How to Add a Remote Host/Guest to TikTok Live Studio (Zoom Method)

If you want to bring an external host onto your TikTok Live stream, you usually run into two roadblocks. First, the native co-host feature requires you to have at least 1,000 followers. Second, if you use the multi-guest feature, your guest is trapped in a tiny, unmovable square in the corner of the screen.

If you want total control to resize, crop, and move your guest anywhere on the screen, you need a different approach.

Here is my video conferencing method to bypass those limits and build a custom dual-host layout using TikTok Live Studio on your PC or laptop.

Watch on Youtube: How to Add a Remote Host/Guest on TikTok Live Studio (Zoom Method) | WITHOUT 1000 Followers

The Setup

You will need TikTok Live Studio installed on your computer, your primary camera, and a video meeting app like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams.

Start by inviting your remote guest into a video meeting. Once they are connected, make their video occupy the full screen on your monitor.

Step 1: Set Up Your Main Camera

1. Open TikTok Live Studio and select Portrait mode.

2. Click on Add Source and choose Camera (or Phone Camera if you are using your smartphone).

3. Select your connected webcam. For my setup, I use the YoloCam S3.

4. Rotate or flip the image if needed, then click Add Source.

5. Resize and position your camera feed. You can leave it fit-to-screen for now.

Step 2: Bring Your Guest In via Window Capture

1. Go back to Add Source and select Window Capture.

2. Click Select and find the specific window for your Zoom meeting that shows your guest’s face.

3. Click Add Source.

4. Move the Window Capture layer above your main camera layer so your guest becomes visible.

Step 3: Crop and Position

Right now, you are probably seeing the Zoom interface and some black bars alongside your guest.

1. Right-click on the remote host’s source and select Crop.

2. Drag the edges to cut out the menus and black areas until you only see their camera feed.

3. Click anywhere to apply the crop.

4. You can now freely drag and resize your guest’s video feed anywhere on your TikTok Live canvas.

Step 4: Route the Audio

If you don’t adjust the audio, your viewers won’t hear both of you. Go into your TikTok Live Studio audio mixer:

• The Microphone icon controls your audio input.

• The Speaker icon controls the desktop audio, which captures the sound coming from your Zoom meeting (your guest’s voice).

Do a quick mic check to ensure both sources are picking up sound clearly.

Step 5: Add Text and Graphics

To make the broadcast look professional, you can add lower thirds or logos.

• For Text: Click Add Source > Text. Type out your guest’s name or the topic of the live stream.

• For Graphics: Click Add Source > Image and select your logo file.

• Important note: When placing text and images, keep them out of the yellow shaded areas on the screen, as those are blocked by TikTok’s UI elements (like the chat and profile buttons).

Step 6: Apply Chroma Key (Optional)

If your guest is sitting in front of a green screen, you can key it out right inside TikTok Live Studio so it looks like you are sitting in the same room.

1. Right-click on the remote host’s source.

2. Select Advanced Filter.

3. Click Add and choose Chroma Key, then apply.

How the Guest Participates

Once you click Go Live, your guest just stays in the Zoom meeting to talk to you. If they want to see the final broadcast layout, they can simply open the TikTok app on their phone and watch your live stream while continuing the conversation through their computer’s webcam.

Want more live streaming tips? Check out the Viral Video Blueprint or grab my free live streaming guide by dropping a comment or sending a message!

~ Adrian Lee