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How to Stream on TikTok LIVE with Streamlabs Desktop (PC & Mac) — A Beginner’s Guide

  • Writer: Harry
    Harry
  • 3 days ago
  • 4 min read

Ready to go live on TikTok like a pro? This step-by-step guide walks you through Streamlabs Desktop from a clean install to a polished, dual-output setup (vertical for TikTok, landscape for recordings or multistreams). We’ll cover scenes, audio, camera, screen capture, TikFinity alerts, overlays, and the exact settings to hit “Go Live” with a TikTok stream key.



Links you’ll use:


1) Unlock Streamlabs for TikTok LIVE


There are two ways to go live on TikTok using Streamlabs:

  1. Join a free agency to get a stream key (recommended). Agencies often offer training and can escalate false bans. Use the verified list here: https://toktutorials.com/stream-key

  2. Apply directly on TikTok’s application page: https://toktutorials.com/streamlabs-application

You’ll paste the stream key into Streamlabs later. Streamlabs Ultra is optional. If you want extra themes and graphics, try the free trial: https://geni.us/streamlabsultra


2) Install Streamlabs Desktop and link platforms


  • Create or log into your Streamlabs account at https://streamlabs.com

  • In your Streamlabs Dashboard, open Account Settings → Platforms and link any platforms you plan to stream to (Twitch, YouTube, Kick, etc.). If you’re using the TikTok stream key method, you don’t need to link TikTok here.

Download Streamlabs Desktop for Windows or macOS, install it, and open it.


3) Enable Dual Output (Vertical + Landscape)


  • Settings → Video → enable “Dual Output.”

  • Typical starting points:

    • Landscape Base/Output: 1920×1080 at 30–60 FPS

    • Vertical Base/Output: 1080×1920 at 30–60 FPS

  • Click Done. You’ll now see separate vertical and landscape canvases.


4) Start a fresh Scene Collection


  • Open the scene collection menu → Manage Scene Collections → Create New (e.g., “TikTok LIVE + Multistream”).

  • You now have two blank canvases (vertical and landscape) to configure.


5) Set up your audio (with noise suppression)


  • Settings → Audio

    • Desktop Audio Device 1: your speakers/headset

    • Mic/Aux: your microphone

  • In the mixer, click the gear next to your mic → Filters → Add → Noise Suppression (RNNoise). When you stop talking, the mic meter should drop to silence.


6) Create two core scenes


We’ll make the two layouts most streamers use:

  1. “Full Camera”

  2. “Camera + Computer Display”

You can switch scenes while live.


Add your camera to “Full Camera”


  • Sources → + → Video Capture Device → select your camera.

  • Set Resolution/FPS Type = Custom → 1920×1080 (or your cam’s max) and the highest FPS your camera supports.

  • Position on both canvases. Tips:

    • Drag corners to resize.

    • Hold Alt to crop.

    • Right-click → Transform → Fit to Screen or Center.

    • Click the lock icon when happy to avoid accidental moves.


Add your screen and camera to “Camera + Computer Display”


  • Sources → + → Display Capture → choose the monitor you want to show (leave Capture Method on Automatic; capture cursor on if you want).

  • Add your camera again: Sources → + → Video Capture Device → Add Existing (your camera).

  • Suggested vertical layout: camera in the top third, display in the bottom two-thirds. Lock sources when placed.

  • Remember: source order matters. Items higher in the list sit on top visually.


7) Add TikTok alerts with TikFinity


  • Open TikFinity: https://geni.us/tikfinity (Windows app or Web App on Mac).

  • Create a TikFinity account, add your TikTok username, and log into TikTok inside TikFinity.

  • Go to Actions & Events → import predefined alerts if prompted. This adds follows, gifts, likes, and subscriptions (Superfans).

  • Copy the “Screen 1” overlay URL TikFinity gives you.


In Streamlabs (do this in both scenes you want alerts on):

  • Sources → + → Browser Source → name it (e.g., “TikFinity Screen 1 Alerts”).

  • Paste the TikFinity URL. Try a starting size like 600×300.

  • Enable “Shutdown source when not visible” so alerts don’t fire on hidden scenes.

  • Position the alert area on both canvases and lock it.

  • Test in TikFinity with the Event Simulator (e.g., Simulate Follow).


8) Add alerts for Twitch/YouTube/Kick (Streamlabs Alert Box)


If you multistream, add Streamlabs’ built-in alerts for non-TikTok platforms:

  • Sources → + → Alert Box → Add Source.

  • Position on each canvas. Hide it from vertical if TikTok shouldn’t see non-TikTok alerts. Lock when done.


9) Add overlays and a webcam border


Three easy options:

  • Streamlabs Overlay Library (including TikTok/Shorts-friendly sets): open Overlays in Streamlabs, browse Scene Overlays, and install a pack you like. You may need to tweak sizing per scene/canvas.

  • Hire a designer on Fiverr (custom, fast): https://geni.us/fiverroverlays

  • DIY in Canva: create or adapt vertical and landscape assets to fit your layout.

To add a static image (like a webcam border): Sources → + → Image → select file → position and lock.For animated graphics, use Media Source instead of Image.


10) Output & performance settings that just work


Settings → Output → Streaming:

  • Bitrate: 6000–8000 Kbps (start at 6000; raise if your upload allows)

  • Rate Control: CBR

  • Keyframe Interval: 2

  • Encoder:

    • Windows/NVIDIA: NVENC H.264

    • Windows/AMD: AMF H.264

    • Mac: Apple VT H.264 (VideoToolbox)

Settings → Video: confirm the dual-output resolutions you set earlier.Settings → Audio: confirm your headset and mic are correct.

Optional: enable Replay Buffer (e.g., 60 seconds) for quick clips.


11) Add your TikTok stream key (Custom RTMP)


When your agency unlocks your key (or you’re approved via the application page), open Streamlabs:

  • Settings → Stream → Add Destination → Custom RTMP

  • Paste the Server URL and Stream Key from your TikTok “Go Live” page. Name it “TikTok LIVE (Key).”

  • Note: TikTok stream keys typically rotate per session—grab a fresh key before each stream. Keep it private on-screen.

Agency list (recommended way to get a key): https://toktutorials.com/stream-key


12) Go live (and choose which canvas streams where)


  • Click Go Live (bottom-right).

  • In the dual-output panel (bottom-left), toggle which platforms receive vertical vs landscape.

  • Set your titles/tags per platform and confirm. Chat appears on the right.


Quick troubleshooting


  • Camera looks soft or cropped oddly? Set camera to a fixed resolution (e.g., 1920×1080) and adjust/crop with Alt-drag.

  • Alerts not showing? Confirm the Browser Source URL, dimensions, and that the source isn’t hidden. Use TikFinity’s simulator to test.

  • Stutters or dropped frames? Lower FPS to 30, reduce bitrate, or switch to a hardware encoder.

  • Vertical layout cut off? Check you’re editing the vertical canvas (1080×1920) and that sources are positioned on that canvas, not just landscape.


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