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How to stream on YouTube and TikTok at the same time

YouTube and TikTok reach very different viewers: YouTube on TVs and desktops, TikTok on phones. Streaming to both from one OBS works best with two pictures: 16:9 for YouTube and 9:16 for TikTok.

Here's how to go live on both with Multistream Cloud (one upload) or the free Multistream app (from your own PC), and how to send TikTok its vertical picture.

Method 1: Multistream Cloud (one upload for every platform)

Multistream Cloud takes one stream from OBS and sends a copy to YouTube and TikTok, and to up to 12 platforms in all. Your internet only uploads that one stream, so adding a platform doesn't need a faster connection. It comes with Pro, $10/mo.

  1. Create your Multistream account, then get Pro on your Account page.
  2. In the Studio, step 1 (Pick platforms), click Add a platform and add each one:
    • YouTube: click Sign in with YouTube and pick your channel's Google account. Multistream Cloud then starts your YouTube broadcast by itself, so it doesn't sit in preview.
    • TikTok: paste the server URL and stream key from TikTok LIVE Studio or TikTok's LIVE settings. TikTok only gives a stream key to accounts it has allowed to go live from streaming software.
  3. Install Multistream for OBS (Windows 10 or 11, OBS 31 or newer) and open OBS. The Multistream dock opens on the right.
  4. In the dock, click Sign in with your browser and approve it.
  5. The dock's pre-flight check looks at your OBS settings, Multistream Cloud, your platforms and where OBS sends. If OBS isn't sending to Multistream yet, click Point OBS at Multistream.
  6. Click Go live on 2. After a 3, 2, 1 countdown, OBS starts streaming and YouTube and TikTok go live.

If OBS or your internet drops, Pro keeps your platforms live on your BRB clip for up to 30 minutes, and when OBS is back you carry on in the same broadcast, with the same chat. Turn it on under Disconnect protection.

Method 2: the free Multistream app (from your own PC)

The free Multistream app for Windows can send the copies from your own PC instead. Your upload then carries one copy for each platform, and if your PC's internet drops, your platforms drop with it. Run the app's Speed test first to see what your connection can carry.

  1. Download the Multistream app for Windows 10 or 11 and open it.
  2. Go to Multistream → Go live and set Where the relay runs to This PC.
  3. Open Setup guide and click Add a platform for YouTube and TikTok. Twitch, YouTube and Kick accounts you've connected in the app add in a click; the others take their stream key.
  4. Install Multistream for OBS and open OBS. Without Pro, the Multistream dock sends your stream through the app on this PC, so keep the app open.
  5. Click Go live on 2 in the dock. Your PC uploads one copy for each platform.

A vertical picture for TikTok, widescreen for YouTube

Add the free Multistream Vertical tool to OBS. It sends a 9:16 picture next to your main one; Multistream sends that to TikTok and your 16:9 picture to YouTube. If you also want a vertical stream on YouTube (for YouTube Shorts viewers), you can send the vertical picture there too.

You set up the vertical picture once in OBS, then both go live with one press of Start Streaming.

Good to know for YouTube and TikTok

YouTube needs live streaming turned on. The first time, it can take YouTube up to 24 hours to turn it on (YouTube Studio → Create → Go live). Sign in with YouTube in Multistream Cloud and the broadcast starts by itself, without waiting in preview.

TikTok's stream key. TikTok only gives a stream key to accounts it has allowed to go live from streaming software, and the key can change between streams.

Nothing about the other platform on screen. TikTok's LIVE rules forbid showing another platform's info, such as a merged chat or an "also live on YouTube" banner.

Questions, answered

Can I stream on YouTube and TikTok at the same time?

Yes, if TikTok has given your account a stream key for streaming software. YouTube has no rule against it.

Can YouTube get the vertical stream too?

Yes. With the Multistream Vertical tool you choose which platforms get the 9:16 picture and which get 16:9.

Is there a free way to stream on YouTube and TikTok?

Yes: the free Multistream app sends both copies from your own PC (your upload carries both). Multistream Cloud, with one upload, comes with Pro for $10/mo.

Why is YouTube waiting for me to press Go live?

Auto-start is off for that YouTube stream. Turn it on in YouTube Studio, or sign in with YouTube in Multistream Cloud so it goes live by itself.

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