A Complete Guide to TikTok LIVE Moderators
When you keep doing TikTok lives, you often hear things like "you should get a moderator" or "I want you to be one." But in reality, few people accurately understand what a moderator actually does.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain everything about TikTok LIVE moderators, including their functions, tasks, examples of issues, and who is suited for the role.
🎭 What is a moderator in the first place?
The word "moderator" means an "assistant or coordinator" in English. On TikTok LIVE, they are supporters who create an environment where the streamer can easily host their live.
A characteristic feature is that a badge (a person icon) is displayed next to their name, and the streamer appoints them via button operation.
Even if you volunteer by saying "I'll be a moderator!", you cannot become one unless the streamer sets it up.
Regarding numbers and settings
Can set up to a maximum of 30 people
Can be added or removed freely
Can be set even when not currently live
Can be assigned to viewers who are not currently present
⚙️ What moderators can do (Function edition)
Streamers can choose whether or not to grant the following permissions to each moderator.
Functions available by default
① Comment management Setting filters for suspicious comments, keyword blocking, etc. Used to tidy up a chaotic stream.
② Muting/Blocking accounts Permission to mute or block problematic users.
③ Pinning comments You can fix important information (event details, rules, etc.) to the top of the screen.
Additional permissions that can be granted
④ Guest management (small window) Permission to bring someone up or down into the "small window" of the collaboration feature. Only moderators with this permission can perform this operation besides the streamer.
⑤ Star comment management The "sparkling speech bubble" on the left of the comment input screen is a star comment. It is a feature to make comments stand out for a fee, and the price changes depending on the number of views. Moderators can have management authority over this.
📋 What Moderators Actually Do (Culture and Trends)
Beyond the features, I will also organize what moderators actually do in the field.
1. Periodic Comments
Posting periodic comments to guide the stream, such as "Welcome to [Name]'s stream! Please follow and like," is the most common role. It is used for guiding new listeners and making announcements during events.
2. Greetings
During collaboration streams, there is a culture where moderators visit the other person's stream to leave a greeting comment like, "Thank you for collaborating with [Name]."
3. Muting and Blocking
Handling trolls and inappropriate comments. They handle this on behalf of the streamer so the streamer can focus on the broadcast.
4. Mediating Collaboration Requests
Even when a streamer has "invites off," a moderator may visit other streams to ask, "Would you like to collaborate with us?"
5. Support Outside of Streaming
Many moderators also take on tasks such as creating images and videos for events, managing open chats, and handling data aggregation.
😓 The Difficulties of Being a Moderator (What Streamers Should Know)
Please know this before asking someone to be a moderator.
1. Working almost entirely for free The vast majority of moderators are volunteers. In most cases, they stay glued to the stream and work outside of it, all without any compensation.
2. Easily becoming a target for attacks Because they are visible figures who post periodic comments and go to greet others, they are often subject to jealousy or criticism from other listeners.
3. Getting burned out by difficult streamers Being pressured with comments like "Do a better job!" or being required to provide excessive support outside of the stream carries a high mental cost.
⚠️ Patterns of Problematic Moderators
These are the characteristics of "problematic mods" that streamers and listeners should be aware of.
Treating people differently A pattern where the moderator's personal likes and dislikes cause them to treat listeners differently. Remember, this is the streamer's space above all else.
The 'In-Love' Moderator Cases where a moderator brings romantic feelings for the streamer into their duties. It makes the environment uncomfortable for other listeners, to the point where you just want to tell them to 'take it elsewhere'.
Frequent trouble with other listeners The type who thinks they are doing it 'for the streamer' but ends up clashing with others. Conflicts arise that the streamer isn't even aware of.
Overly assertive comments When a moderator tries to stand out too much, it creates a strange hierarchy of 'Streamer -> Moderator -> Listener,' which makes other listeners feel intimidated.
🔥 Common Moderator Trouble Cases
These are actual cases I have been consulted on.
The 'Romance' Moderator Problem Cases that start with 'I want to be a moderator because I like you,' leading to complicated situations after the relationship sours.
Lending and borrowing money Surprisingly, there are many consultations about money being exchanged after the distance between the streamer and moderator closes, only for the money to never be returned.
Moderator becomes a streamer and takes other listeners with them A pattern where a moderator quits, starts their own stream, and takes the fans with them.
Interpersonal issues in moderator-only meetings LINE groups created for moderators to discuss 'what's best for you' eventually become toxic and lead to trouble.
Trouble between moderators Consultations like 'I can't work with that person' are also common.
💡 Are moderators really necessary?
It is true that having a moderator is helpful. For large streams (over 1,000 people), just handling mutes and blocks is a huge help.
However, keep the following points in mind when choosing a moderator.
✅ Someone who is not self-assertive
✅ Someone with low need for approval
✅ Someone who does not cause trouble with other listeners
✅ Someone who can focus on the streamer's channel
✅ Someone who is obedient and follows instructions honestly
Also, if you want to quit being a moderator, you can remove the moderator badge yourself. You can remove it from Settings -> Scroll down -> Moderator Assignment List. Note that the streamer will be notified even if you remove it yourself.
🎮 What I, Ao, consider a 'truly good moderator'
I believe an ideal moderator is someone who acts as the unsung hero, keeps their self-assertion to almost zero, and creates a space where listeners can enjoy themselves.
To enable the streamer to focus on their content. That is all.
✅ Summary
✅ A moderator is an 'assistant' appointed by the streamer
✅ Available functions include comment management, muting/blocking, pinning, and small window management
✅ In reality, they often handle regular posts, greetings, collaboration mediation, and off-stream support
✅ It is a tough position that is unpaid yet prone to getting involved in trouble
✅ If choosing one, pick 'someone who is not self-assertive and can focus'
✅ You can remove it yourself if it is no longer needed (the streamer will be notified)
🎮 For those who want to make their streams even more exciting
At LIBERTAS, we support the growth of TikTok streamers. We also operate "Interference Minecraft", where events actually happen in Minecraft based on gifts. If you feel like "I want to make my stream more interesting" or "I want to grow more," please feel free to consult with us.
📣 The person who wrote this article is...
Ao from "LIBERTAS", an agency that provides support for TikTok streamers and develops agency businesses. I work on supporting streamer growth and creating content using TikTok LIVE.
🎮 About LIBERTAS
I want to start streaming, but I don't know where to begin.
I'm streaming, but it's not growing as I'd like.
LIBERTAS was created for people like you.
As an official TikTok agency, we support streamer monetization through a structured system. All support is completely free of charge.
💡 Why is it free?
You might be thinking, "Isn't it suspicious to get support for free?"
I understand that feeling.
The reason we can provide support for free is because we use a system where TikTok pays rewards to the agency (LIBERTAS).
Even if the streamer doesn't pay,
we can sustain our operations through training rewards from TikTok, so
we remain profitable even when it's free.
It's a win-win structure where the agency also benefits when the stream becomes exciting.
That is how it works.
Since it's a system where "our revenue increases as we provide more support,"
we have a reason to properly nurture you.
What you can use when you join LIBERTAS👇
✅ Support on how to increase TikTok LIVE revenue
✅ Unique system that links Minecraft with TikTok gifts
✅ Streaming authorization and setup support for OBS Studio and TikTok Live Studio
✅ Support for streaming issues and bans
✅ In addition, we support everything related to streaming.
✅ Please ask us anything you don't understand.
If there is no precedent, LIBERTAS will research it.
Please focus on your streaming.
For those who are interested
With a track record of managing over 700 people and producing many game ranking #1 achievers. Please take a moment to read this article, which explains everything about LIBERTAS.
Official LINE:
https://lin.ee/JHRwR6M
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https://discord.com/invite/KGHhGfD3VG
📝 Thank you for reading until the end!
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