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From November 20th through November 26th, 2024, stream to TikTok LIVE using Streamlabs Desktop and rise through the ranks to win prizes while increasing your engagement with #GamingonTikTok. Head to the official streaming challenge page here and enter to learn more!
Whether you're a seasoned streamer or just starting out, using Streamlabs Desktop can help you maximize the quality and engagement of your TikTok live streams. This guide will walk you through optimizing Streamlabs Desktop to provide the best possible experience for you and your audience when using the streaming software.
Jump Ahead:
- Setting up Streamlabs Desktop for TikTok
- Optimizing Video and Audio Quality
- Customizing Overlays and Alerts
- Leveraging Dual Output
Setting up Streamlabs Desktop for TikTok
Before diving into optimization, you’ll first need to connect Streamlabs Desktop to your TikTok account. The setup process is straightforward.
Step 1: Log into your TikTok account. You can log in via QR code, phone/email/username, Facebook, Google, Twitter or Apple. Be sure to log in with whichever credentials are associated with the TikTok account you’d like to go live from.
Step 2: Once you’ve logged in, Authorize Streamlabs to access your TikTok account.
Step 3: If you have permission to stream live to TikTok natively, you can hit the Confirm & Go Live button and start streaming.
If you don’t have permission, please select the Apply for TikTok Live Permission button to be redirected to the TikTok application page.
In some cases, you may have permission to stream to TikTok as an RTMP Destination only. You can enter your TikTok server URL and stream key in this case (if available to you). If you’d like native access, please click the Apply for TikTok Live Permission button.
For more information about connecting your TikTok account to Streamlabs, check out our guide for streaming to TikTo from a desktop computer.
Optimizing Video and Audio Quality
The great thing about streaming to TikTok LIVE using Streamlabs Desktop is that the streaming software automatically optimizes the stream by simply connecting the platform. Here are the recommended settings to ensure smooth video and crystal-clear audio:
- Resolution: Set your video resolution to 1080 x 1920 (or higher).
- Frame Rate (FPS): For smooth streams, aim for 30 FPS. If you have a stronger setup, bump it up to 60 FPS for an ultra-smooth experience. P.S. TikTok recommends that you set the FPS to at least 30 for gaming and 24 or higher for lifestyle content.
- Audio: Make sure to test your audio beforehand to ensure clear sound without distortion.
Customizing Overlays and Alerts for TikTok
To capture your viewers' attention, it’s important to design your stream layout to match your brand while ensuring it suits TikTok’s vertical layout.
- Vertical Overlays: Choose an overlay from the Streamlabs Library that suits vertical platforms like TikTok. Keep it clean and focused, with key elements like your face cam, gameplay, etc., neatly arranged so as not to obscure the view. Remember, viewers will likely be watching from a smartphone-sized screen with limited space.
- Custom Alerts & Widgets: Though things like widgets can add interactivity to your live stream and encourage your viewers to engage, use them wisely, keeping in mind the space on your screen is limited (from a viewer perspective). For example, adding a poll widget on screen for a limited time may be a good way to shake things up and keep your audience engaged.
Leveraging Streamlabs Dual Output for TikTok
One of the standout features of Streamlabs Desktop is Dual Output, which allows you to stream to multiple platforms simultaneously that may have varying canvas sizes (e.g., horizontally on Twitch and vertically on TikTok).
With Dual Output, you can:
- Reach Multiple Audiences at Once: Stream to TikTok’s vertical format while also streaming to platforms like YouTube in a standard horizontal format, maximizing your reach.
- Reduce Strain on Your PC: Instead of using third-party multistreaming tools that may slow down your computer, Streamlabs’ native Dual Output is designed to handle multiple outputs without significantly impacting performance.
To set up Dual Output, simply go to the Settings in Streamlabs Desktop, navigate to Video, and click Enable Dual Output. You can also enable directly from your stream editor. Link the platforms you’d like to stream to and go live. Read our TikTok Dual Output guide to learn more about using this feature.
Optimizing Streamlabs Desktop for TikTok streaming is all about making the most of your setup and tools to provide a great experience for your audience. By adjusting your settings for TikTok’s vertical format, engaging your viewers with interactive elements, and leveraging features like Dual Output, you’ll be well on your way to growing your TikTok presence.