos as video on demand (VOD) replays that viewers can watch after the fact (Source: https://support.tiktok.com/en/live-gifts-wallet/tiktok-live/tiktok-live-replay).
According to TikTok’s Help Center, creators can choose to save their live videos as VOD replays. Saving the live video allows TikTok viewers to watch for up to 30 days after the original broadcast. However, if the creator opts not to save the live video, it will disappear once the broadcast ends (Source: https://www.quora.com/Do-TikTok-LIVE-videos-disappear).
So in summary, TikTok does give creators the option to save live videos, but does not do so automatically. It is up to each creator whether or not to preserve their live videos as on-demand content for future viewing.
User Controls for Saving Live Videos
TikTok gives users some control over saving their live videos. After a live stream ends, the video will be available for replay for 24 hours by default. Users have the option to delete the replay video at any time during this 24 hour window.
To delete a live replay video, users can go to their profile, tap on the LIVE tab, locate the video they want to remove, and tap the “Delete” button. This will permanently delete the replay so it is no longer viewable.
Alternatively, users can choose to save live videos to their camera roll. During the broadcast, tap the “Share” icon and select “Save video” to download it. Users can also save the replay video after the live stream ends. Downloading the video will allow you to keep it past the 24 hour window.
Users should be aware that downloading videos from TikTok requires accepting their Terms of Service. TikTok states they can store and use live videos for purposes like promoting the platform and complying with legal requirements.
Overall, TikTok provides some options for users to control saving live videos, but downloading them requires agreeing to share that content with TikTok as per their policies. Users should consider whether they are comfortable with these data practices before choosing to permanently save live streams.
Downloading Live Videos
While TikTok does not provide an official way to download live videos, there are a couple options users have to save livestreams:
First, users can use screen recording capabilities on their device to record a TikTok live video as it streams. This allows you to capture the live video and save it to your camera roll. Just make sure to follow your local laws and regulations when screen recording copyrighted material.
Second, there are third-party apps available that allow downloading TikTok live videos. Apps like SnapTik offer features to record and download live videos without watermarks. However, be cautious when using third-party apps and research their reputation and privacy practices first.
In summary, while TikTok itself does not let you download live videos, users do have options like screen recording or third-party apps to save livestreams locally on their device.
TikTok’s Video Moderation
TikTok allows live video creators to have moderators help manage their live streams. Moderators can be assigned during the live stream via the moderator menu. Up to 20 moderators are allowed per live stream. Moderators have special abilities to block and report abusive comments and users during a live broadcast (TikTok Live Safety, n.d.).
After a live stream ends, TikTok reviews and moderates the archived video like any other video upload. If any policy violations are found, TikTok may remove the video or restrict its distribution. Moderators can also report live streams after they end through the standard in-app reporting process. According to TikTok’s Community Guidelines, any content that is hateful, dangerous, or illegal may be removed (How to Moderate on Lives on TikTok, n.d.).
Data Practices and Privacy
When broadcasting live on TikTok, users should be aware that TikTok collects certain data from live videos. According to TikTok’s privacy policy, TikTok may collect information about your live streams such as date and time the live stream was created, number of views, comments, shares, likes, gift sender and receiver account information, and technical information about the live stream playback [1].
Specifically, TikTok states they may collect the following information from live streams:
- Date and time the live stream was created
- Number of views
- Comments, shares, likes associated with the live stream
- Gift sender and receiver account information
- Technical information about live stream playback
Users should be cautious about sharing any sensitive personal information during live streams, as TikTok may collect and process this data according to their privacy policy. It’s recommended that broadcasters review TikTok’s terms of service and privacy policy to understand how their data may be used.
Live Streaming Guidelines
TikTok has specific rules around prohibited content in live videos. According to their Community Guidelines, users are not allowed to live stream anything that violates their policies, such as nudity, sexual content, illegal activities, dangerous acts, violence, hate speech, harassment, and misinformation. TikTok states that live videos are monitored in real time and any violations could lead to the live stream being ended.
Additionally, TikTok’s guidelines say users must be 18 or older to live stream on the platform. There are also rules against live streaming private information without consent, content that sexually exploits minors, and content that endangers minors. Users are advised to follow local laws when live streaming.
TikTok aims to maintain a safe environment in live streams. They encourage users to report any concerning content they encounter. Moderators can take actions such as disabling comments or gifts, ending the live video prematurely, or suspending the account.
Best Practices for Live Streaming
Here are some tips for creators to have successful live videos on TikTok:
Plan your content and structure before going live. Decide on topics or activities and how you will present them. This will help the stream feel organized and engaging (source).
Promote your stream beforehand through other platforms like Instagram or YouTube to drive viewers to your stream. You can also promote through TikTok posts. Letting followers know about the stream ahead of time will boost initial viewership.
Interact with viewers through live chat and responding to comments. Engaging with the audience makes the stream more fun and interactive. Greet new viewers joining the stream as well.
Consider investing in some production equipment like lighting and microphones to enhance video and audio quality. This makes the stream more professional and pleasant to watch.
Collaborate with other creators through invite-only or guest streams. Featuring special guests can help bring their fanbase to your stream and make it more unique.
Pay attention to timing. Consider when your target audience is most likely online and active. Scheduling streams strategically can maximize live viewers.
Keep streaming consistently to grow your audience. Regular streams allow followers to become invested in your channel.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok does not automatically save live videos after a broadcast ends. Users have the option to record and save their livestreams, but by default they disappear once the broadcast stops. While TikTok holds onto some live videos for a short period to review for rule violations, those recordings are not available for users to re-watch later. There are some third-party apps that allow downloading archived livestreams, but this only works if the creator enabled recording. With live video being a popular and growing TikTok feature, users should be mindful of what they broadcast and avoid sharing anything they wouldn’t want permanently accessible. Overall, the ephemeral nature of TikTok lives provides a unique way to interact with viewers in real-time, but does not keep an archive of past streams unless users take action to record and save them.
