TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms for sharing short videos. One of the key features of TikTok is the ability to broadcast live videos for your followers.
However, sometimes TikTok live videos don’t show up properly. This can be frustrating if you were planning on going live or wanted to watch someone’s live video.
In this guide, I’ll go through some of the common reasons why TikTok live videos may not be showing for you. I’ll also provide troubleshooting steps you can take to try and fix the issue on your end.
Reasons Why TikTok Live Videos May Not Be Showing
There are a few possible reasons why you may not be seeing TikTok live videos:
Outdated App Version
TikTok frequently releases app updates that contain bug fixes and new features. If you haven’t updated your TikTok app in a while, you may be running an outdated version. This can cause problems loading live videos.
Make sure to keep your TikTok app updated to the latest version available in your device’s app store. This can often resolve app issues like live videos not showing properly.
Connection Issues
Your internet connection plays a big role in being able to stream and view live videos properly on TikTok.
If you have a weak WiFi signal, limited mobile data connectivity, or an outright internet outage, you likely won’t be able to load live TikTok videos. The videos require a constant, high-bandwidth connection for smooth streaming.
So problems like lag, buffering, or completely failed video loads can stem from connectivity problems on your end.
Banned From Lives
TikTok does moderate live videos, and it’s possible to get banned from using the live features if you have severely or repeatedly violated their community guidelines during a broadcast.
Getting banned results in you not being able to go live yourself or view others’ live content. You’d have to appeal directly to TikTok to regain access if you have been restricted outright from livestreams.
Server Issues
Because live videos rely on real-time streaming, any tech issues on TikTok’s servers can interrupt streams.
If many users report problems accessing TikTok live videos during a short timeframe, this likely indicates widespread server outages or technical problems on TikTok’s end.
There is usually nothing you can do but wait for TikTok to resolve the server disruptions. Monitoring TikTok’s status page or social accounts can provide updates.
Restricted By Region
Certain live video content on TikTok can get geographically restricted. This most often occurs due to music licensing issues when a live broadcast uses copyrighted songs.
If other users confirm they can view a live video that does not show up for you, regional restrictions may be the cause.
You may need to use a VPN service to route your traffic through another country to bypass these types of region locks.
Shadowbanned From Account
If you are unable to view just one specific user’s live videos, you may have been “shadowbanned” by that user on TikTok.
A shadowban blocks you from interacting with someone’s profile as they would a normal follower. Unfortunately, the only way to undo it is to get that TikTok user to remove you from their shadowban list manually.
How to Fix TikTok Not Showing Live Videos
If TikTok live videos aren’t loading properly for you, try these troubleshooting fixes:
Update Your App
Go to your device’s app store, search for TikTok, and check if there is an update available. Tap the “Update” button to install the latest version.
App updates frequently include bug fixes, performance improvements and support for new features. Installing the most recent TikTok update can resolve issues with live streams not loading properly.
It’s easy to neglect updating apps, but it’s an important maintenance task. Set reminders on your phone to periodically check for TikTok updates every few weeks. This will ensure you always have the best version with the latest code enhancements.
Also, make sure you have enough storage space for the update to complete. Go to your phone settings and check how much free space you have. If storage is nearly full, try deleting unused apps or media to free up room for updates.
Finally, if the update gets stuck while downloading or installing, reboot your phone and try again on a strong WiFi connection. App updates can fail to properly apply if they get interrupted.
Check Your Internet Connection
It’s possible weak internet strength is preventing TikTok live streams from loading correctly. Check if other internet-connected apps are having trouble streaming video or refreshing feeds.
Run a bandwidth test by using online tools such as Google Fiber Speed Test. This will measure your current internet speeds.
If your connection checks out poorly, try changing locations to pick up a better WiFi signal or toggle Airplane mode on/off to grab a fresh mobile data link. Stable internet is vital for smooth TikTok live streaming, so rule out problems on your end first.
If your bandwidth test shows adequate speeds but live videos still fail, log into your router admin console and try restarting it completely. Routers can develop glitches over time that rebooting clears. Also consider upgrading to a newer, faster router model if yours is several years old.
Reinstall the App
If updating TikTok and checking your internet doesn’t help, try fully deleting and reinstalling the TikTok app from scratch. This essentially gives you a clean slate, as corrupted data or awkward app coding conflicts get wiped in the process.
Before you uninstall, make sure to backup your bookmarks, favorites, draft videos or anything else you want to save permanently. Go to the phone Settings > Apps > TikTok > Storage > Clear Data/Cache. This nukes app information but retains your user account.
Reinstall a fresh TikTok copy from the app store. Log back in with your account details to rebuild your feed from scratch. With cleared caches and new app data regeneration, TikTok live video issues could very possibly resolve.
If reinstalling fails to fix it, reach out to TikTok support for help accessing your account data while keeping the app uninstalled. There may be server-side blocks tied specifically to your account causing conflicts.
Contact TikTok Support
If you still can’t view TikTok live streams after updating the app, checking internet speeds and reinstalling, it’s time to reach out for help.
From inside TikTok, tap your profile icon > Settings and Support > Report a Problem. Choose the issue category relevant to live streaming troubles. Give detailed information on the ongoing problems, troubleshooting attempts you made, and examples of streams you can’t access.
Provide your username, email, device details and anything else TikTok support requests. Screenshot error messages you encounter or live streams not loading to share with them as well. This aids their troubleshooting process significantly.
The TikTok help team may provide specialized troubleshooting or determine if an ongoing server outage is affecting your area. If the problem stems from your account specifically, they can also check for restrictions, shadowbanning scenarios or location blocks tied to your username.
Use an Alternative Viewing Method
As a last resort, attempt accessing troublesome TikTok live streams through the TikTok website instead of the mobile app. Open any browser on your phone/desktop and go to TikTok.com.
Find the live video that wasn’t showing correctly in the app and see if streams successfully on the website. If the live content plays fine online, then there are isolated issues with your TikTok app install versus more systemic problems.
You can continue web access as a temporary workaround. Also make sure to relay details to TikTok support on the app-specific failure versus web streaming success. This helps them diagnose the isolated issue.
Trying a entirely different viewing method narrows down where functional problems exist. Provide TikTok engineering teams this comparison data to get specialized help.
Conclusion
With helpful troubleshooting and a persistent investigative process, TikTok live stream problems can usually get resolved on your end or with assistance from TikTok’s support teams.
Stick with the step-by-step app diagnostics and reporting for best results. Consistent internet connections also remain imperative for smooth TikTok live viewability.
