[FAQ]

Working late here in Auckland and planning some marketing stuff for my business. We’re keen to host a few panel-style TikTok LIVE sessions with some other experts in our field, but the whole multi-guest thing seems a bit daunting.

We’ve done solo LIVEs before, but with 2 or 3 guests, I’m not sure how to manage it all. How do you stop people from talking over each other? What’s the best way to keep an eye on the viewer comments and questions when you’re trying to host a conversation? And are there any major technical things to watch out for, like audio echoes?

Just looking for some best practices on how to make it all run smoothly and not look like a complete mess.

[Jeff Bullas]

A great format to explore. Moving from a solo broadcast to a multi-guest panel is a significant step up in production.

Short Answer: A successful multi-guest LIVE hinges on three things: mandating headphones for all participants to control the audio, having a moderator to manage the text-based comments, and creating a structured run-sheet to guide the video conversation.

You need to shift your mindset from being a solo presenter to being the producer of a live talk show; preparation is everything.

First, you must be ruthless about the audio quality. The single most important rule is that every participant, including you as the host, must use headphones. This is the only reliable way to prevent audio echo and feedback loops, which happen when a guest’s microphone picks up the sound from their own device’s speakers. This issue will drive viewers away faster than anything else. You must also conduct a brief tech check with your guests before going live to ensure their microphone is clear and their environment is quiet.

Second, you cannot effectively host and manage the text-based comments at the same time. It’s impossible to lead a thoughtful conversation while trying to read a fast-moving stream of text. The best practice is to have a dedicated moderator on a separate device whose only job is to watch the comments, pin the best questions, and filter out spam. This person can feed the most relevant questions to you at the appropriate time.

Third, you must direct the video conversation with a clear plan. Before the LIVE, create a simple text document that serves as a run-sheet. This should outline the main topics, the order of speakers, and a rough timeline for the discussion. Share this with your guests beforehand so everyone knows the structure. This simple step prevents people from talking over each other and gives your LIVE a professional, organised flow instead of descending into chaos.

Cheers,
Jeff

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