TikTok LIVE Studio is TikTok's official desktop tool for going LIVE from your computer. You download it from TikTok's official download page, for Mac and Windows, and log in with your TikTok account. To go LIVE you need LIVE access: you check and request it in the top right corner of LIVE Studio, through Your LIVE access. TikTok decides on access.
What is TikTok LIVE Studio?
According to TikTok, LIVE Studio is its official desktop tool for LIVE content creation. You can connect cameras, microphones, capture cards and sound cards, for example to stream a game or host a show. During your LIVE you see comments, Gifts and new followers, and you follow metrics such as unique viewers and likes.
Note: TikTok Studio is something else. In the app, that is where you find your LIVE recordings, among other things. This guide is about LIVE Studio on your computer.
TikTok LIVE Studio download and install
- Go to the official download page: tiktok.com/studio/download. Do not download LIVE Studio from any other site.
- Run the installation file to install LIVE Studio on your computer.
- Open LIVE Studio and log in with your TikTok account.
- Set it up. If you already stream with another tool, click Import from another tool to migrate some of your settings. If you are new, click Set up now: you choose your LIVE content, connect your microphone and camera and choose a video quality that suits your internet and your computer.
TikTok LIVE Studio on Mac
LIVE Studio supports macOS and Windows. On its download page in October 2026, TikTok listed for Mac:
- macOS 12.0 or later.
- At least an Apple M1 chip or higher, or an Intel Core i7 or i9 (2019 desktop models or newer).
- At least 8 GB of memory on Apple silicon, 16 GB on Intel.
- Recommended: Apple M2 Pro or higher, with 16 GB of memory.
- 1 GB of storage space.
TikTok LIVE Studio on PC (Windows)
The system requirements for Windows are on the same download page. TikTok says that with the minimum requirements you can only use basic features, such as using only the camera and going LIVE at 720p and 30 fps. The recommended requirements cover most LIVEs at 1080p and 60 fps.
In its guide to building your LIVE kit, TikTok gives three levels for a computer:
- Entry: Intel Core i5-10400, NVIDIA GTX 1650 Super, 8 GB of memory, 720p at 30 fps.
- Intermediate, if you often use co-host, multi-guest or effects: Intel Core i7-10700K, NVIDIA RTX 2060, 16 GB of memory, 1080p.
- Advanced: Intel Core i9-10900K, NVIDIA RTX 3080, 32 GB of memory, 1080p at 60 fps.
Streaming a game? Check that game's requirements too. According to TikTok, games may consume more system resources than LIVE Studio itself.
Can't go LIVE in the app either? Then check why can't I go LIVE on TikTok.
TikTok LIVE Studio access requirements
You can log in, but not go LIVE? Then you probably do not have LIVE access yet. TikTok itself says that if you are not a LIVE creator on the TikTok mobile app, you probably do not have access to go LIVE on LIVE Studio. This is how you apply:
- Click Your LIVE access in the top right corner. That is also where you see your status.
- If you are already an active LIVE creator on TikTok, click Get access. TikTok looks at things like the age of your account, how much you went LIVE recently, your number of followers and whether your LIVE access was suspended recently.
- If you mainly stream on another platform, click Apply and fill in the form about your channel there.
The review might take days. When you are approved, you receive a notice in the TikTok app. The requirements vary by country or region and are subject to change without notice, and TikTok says that for security reasons you may not be able to apply. More about going LIVE in the app is in our guide How to go LIVE on TikTok: request LIVE access.
Your first LIVE with LIVE Studio
- Set up your scene. Click Add scene to create different scenes, and Add source to add up to 20 sources to each scene, such as your camera or a game.
- Choose the layout: landscape, portrait or both at once, for viewers on different devices.
- Fill in your LIVE info: title, cover and topic.
- Click Go LIVE and confirm your LIVE information.
What you see on your scene is also what your viewers see. Use the mobile preview to see how your LIVE looks in the TikTok app. TikTok's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines apply in LIVE Studio too.
TikTok LIVE Studio not working?
Does LIVE Studio crash, not open or lag? This is what TikTok suggests:
- Restart LIVE Studio and your computer.
- Reinstall LIVE Studio in the original location. That keeps your configuration.
- Unplug devices you do not need, and update your operating system and drivers.
- Add LIVE Studio as an exception in your firewall and antivirus software.
- Close other programs and lower your quality, for example from 1080p to 720p. The built-in speed test suggests a resolution that suits your computer and your network.
- If the Frame drops number at the top is abnormal, it is usually a network issue.
Still not working? Report the problem in the TikTok app through Profile and Settings and privacy. Describe it clearly or add screenshots, and if needed the log file you save from LIVE Studio with Export log.
TikTok LIVE Studio vs OBS
According to TikTok, LIVE Studio and OBS have similar functions. The difference: LIVE Studio is developed by TikTok, you use it by logging in to TikTok, and TikTok says it offers creators better information and content safety. You also get TikTok features such as co-host, multi-guest and LIVE goals.
How SPA helps you with this
Only for creators aged 18 or older.
Other guides
Sources
Official TikTok pages this guide is based on.
- TikTok: Download LIVE Studio
- TikTok LIVE Studio: Install and start LIVE Studio
- TikTok LIVE Studio: Apply for LIVE access
- TikTok LIVE Studio: Build your LIVE kit
- TikTok LIVE Studio: Learn the basics of LIVE
- TikTok LIVE Studio: Troubleshooting Guide
- TikTok: Frequently asked questions on LIVE Studio
- TikTok: TikTok LIVE replays
- TikTok: Avoid phishing on TikTok