Common Mistakes to Avoid When Going Live on TikTok

September 18, 2024 (4 weeks ago)

Going live on TikTok is a great way to connect with your audience in real time. It builds a deeper bond and expands your reach. But, it’s not as simple as hitting “Go Live.” You must keep a few things in mind to guarantee the smooth operation of your live session. In this blog, we’ll cover some common mistakes people make when going live on TikTok and how to avoid them.

1. Not planning in advance

Many creators think they can jump into a live session and wing it. Spontaneity is great. But, a lack of planning can make your live stream chaotic and dull.

How to avoid this: Plan your live session in advance. Outline key points to discuss. Plan how to engage your audience. Prepare any needed props or equipment. Having a game plan will help your session maintain a steady flow.

2. Disregarding your audience

One of the biggest advantages of going live is the ability to connect with your viewers in real time. But, many streamers get too caught up in what they’re doing. They forget to acknowledge their audience.

How to avoid this: Acknowledge comments, respond to questions, and engage with your viewers throughout the session. Make them feel heard and appreciated to build a strong connection and keep them coming back for more.

3. Poor lighting and camera setup.

A live stream with poor lighting or a bad camera angle can be distracting. It seems unprofessional and can lead to viewers losing interest in a short time.

How to avoid this: Ensure your camera is stable and test your lighting before going live. Natural light works best. If that’s not possible, get a ring light or other setup. It should provide uniform illumination for your face and surroundings.

4. Ignoring the importance of audio.

Many TikTokers focus on visuals and neglect the audio. This can cause poor sound quality or background noise to disrupt the experience.

To avoid this, invest in a good microphone. Or, find a quiet place without external noise. Check your audio levels before going live. Your voice must be clear and loud enough for the audience to hear.

5. Going Live at the Wrong Time

Timing is everything when it comes to live streaming. Going live when your audience isn’t active can lead to fewer viewers and less engagement.

How to avoid this: Check your TikTok analytics to see when your audience is most active. Schedule your live streams around those times for greatest engagement. Consider time zones and typical activity patterns to reach the broadest audience possible.

6. Not Promoting Your Live Session

A common mistake is failing to inform followers that you will be going live. If they do not know you are going live, they will not show up.

How to avoid this: Announce your live stream ahead of time. You can create a teaser video or post an announcement in your TikTok feed. Consider cross-promoting on Instagram or Twitter. It may bring more viewers to your live.

7. Ignoring TikTok’s Community Guidelines

Going live without understanding TikTok’s community guidelines can get you into trouble. TikTok enforces its rules with a firm approach. Violating them can lead to penalties or bans from going live.

How to avoid this: Familiarize yourself with TikTok’s community guidelines. Avoid creating content that could be considered offensive, harmful, or inappropriate. Stay professional and respectful during your live session.

8. Being Too Scripted

Planning is important. But, being too scripted can make your live stream feel robotic and unengaging.

How to avoid this: Strike a balance between planning and spontaneity. Allow your talking points to adapt, and encourage a natural flow in the conversation. Be authentic, and don’t be afraid to go off-script if your audience steers the discussion in a new direction.

9. Not Having a Stable Internet Connection

Nothing ruins a live stream faster than a poor internet connection. Lagging, freezing, or disconnecting can frustrate your viewers and cause them to leave.

How to avoid this: Have a stable, reliable internet connection before going live. If possible, use Wi-Fi. It is more reliable than cellular data.

10. Not Ending on a High Note

Some creators neglect to end their live sessions. This can leave viewers feeling confused.

How to avoid this: Plan a proper sign-off. Summarize your discussion. Thank your audience for joining. Encourage them to follow you for more content. You can also promote your next live session or any other content you have in the works.

Conclusion

Going live on TikTok can transform your brand and audience connection. Avoiding these mistakes will create a smoother, more engaging experience. It will keep your viewers coming back for more. With prep and detail, your TikTok Live sessions can be a key part of your content strategy.