TikTok is the newest social media app to take the world by storm. And one of the features a lot of TikTok creators are using is their option to live stream. You can live stream with your phone camera, but you need an external camera if you are looking for professional quality. So, if you have a GoPro lying around, can you use a GoPro for your TikTok live?
Yes, you can use a GoPro camera to stream live on TikTok using the app. This means you have to set up the camera using the RTMP URL and a stream key.
If you’re interested in learning the step-by-step method of connecting to the GoPro app and streaming, please read through the instructions we give below! You will be able to understand how the system works and the benefits and drawbacks of this method. So without further ado, let’s get started!
How To Live Stream Using The GoPro
So you want to use a GoPro for your TikTok live stream. What will you need to do to make that happen? For one, you should start by installing GoPro’s app. The app is available on both the App Store and the Play Store for either the iOS or the Android systems, respectively.
Now, you will need to connect your camera model to a WiFi system near you. Either that or you can use your phone’s hotspot to make this happen. Next, you can connect the camera and pair it with the GoPro App. Here’s how to make that happen:
- Look for the RTMP URL for TikTok. You can find this information in the TikTok app when you look for the streaming options.
- Instead of choosing Facebook Live or Youtube, select the option ‘RTMP’ in the app.
- In the GoPro app, add the RTMP URL.
- Next, you’ll see a field for the stream key.
- The stream key is also available on the TikTok app when you check their streaming options.
- Add the stream key into the field in your GoPro app.
- Paste the stream key right after the RTMP URL, and ensure there is a ‘/’ between the two. Do not add any spaces.
- Now, continue the instructions on the app, and you should be able to go live with your GoPro!
All that remains next is letting people know you are doing a live stream and getting ahead with creating your TikTok content!
The Pros And Cons Of Using GoPros For Live Streams
The great thing about a GoPro is that it is an excellent camera to capture the action. That stands, but it is also important to remember that the GoPro itself can’t stream on its own. This fact means that you need to use a phone in conjunction with the camera to get the live stream you want. You will need to download the app to get the live stream you are looking for, and then you can get started.
The Benefits Of Using GoPros For Live Streams
All of that being said, there are a lot of benefits of using a GoPro to capture your TikTok live streams. The benefits of using GoPro for streaming include:
Quality
One of the most significant advantages of using a GoPro is that the camera is able to deliver amazingly when it comes to image quality. It can shoot outside and capture great details, especially when it is in sunlight. It also has the ability to give you sharp, high-quality results.
Portability
The reason why so many people love the GoPro is that it is entirely portable. Rather than carrying around a substantial cinematic camera, you can capture incredible footage with a much smaller camera. It is, in fact, so small you can put it in a pocket and easily carry it around.
Durability
Depending on the kind of life you want to do, a GoPro offers a significant advantage because of its durability. The phone can go through a lot. Some can even work underwater. They can withstand a lot of movement, various weather conditions, and even the kind of things that would completely destroy other cameras.
Wider View
Because of its wide-angel technology, a GoPro is able to capture a more expansive view. This helps the audience get a better idea of what you are doing and gives the aesthetic of an action shot.
Wearability
Finally, another reason fans love their GoPros is that you can wear them. If you are an avid biker, you can simply mount it on your bike or wear it on top of your head to get great shots of the path.
Related:How to Reuse GoPro Adhesive Mounts
The Drawbacks Of Using A GoPro For Live Streams
As we discussed above, there are plenty of advantages to using a GoPro for a live stream. However, as with any other device out there, there are some drawbacks as well. Let’s have a look at some of these issues.
Low Support
Unfortunately, you cannot use just about any GoPro camera as a camera for your TikTok live stream. This is because the GoPro app can only currently support just a few cameras. This includes the HERO7 and all GoPros that have come out since that release. That means that if you do not have a recent GoPro, you will not be able to live stream on TikTok.
Low Platform Compatibility
Another problem you will see is that the GoPro app has extensive features for live streaming on two platforms currently. This includes YouTube and Facebook. While the RTMP system allows you to stream on TikTok, the features available are not as extensive. That means there is a possibility you may run into issues using GoPros for this platform.
Low-Light Issues
When we talk about video quality, GoPros are unique – that is, until the light levels drop. A GoPro is not a device to capture video in low light, so you may notice the quality go down significantly. Therefore, if you are streaming indoors or at night, you may not get the results you are looking for from your GoPro.
Conclusion
We’ve talked about how you can connect a GoPro to your phone and use it to live stream on TikTok. Hopefully, this helped make you understand what the benefits and drawbacks of this choice can be!