TikTok is a popular social media app that allows users to create and share short videos. The app has seen rapid growth since its launch in 2016, with over 1 billion monthly active users as of 2021.
In late 2019, TikTok introduced the ability for users to live stream video on the platform. This allows creators to broadcast live to their followers in real-time. TikTok live streaming has become an increasingly popular feature, allowing creators to engage with their audience during live broadcasts.
While TikTok has its own in-app live streaming capabilities, creators can also use third-party apps and software to enhance their TikTok live streams. This includes apps that provide multi-guest capabilities, live moderation tools, and more advanced streaming options.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top third-party apps used for live streaming on TikTok in 2023.
TikTok’s Native Live Streaming
TikTok has built-in live streaming capabilities through its mobile app. To go live on TikTok, users need to have at least 1,000 followers. With TikTok’s native live streaming, broadcasters can interact with viewers in real-time through comments and gifts. Some features include adding co-hosts, using filters and stickers, and more.
TikTok live streams can last up to 4 hours. The video is available for replay on the broadcaster’s profile for up to 30 days if they choose to save it. One limitation is that TikTok live streaming is only available through the mobile app and cannot be accessed on desktop.
According to TikTok, going live is an effective way for creators to engage with followers in an authentic way. Live streams often get higher viewership and engagement compared to regular video posts. It provides a platform for creators to showcase their talents, host talk shows, share behind-the-scenes footage, and more [1].
Streamlabs OBS
Streamlabs OBS (SLOBS) is a free software by Streamlabs optimized for live streaming on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and now TikTok. It’s an all-in-one streaming app that provides live streaming capabilities as well as tools to engage with your audience (1).
SLOBS allows you to add overlays, widgets and alerts to make your live streams visually compelling. It also has an integrated chatbot and supports third-party plugins. With SLOBS you can stream using a PC webcam or connect a standalone camera. Screen capture and multi-scene switching are also supported (1).
To live stream on TikTok using SLOBS you need to connect your TikTok account and generate a stream key. SLOBS makes this easy by letting you log into your TikTok account right from the app. Once connected, you can go live on TikTok with a single click. SLOBS has customizable layouts so you can brand your TikTok live stream (1).
Overall, Streamlabs OBS provides an intuitive and full-featured live streaming studio optimized for TikTok and other platforms. Its tools for audience engagement, multi-scene production and built-in monetization make it a popular choice for TikTok live streaming (1).
Streamyard
Streamyard is a popular live streaming studio that allows users to stream to various platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. While Streamyard does not have native integration with TikTok, it does offer some workaround options to use Streamyard for TikTok live streaming.
Overview of Streamyard:
Streamyard is a cloud-based live streaming studio that makes it easy to create professional, multi-guest live streams without any special equipment or skills. Some key features of Streamyard include:
- Stream to major platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and more
- Add overlays, backgrounds, branding
- Invite up to 6 guests with one-click guest invites
- Screen share capabilities
- Cloud-based with no software to download
While Streamyard itself does not have native TikTok integration, there are a couple options users can leverage to essentially use Streamyard for TikTok live streaming.
Yellow Duck
Yellow Duck is a live streaming software specifically designed for TikTok live streaming. It allows users to combine multiple camera sources, add overlays and effects, and stream to TikTok using a desktop streaming software. Some key features of Yellow Duck include:
– Multi-camera support: Mix up to 4 HD video sources like webcams, cameras, capture cards and screen capture into one professional live stream.
– Live effects: Apply fun effects like green screen, lower thirds, transitions, and more to create an engaging TikTok live stream.
– Direct TikTok streaming: Stream directly to TikTok with no need for a 3rd party encoder. Yellow Duck handles encoding for you.
– Desktop streaming software: Yellow Duck is downloaded and runs on your Windows or Mac computer for a full production suite.
Overall, Yellow Duck provides an easy way for TikTok creators to enhance their live streams without needing a mobile device. It gives creators more production control compared to TikTok’s basic native streaming.
(Source: https://www.tiktok.com/music/Yellow-Duck-Original-Version-6734466697962457089?lang=en)
Larix Broadcaster
Larix Broadcaster is a popular mobile live streaming app available for both Android and iOS. It allows users to live stream video to various platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and more. Some key features of Larix Broadcaster include:
Multi-streaming – Ability to stream to multiple platforms simultaneously.
High quality streaming – Supports streaming in up to 1080p resolution.
Custom overlays and branding – Add overlays, logos, images etc. to brand your stream.
Interact with viewers – See live comments and engage with viewers during streams.
Screen recording mode – Record your mobile screen and live stream the screen recording.
Integration with streaming platforms – Stream live video directly to TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and more.
Larix Broadcaster makes it easy for anyone to start live streaming professional, high quality video from their mobile device. Its integration with TikTok live streaming makes it a popular choice among TikTok creators.[1]
Switcher Studio
Switcher Studio is an all-in-one video platform for live streaming and content creation. It provides everything in one subscription to easily stream, switch cameras, add graphics and effects, record, and share videos across multiple platforms.
Switcher Studio works with iOS, Android, Chromebooks, and Windows so it’s compatible with a wide range of devices. It can be used to live stream to Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and even TikTok Live. The app features a “Switcher Cloud” account that allows you to stream from multiple iOS devices for a multi-camera setup or to remotely control a stream. It includes Switcher Studio Live to live stream via mobile devices or Switcher Studio Desktop to live stream via a Chromebook or Windows computer.
Key features of Switcher Studio include:
- Multi-camera switching during live streams
- Picture-in-picture and custom layouts
- Adding graphics, logos and text overlays
- Virtual camera support to use with other software
- Instant replays and highlight clip creation
- Chroma key green screen effects
- Remote control capabilities
- Streaming to multiple destinations simultaneously
Switcher Studio makes it easy for anyone to get set up with a professional multi-camera live streaming production. Its combination of multi-device compatibility, cloud connectivity, and intuitive controls ideally suit it for live streaming to TikTok.
Comparison
When comparing the top live streaming apps for use with TikTok, there are some key differences to consider.
TikTok Live is the native live streaming feature built directly into the TikTok app, allowing users to broadcast video live to their followers. It offers easy setup and built-in features like adding effects and bringing guests into the stream. However, TikTok Live lacks more advanced production features like switching between scenes and adding overlays (source).
Streamlabs OBS and Streamyard offer more customization and production features like overlays, transitions, and multi-source scenes. However, they require streaming to a separate platform like YouTube or Twitch, while TikTok Live streams directly to TikTok. Streamlabs OBS has a steeper learning curve while Streamyard is more beginner-friendly (source).
Apps like Yellow Duck, Larix Broadcaster, and Switcher Studio allow streaming to TikTok Live directly from their app, with more advanced features than TikTok Live alone. However, they may have additional costs while TikTok Live is free. They also require more setup compared to the native TikTok Live (source).
Overall, TikTok Live itself offers the simplest solution for basic streaming needs, while third-party apps provide more customization at the cost of extra complexity. The choice comes down to the specific streaming features and workflow required.
Recommendation
Based on the pros and cons of each app, Streamlabs OBS stands out as the best app for TikTok live streaming. Here are some key reasons why:
Streamlabs OBS is free and open source, making it accessible to anyone wanting to stream on TikTok. At the same time, it has an intuitive interface and powerful built-in features, like screen capture, overlays, alerts and more. This makes the live streaming process seamless for both new and experienced streamers.
Streamlabs OBS also offers seamless integration with TikTok’s API, allowing streamers to easily pull chat and stream analytics directly into the app interface. This level of TikTok integration exceeds what other apps provide.
Additionally, Streamlabs OBS has cross-platform support and optimization for TikTok streaming on both mobile and desktop devices. So no matter how you want to stream, it provides a top-notch experience.
For these reasons, Streamlabs OBS stands out as the recommended app for live streaming on TikTok and engaging with your audience in real time.
Conclusion
To summarize, TikTok offers built-in live streaming capabilities directly through the app. However, many content creators opt to use third party streaming software like Streamlabs OBS, Streamyard, Yellow Duck, Larix Broadcaster, and Switcher Studio to enhance their broadcasts. These dedicated streaming apps provide more customization options, professional production features, multi-platform streaming, and integration with other software. When choosing the best software for TikTok live streaming, consider your budget, technical needs, and desired features. Any of these options can help you create an engaging, high quality broadcast on TikTok. Ultimately, the right software comes down to your goals, resources, and audience. With the capabilities of TikTok’s platform and third party streaming tools, anyone can become a live broadcaster on TikTok.
In conclusion, while TikTok has an easy native streaming option, third party software unlocks more potential for creativity and professionalism. Carefully evaluating your needs and researching the available tools is the key to selecting the best app for TikTok live streaming. The possibilities are endless when you utilize the right technology.
