How to Use BIGO Live — Ultimate Guide
Everything a beginner needs to know: signing up, watching, gifting, going live, and staying safe.
What Is BIGO Live?
BIGO Live is a global live-streaming app where users broadcast video in real time — singing, chatting, gaming, or just hanging out — while viewers watch, chat, and send virtual gifts. It's available on iOS and Android, with a large community across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Getting Started in 4 Steps
1. Download the app
Get BIGO Live free from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Create an account
Sign up with your phone number, email, or a social account. You'll be assigned a BIGO ID automatically.
3. Explore streams
Browse the home feed, filter by category, and tap any stream to start watching.
4. Interact & gift
Chat, follow your favourite streamers, and send gifts using diamonds to show support.
Key Features Explained
Live Streaming
Anyone can go live from the home screen's camera icon. Streams appear in the discovery feed based on region, category, and popularity.
Diamonds vs Beans
Diamonds are purchased and spent on gifts. Beans are earned by hosts from received gifts and can be exchanged — diamonds cannot be cashed out directly.
Virtual Gifts
Gifts range from small icons to elaborate animations. Bigger gifts cost more diamonds and often trigger on-screen effects everyone in the room can see.
Safety Tools
Block, mute, and report options are available in every stream. Never share your password, and only top up diamonds through official or trusted channels.
Becoming a Host
If you'd rather stream than watch, tap the camera or "Go Live" icon on the home screen. Depending on your region, BIGO may require identity verification before you can broadcast. Once live, viewers can chat, follow you, and send gifts — which convert to Beans you can potentially withdraw.
Tips for New Hosts
- Stream consistently at similar times to build a regular audience.
- Engage actively with chat — viewers are more likely to stay and gift when acknowledged.
- Use a stable internet connection and good lighting for a better viewer experience.
- Review BIGO's community guidelines to avoid content violations.
Topping Up Diamonds
To send gifts, you'll need diamonds in your account. You can top up directly in the app, or through a trusted reseller for better rates and instant delivery — just have your BIGO ID ready before you order. See our BIGO topup price list for every diamond pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIGO Live free to use?
Yes, downloading and watching streams is free. Diamonds for sending gifts are purchased separately.
What's the difference between diamonds and Beans?
Diamonds are bought with real money and spent on gifts. Beans are earned by hosts from received gifts and can be exchanged, unlike diamonds.
How do I become a host?
Tap the "Go Live" or camera icon on the home screen. You may need identity verification depending on your region.
Is it safe to top up diamonds through a third-party site?
Only use resellers with instant delivery, secure payment, and no requirement for your BIGO password — you should only ever need to provide your BIGO ID.