TikTok launched Community Fest 2025, a global in-app event running from June 15 to July 5, that highlights the platform’s live creator community. The festival serves as a precursor to the larger LIVE Fest 2025, the company’s months-long global celebration of LIVE content.

Approximately 130 million creators worldwide go live on TikTok daily, reaching billions of viewers, according to the company’s data. The platform reports significant growth in its LIVE features, which enable real-time interaction between creators and audiences.

“With TikTok LIVE, our mission is to help creators and viewers connect, grow, and thrive in real time,” Adam Wang, Head of TikTok LIVE, said in the announcement.

TikTok has expanded its suite of community tools, including “Multi-Guest,” which allows creators to host guests during livestreams in audio or video mode, and “Take the Stage,” which enables simultaneous streaming collaborations between creators.

The Community Fest launch comes as TikTok continues to enhance its commerce capabilities. In May, the platform introduced a direct messaging option for live streamers, enabling viewers to initiate contact with creators in real-time through a message call-to-action button within streams. This feature, accessible through a “LIVE setup for client acquisition” menu in broadcast options, aims to help creators generate leads directly from their broadcasts.

Regional Growth Strategy

To support ongoing engagement, TikTok has expanded its LIVE Fest series globally, introducing regional campaigns, including the LIVE Grand Prix in Japan and LIVE Legends events in the Middle East and North Africa. Winners of these events secure direct entry to the Global LIVE Fest.

ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, continues to pursue live-stream commerce growth after success with Douyin, the Chinese version of the app, which generates $500 billion in annual sales primarily through live commerce.

Creator Success Stories

TikTok is highlighting several creators who have successfully leveraged LIVE features, including Vanessa (@deliciousnessbakery), who transformed her bakery business through live streams. After receiving just four orders in her first year, Vanessa began using LIVE to share her cake-making process, which grew her viewer count into the hundreds within six months and increased her monthly rewards sixfold.

Erik (@captaineriklive), a chartered fisherman, has built a community around his outdoor adventure and fishing content, with followers rallying behind him after Hurricane Helene devastated his Florida hometown in 2024.

The platform also spotlights Jcarria (@braidtherapy803), a braider and motivational speaker who grew her hair salon through TikTok LIVE and has provided free hairstyles, haircuts, and food to over 2,000 children in need. Musicians like Kira (@kiralise), who uses LIVE sessions for songwriting and performances, and Jourdan Blue (@jourdanblue), who recently received the Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent, demonstrate how the platform supports artistic careers.

While Western markets have been slower to adopt live shopping compared to Asian counterparts, TikTok reported a threefold increase in Black Friday sales last year, with livestream sales driving significant interest.