TikTok is lately keeping us hooked to our phone screens all the time, and while it’s primarily because of the endless number of short videos, the platform isn’t short on other notable features, either. TikTok LIVE is a live streaming feature on TikTok that lets users go live and interact with their followers and other creators on the platform. Creators can also schedule LIVE events in advance and allow their followers and other creators to register for the event.
Other than these usual features, TikTok LIVE offers more interesting features to users going live. With the Guest option, live streamers can request other users to join their stream and interact with them on what is essentially a one-to-one video call visible to everyone.
The Guest option is an interesting way to interact with other creators of the TikTok community while interacting with your followers simultaneously. However, some users cannot use this option simply because they don’t seem to have the Guest option on TikTok LIVE.
If you are one such user, this blog is for you. In the following sections, you will learn the basics of TikTok live, why you might not be seeing the Guest option on LIVE, and whether you can enable the option for you. Let’s start.
TikTok LIVE: All you need to know
Making entertaining short videos on TikTok is cool. After all, that’s what TikTok is essentially about– sharing and watching videos. However, being a TikToker isn’t just about making videos and sharing them with the world. You also need to connect closely with people who watch and enjoy your videos.
For this reason, TikTok LIVE is a great feature for creators who want to interact with their followers in real-time. You can start a live stream on TikTok whenever you want, talk with your viewers, answer their questions and queries, and invite other users to join your live stream.
Before we move on further, there is a pressing question that needs to be discussed. Is TikTok LIVE for everyone?
The answer, unfortunately, is NO.
TikTok has laid out some rules and conditions– some clearly, some not so clearly– to specify who can and cannot use TikTok LIVE. While some users cannot use the LIVE functionality, others can avail of the basic services of LIVE but cannot use some features.
So, who can use TikTok LIVE?
As of 2022, TikTok LIVE is not available in all countries. Therefore, if TikTok doesn’t provide the LIVE functionality in your country, you won’t see the LIVE option at all.
Secondly, you must be at least 16 years old to host a live stream on TikTok. The age restriction has been placed for the security of younger streamers.
Lastly, the LIVE functionality is subject to monitoring in line with TikTok’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. In simple words, you just need to be polite and friendly while using any feature of TikTok and avoid saying anything that might harm or offend anyone in any way.
Why don’t I have Guest option on my TikTok Live?
If you cannot see the +Guests option on TikTok, it likely means that your account doesn’t meet the criteria for accessing this feature. Unfortunately, TikTok doesn’t specify the exact reason why the Guest option doesn’t appear for some users. However, some factors can strongly affect how you use LIVE streams on TikTok.
Here are some factors that might explain why you can’t see the Guest option on your TikTok live:
Your age
TikTok lets users aged 16 and above launch live streams on TikTok. However, the age limit is subject to the age restrictions in your area. If you are under 18 and live in a region where the age of majority is 18 years, you might not see some features, including the +Guests option.
If this is the reason, you might need to wait to “grow up” a little more.
Number of followers
There is no specific follower criterion to avail all the features of TikTok LIVE. However, the Virtual Items Policy of TikTok– applicable for users residing outside the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, or the UK– specifies that some users might not get the LIVE option based on the number of followers they have.
According to several sources, you might need to have at least 1000 followers to avail yourself of all the features of TikTok LIVE.
Outdated version of TikTok
This is more obvious than the above two factors. If you have not updated TikTok for quite some time, you should be prepared for glitches like this. Yes, the absence of the Guest option might not be more than a glitch if your app is not updated.
An outdated TikTok app can cause many problems, and this is just one of them. So, make sure to update your TikTok app from the Play Store or App Store.
Too much cache
Too much cache in any app can hinder the app from functioning properly. The absence of the +Guests button can also be caused by too much unnecessary cached data stored in the app.
To clear the app cache for TikTok, go to Settings→ Applications. Select TikTok from the list, and go to the Storage section. You can delete the cache by tapping on Clear cache. If clearing the cache doesn’t work, try clearing the data. Don’t worry- your videos won’t be deleted. You will only be logged out of your TikTok account.
How to invite someone as a guest on TikTok LIVE?
If the above methods help you get the +Guests button, follow these steps to invite someone as a guest on your live stream:
Step 1: Open the TikTok app.
Step 2: Tap on the big plus icon at the middle of the bottom panel.
Step 3: You will see some options at the bottom: Story, Templates, and Live. Go to Live.
Step 4: After applying the desired settings and filters, tap on Go LIVE.
Step 5: Tap on the +Guests icon near the bottom-left corner. If you have any join requests, you will see them here.
Step 6: To invite someone, tap on Invite.
Step 7: Search the users, and tap on the Invite button to invite them as guests to your live stream.
How to disable guest requests on TikTok LIVE?
If you don’t want to receive guest join requests on your live stream, you can turn them off. Here is how:
Step 1: Launch a live stream.
Step 2: Tap on +Guests to open the Go Live Together dialog box.
Step 3: Tap on the gear-shapedicon at the top-right corner of the box to open Settings.
Step 4: Under the Permission Settings section, disable the slider next to Allow requests from viewers. Only your followers will be able to send a request now.
Closing thoughts
TikTok LIVE is a great way to connect with your followers in a personal way. However, TikTok doesn’t provide the LIVE functionality to all its users on the basis of various factors, including age and follower count.
Likewise, it is also possible for some users to not get some options, such as the Guest option, on TikTok LIVE even though they can go live on the platform. This blog has discussed some common reasons that explain why you don’t have the Guest option on TikTok LIVE.
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