A TikTok stream key connects an external encoder to your LIVE broadcast. Look for a server URL and stream key in TikTok's LIVE broadcast settings, if that option is available to your account. Approval for TikTok LIVE Studio alone does not confirm that you can copy these credentials.
Last verified: .
TL;DR:
- Check for both a server URL and stream key before setting up an RTMP connection.
- Use the current pair for the broadcast. Do not rely on credentials saved from an earlier session.
- For OBS through Upstream, use Upstream's input key in OBS and TikTok's key in the TikTok destination.
- A missing key, a failed connection, and a cropped picture need different fixes.
Where can you find your TikTok stream key?
TikTok's computer connection instructions place the server URL and stream key in the settings of your LIVE broadcast. These are the two values an external encoder needs. The instructions do not promise that every account will see them.
- Sign in to the TikTok account you want to broadcast from and open its LIVE setup.
- Check for a streaming software or computer connection option. Continue only if TikTok displays both the server URL and stream key.
- Copy both values for the current broadcast. Paste each into its matching field in your encoder or streaming service.
- Follow the start prompts TikTok shows, then check the actual broadcast for picture and sound.
TikTok's computer connection guide says a new LIVE broadcast needs a new URL and key. Copy the current pair when you prepare the session. Check both fields if a saved setup stops working.
Keep the key private. Hide it before sharing a screenshot or screen recording. If you expose it, stop using that pair and obtain fresh credentials through TikTok before broadcasting again.
Why is there no TikTok stream key?
First check which kind of access you have. Going LIVE in the phone app, using LIVE Studio, and connecting an external encoder are different workflows. A LIVE Studio approval message is not proof that your account has a server URL and key available to copy.
| What you can access | What to check next |
|---|---|
| TikTok LIVE in the phone app | Use the options shown in the app. Do not assume a phone broadcast gives you external encoder credentials. |
| TikTok LIVE Studio | Follow its own access and broadcast setup. Its approval process does not establish that you can export an RTMP key. |
| A LIVE setup with a server URL and stream key | Copy the pair into the software that will send the feed to TikTok. |
TikTok's LIVE Studio access guide covers applications for that app. It says requirements vary by country or region and can change. Use the requirements shown for your account. Treat approval for Studio as approval for Studio, rather than a promise of external RTMP access.
If no official TikTok screen gives you both values, pause the RTMP setup. Check the account's access notices or ask TikTok support which computer streaming options are available. Upstream's Custom RTMP fields require credentials supplied by TikTok.
How do you use a TikTok stream key in OBS?
For a direct OBS-to-TikTok connection, put TikTok's server URL and key in OBS. Under Settings > Stream, choose Custom as the service. Paste the URL into Server and the key into Stream Key. The OBS settings overview explains these fields.
Check your scene and audio before starting. Use the encoder settings TikTok provides for your broadcast, then start the feed and follow any remaining TikTok prompts. Confirm the picture and sound on TikTok itself. A connection indicator in OBS does not replace that viewer check.
OBS is the free, local route. Keep the computer and OBS running while they supply your live feed. If you want local outputs to several platforms, follow the Aitum Multistream setup guide. It covers plugin setup and upload requirements.
How do you connect TikTok through Upstream?
Upstream lets you add TikTok as a Custom RTMP destination using the credentials TikTok provides. Start with a working stream in Upstream, then open its multistreaming destinations and choose Custom RTMP. Paste TikTok's URL into RTMP URL and its key into Stream key.
Select Save this destination for reuse if you want to keep the destination. Before another broadcast, check both saved values against the current pair in TikTok. The TikTok live streaming setup page covers the full Upstream workflow.
If OBS supplies the video, there are two connections to configure. Each has its own credentials:
| Connection | Whose URL and key? | Where to paste them |
|---|---|---|
| OBS to Upstream | Upstream's encoder input credentials | OBS Settings > Stream > Custom |
| Upstream to TikTok | TikTok's current broadcast credentials | The TikTok Custom RTMP destination in Upstream |
Open the encoder input in Upstream, select RTMP, and copy its server URL and key into OBS. Do not put TikTok's key there when the intended route goes through Upstream. Our OBS connection guide covers sending that input feed.
Set Resolution & orientation on the whole Upstream stream while it is stopped. Adding TikTok as a destination does not create a separate vertical version. For separate portrait and landscape layouts, plan separate streams. Use the vertical live streaming guide to choose the layout before starting.
What should you check when TikTok does not go live?
Match the fix to the symptom. If credentials are missing, first check the account and available access options with TikTok. A failed connection needs a check of the current URL, key, and route. A small or cropped picture needs a layout change. Replacing a key will not fix every problem.
| Symptom | Check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| No server URL or key | Does TikTok offer an external encoder connection for this account? | Review the account's access notices. LIVE Studio approval alone is not enough to confirm it. |
| A saved connection no longer works | Are both values from the current broadcast? | Copy the current URL and key from TikTok. Replace the saved pair and retry. |
| Other platforms work but TikTok does not | Is the TikTok destination enabled, with TikTok's current credentials? | Check that output and TikTok's broadcast screen before changing a working input feed. |
| Upstream receives no video from OBS | Is OBS using the Upstream input URL and key? | Correct the input connection first. The TikTok destination needs a feed to send. |
| Picture is small or cropped | Does the source layout fit the intended display? | Preview a portrait layout. In Upstream, stop the stream before changing its resolution and orientation. |
| TikTok ends or restricts the broadcast | What does TikTok's notice say? | Follow the notice and applicable LIVE rules. A new key does not remove an account or content restriction. |
Change one thing at a time and test again. Record the error message, the broadcast you were trying to start, and which outputs still work. Share those details with support, with keys hidden. For connection failures in OBS, use its stream connection checklist.
Can you add TikTok to a radio station?
Check TikTok's access options and the rules for your planned broadcast before adding it to a radio station. A continuous music station needs its own playback setup. For that workflow, start with YouTube radio streaming, the YouTube radio station guide, or the lofi radio guide.
TikTok stream key FAQ
Does LIVE Studio approval give me a stream key?
Do not assume it does. TikTok's LIVE Studio access guide describes approval for that app. For an external RTMP connection, confirm that TikTok actually displays a server URL and stream key for your account.
Can I reuse a TikTok stream key?
Use the current URL and key for the broadcast. TikTok's computer connection instructions say a new LIVE needs a new pair. Check both values before reusing a saved destination.
Which key goes in OBS when I use Upstream?
Use Upstream's encoder input URL and key in OBS. Put TikTok's URL and key in the TikTok Custom RTMP destination inside Upstream. For a direct OBS-to-TikTok connection, use TikTok's credentials in OBS instead.
Can Upstream get me a TikTok stream key?
Upstream's Custom RTMP connection uses the URL and key you supply. Check TikTok's available access options if those values are missing. Do not buy a plan on the assumption that it will grant TikTok access.
Does adding TikTok make my stream vertical?
No. Upstream's Resolution & orientation setting applies to the whole stream. A TikTok destination does not have its own vertical conversion setting. Choose the layout before going live.
Once TikTok gives you a URL and key, create an Upstream account to set up your Custom RTMP destination.
Last verified: . TikTok access guidance and Upstream setup instructions reviewed. Bojan Opačak on LinkedIn.
