How to Add Moderators on TikTok LIVE (Step by Step)

Once more than a handful of people join your stream, you can’t read every comment and host at the same time. That’s where moderators come in. A good mod quietly removes spam, mutes trolls and keeps the chat friendly while you focus on the show.

This guide covers how to add moderators on TikTok LIVE before and during a stream, what moderators can and can’t do, the mute, block and report tools, keyword filters, how to choose the right people, and a rules template you can copy.

How to add moderators before a TikTok LIVE

You can add moderators before you go LIVE from the settings on the LIVE setup screen: open the camera, switch to LIVE, tap settings, open the moderator option and pick people from your followers or search. They stay as moderators for future streams until you remove them.

Tap + and swipe to LIVE.
Tap the settings (gear) icon on the LIVE setup screen.
Open the Moderators section.
Tap to add, then search for or select the account you want.
Confirm. The person usually gets a notification that they’re now a moderator.

Some versions of the app also let you manage moderators from your LIVE settings or Creator tools outside the setup screen. TikTok moves these options around, so if the labels in your app differ, look for “moderator” in the LIVE settings or check the help center in the app.

TikTok limits how many moderators you can have; up to 20 is commonly reported, but check your app for the current number.

How to make someone a moderator during a LIVE

During a LIVE, tap the viewer’s name or profile picture in the comments or viewer list, then choose the option to make them a moderator. It takes effect immediately.

Tap the comment or name of the person you want to promote.
On their profile card, tap the option to set as moderator (sometimes shown under a menu or as “Manage”).
Confirm.

This is handy when a regular viewer is already helping by answering questions. Just make sure you know them well enough to trust them; mods can remove other viewers’ comments and mute people.

How to remove a moderator on TikTok LIVE

To remove a moderator, open the moderator list in your LIVE settings and remove them, or tap their name during a LIVE and choose to remove moderator status. The change applies straight away.

There’s no need for drama. People’s schedules change, and rotating mods is normal. If someone abused their permissions, remove them first and talk about it later.

It’s worth reviewing your moderator list every month or two. Remove people who no longer watch, and anyone whose account looks compromised or inactive, since an unused mod slot is safer than a forgotten one. If a moderator stepped down on good terms, thank them publicly on your next stream; it shows your community that helping out is valued and makes it easier to recruit the next mod.

If a former moderator starts causing trouble after removal, treat them like any other viewer: mute, block or report as needed. You don’t owe anyone a second chance in your chat.

What can moderators do on TikTok LIVE?

TikTok LIVE moderators can typically mute viewers, remove comments, and help keep the chat clean, and may get access to some comment settings if you grant it. They can’t end your stream, change your account settings or access your money.

Action	Host	Moderator
Mute a viewer (temporarily or for the stream)	Yes	Yes
Remove or hide comments	Yes	Yes
Report viewers or comments	Yes	Yes
Change comment filters and settings	Yes	Only if you give permission, where available
Add or remove moderators	Yes	No
End the LIVE, invite guests, access rewards	Yes	No

Exact permissions vary by app version and region. Check the moderator settings screen to see what you can toggle.

How to mute, block or report someone on TikTok LIVE

To deal with a problem viewer, tap their name in the chat to open their profile card, then choose mute, block or report. Mute is a quick timeout, block removes them from your content, and report sends the case to TikTok.

Mute. Stops the person commenting for a set time or the rest of the stream. Best for spam and heated moments.
Block. Removes them from your LIVE and stops them interacting with your account. Use it for harassment. For the full process, see how to block someone on TikTok.
Report. For hate, threats, sexual content or anything involving the safety of minors, report as well as block so TikTok can act.

Agree with your mods on a simple escalation: delete the comment, then mute, then block and report. Consistency feels fair to viewers.

How to set up keyword filters for TikTok LIVE comments

Turn on comment filtering in your LIVE settings and add a list of words or phrases to block; comments containing them are hidden automatically. Filters handle predictable spam so your mods can focus on judgment calls.

Open LIVE settings, either before going LIVE or from the settings during a stream.
Find the comment settings and turn on keyword filtering.
Add words, phrases and common misspellings you don’t want shown.
Save. The filter applies to new comments.

Be careful with comment games: if your stream uses commands like “red,” “blue” or “A,” don’t add short words that might accidentally block valid answers. Our guide on filtering and turning off comments on TikTok covers video comments too.

How to choose good TikTok LIVE moderators

Choose moderators who show up regularly, stay calm, and understand your community’s tone. Trust matters more than follower count.

Regulars first. People who already attend most streams know your inside jokes and your regulars.
Calm under pressure. A mod who argues with trolls makes things worse.
Different time zones. If you stream at varying times, spread mods across them.
Start small. Two or three trusted mods beat twenty you barely know.

Moderators are especially helpful during interactive streams. In a game of Live Trivia or Word Puzzle, chat moves fast; a mod can repeat the rules for newcomers while you run the round. Tream games read answers straight from comments, so mods only need to keep the chat clean rather than tally votes. See our guide to TikTok LIVE game ideas for formats that work with an active chat.

TikTok LIVE moderator rules template

Give every moderator a short written rulebook so decisions are consistent. Keep it to one screen and share it in a private message.

Be kind first. Welcome new viewers and answer simple questions.
Remove, don’t argue. Delete rule-breaking comments without replying to them.
Escalate in steps. First offence: delete. Second: mute. Serious or repeated: block and report.
Zero tolerance. Hate speech, threats, sexual content, doxxing and anything involving minors: block and report immediately.
No self-promotion. Remove links and “follow me” spam.
Don’t moderate friends differently. Same rules for everyone.
Flag, don’t decide, on grey areas. Message the host if you’re unsure.
Protect privacy. Never share the host’s or viewers’ personal information.

Pair a good mod team with good habits from our TikTok LIVE tips for small creators, and you’ll spend less time policing and more time hosting.

Frequently asked questions

How do I add a moderator on TikTok LIVE?

Before a LIVE, open the LIVE setup screen, tap settings, open Moderators and add the account. During a LIVE, tap a viewer’s name and choose the option to set them as a moderator. Menu labels can change, so check the app if they differ.

How many moderators can you have on TikTok LIVE?

TikTok sets a limit on LIVE moderators, commonly reported as up to 20. Check the moderator settings in your app for the current number.

What can a TikTok LIVE moderator do?

Moderators can mute viewers, remove comments and report problems. They may be able to change comment settings if you allow it, but they cannot end your LIVE, manage other moderators or access your earnings.

Can moderators see my TikTok earnings?

No. Moderators help with the chat during your LIVE but do not get access to your account settings, rewards balance or payouts.

How do I remove a moderator on TikTok?

Open the moderator list in your LIVE settings and remove the person, or tap their name during a LIVE and remove moderator status. It takes effect immediately.

How do I mute someone on TikTok LIVE?

Tap the person’s name or comment in the chat to open their profile card, then choose mute and select how long. Moderators can do this too.

Written by the Tream Team. Tream is an independent product and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by TikTok or ByteDance. TikTok features and eligibility rules change, so check TikTok’s current guidelines in the app.