What is a TikTok URL?
A TikTok URL is the web address that points to your TikTok profile. Having a custom URL makes your profile easier to share and promote. TikTok URLs follow the format tiktok.com/@yourusername.
According to an article on QQTube, “Visit the profile on tiktok.com and select the URL field in the search bar. Copy the link. The profile URL should have the following format:” (1).
In summary, a custom TikTok URL is the unique web address for your TikTok profile page. It uses your TikTok username and makes it simple to share your profile with others.
TikTok Requirements for a Custom URL
In order to get a custom URL on TikTok, your account must meet certain requirements:
Your profile must be set to public. Private accounts are not eligible for custom URLs.
Your account must be at least 30 days old. New accounts will not be able to change their URL.
You must have a minimum of 10,000 followers. This threshold ensures that custom URLs are reserved for more established creators.1
These requirements help TikTok control the distribution of custom URLs and prevent impersonation or squatting of desirable usernames. Meeting the criteria demonstrates your account’s authenticity and popularity.
How to Change Your TikTok Username
To change your username on TikTok:
1. Open the TikTok app and tap on your profile icon at the bottom.
2. Tap “Edit Profile”.
3. Tap on your current username and edit it to your desired new username.
4. Tap “Check Availability” to verify the username is available.
5. Tap “Save” to confirm the change.
Once you change your username, your profile URL will also update to reflect the new username. However, any old links using your previous username may still work for a while.
It’s important to note there is a 30 day waiting period before you can change your username again. So choose wisely! Changing usernames too frequently can also cause you to lose followers.
Claiming Your TikTok URL
To claim your TikTok URL, first go to your profile page and tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Select “Settings and privacy” from the menu.
Next, tap “Account” and then “Claim custom URL.” You will then be prompted to type in your desired custom URL. Keep in mind that TikTok URLs can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, or periods. The URL must also be at least 4 characters long.
According to this VoxFeed support article, once you have entered your desired URL, tap “Submit.” TikTok will check if your URL is available. If it is taken, you will have to choose a different one.
Once you have claimed your unique TikTok URL, it will be the web address that leads directly to your TikTok profile. This makes it easy to share your profile with others. Your TikTok URL will also be different from your username, allowing you more flexibility and discoverability.
What is a TikTok Stream Key?
A TikTok stream key is a unique code that allows you to live stream on the TikTok platform. The stream key acts as a connection between your broadcasting software or device and your TikTok account.1 When you want to go live on TikTok, you will need to enter your stream key into your broadcasting software to authenticate and start streaming video to your TikTok profile.
The stream key essentially identifies your TikTok account as the destination for your live broadcast. TikTok generates a distinct stream key for every account, allowing you to securely stream content specifically to your own TikTok channel. Without a valid stream key, your broadcasting software would not be able to interface with TikTok’s live streaming feature.
Requirements for Live Streaming
In order to live stream on TikTok, your account must meet certain requirements:
You must be at least 18 years old according to the birthday you entered when creating your TikTok account. TikTok uses this to verify age for live streaming permissions.
Your account must have at least 1,000 followers. TikTok put this requirement in place to help curb abuse and limit live streams to established creators.
You must have no live stream violations on your account. Accounts that have violated TikTok’s community guidelines around live streaming may have their access revoked.
Meeting these requirements allows you to live stream directly from the TikTok app. You can broadcast live videos for your followers and interact with them in real time. Having enough followers and a clean record are key to gaining live streaming privileges.
How to Find Your Stream Key
To find your TikTok stream key on mobile, you will need to go to your TikTok profile. Tap the 3 dots in the top right corner of your profile, then select “Creator Tools” from the menu. Next, choose “Live Streaming” and then “Stream Key”.
This will display your unique stream key that you can use to connect TikTok live streams to broadcasting software or other platforms. Your TikTok stream key is specific to your account and allows your live broadcast to be shown on TikTok in real-time. It is important to keep your stream key private and not share it publicly.
According to How to Get a TikTok Stream Key | Restream Integrations, you can also find your TikTok stream key by logging into your account on a computer, clicking “Go Live” and then scrolling down to copy your stream key. Wherever you access it, be sure to keep your TikTok stream key secure.
Resetting Your Stream Key
If you believe your TikTok stream key has been compromised or you simply want to generate a new one, you can easily reset your stream key in the TikTok app.
To reset your TikTok stream key:
- Open the TikTok app and go to your profile page.
- Tap the three dot “more” menu in the top right and select “Creator Tools”.
- On the Creator Tools page, find your current stream key under “LIVE Streaming”
- Tap the three dots next to your stream key and select “Reset stream key”.
- TikTok will generate a brand new stream key for you.
Once you have a new stream key, you’ll need to update any broadcasting software or platforms you use with the new key before going live again. Resetting your stream key periodically is a good security practice to prevent misuse of your account.
For more details, check out TikTok’s guide on resetting your stream key.
Keeping Your Stream Key Secure
Your TikTok stream key allows direct access to your live broadcasts, so you should take measures to keep it secure:
Never share your stream key publicly or post it online. Treat your stream key like a password and only provide it to sources you completely trust. According to ObSbot, sharing your stream key makes your account vulnerable to being hijacked.
Reset your stream key periodically for better security. TikTok recommends resetting your key every few months as a precaution. You can generate a new key anytime under Settings > Advanced > Stream keys.
Revoke access immediately if you believe your stream key has been compromised. Go to Settings > Advanced > Stream keys and delete any keys that may have been exposed. This will disconnect any unauthorized streams. You can then create a new secure key.
By keeping your TikTok stream key private and resetting it routinely, you can help prevent unauthorized access to your live broadcasts.
Live Streaming Best Practices
When going live on TikTok, it’s important to follow some best practices to help ensure a successful stream. One key tip is to promote your live stream ahead of time. Post a compelling video teasing the live stream in advance so your current followers are aware and excited for the upcoming event.
You’ll also want to engage actively with viewers during the live stream by responding to comments and questions in real-time. Interacting with your audience helps build a connection and encourages participation.
It’s important to follow TikTok’s community guidelines when streaming live. Avoid nudity, hate speech, harassment, and dangerous or illegal content. Stay on the safe side to prevent your account from being banned.
Before starting your stream, check your internet connection speed and cellular data availability. Test your setup ahead of time to confirm everything is working properly and to avoid a disconnect mid-stream.
If you follow these best practices when going live on TikTok, you can create an entertaining and problem-free viewing experience for your audience.
