How to behave in a live stream: a guide for streamers

A live stream is not a recorded video: it cannot be rewound and edited. What is said stays said. Knowing the rules before going live therefore matters more than it does for a recording. Below are the most common mistakes.

A stream exists to show the goods#

This sounds obvious, but many problems start here. A stream is opened for selling: you show the item, explain it and answer questions.

Using a stream for something else — sending people to outside links, advertising third-party services, or doing anything other than trading — counts as a breach of the rules.

Showing a prohibited item#

This is the most serious mistake. The list of prohibited goods applies to streams exactly as it applies to listings.

One subtle point matters: an item that merely falls into the frame counts too. Something lying on your table, boxes visible in the background — all of it is part of the stream.

A practical tip: check the frame before you start. Looking once at what the camera can see is cheaper than dealing with the consequences.

Making promises you cannot keep#

Talking on a stream gets lively, and it is easy to say more than you should. The following count as breaches:

• Claiming a feature the item does not have
• Inventing a warranty period — that depends on the arrangement with the seller
• Stating a delivery time as a guarantee — that depends on the region and the service
• Making unverified claims about where the goods came from

The rule is simple: do not say what you do not know. “I will check and tell you” beats a promise you cannot keep.

Order in the chat#

The chat is your responsibility. Insults, discrimination, threats and similar behaviour are not allowed in it.

If a viewer breaks the rules, do not engage and do not continue the exchange. The most common mistake is answering back and getting into an argument. The stream is live, which means the argument is visible to everyone.

If someone asks for a prohibited item in chat, do not answer. “I have it, message me privately” counts as circumventing the rules.

Personal data and what gets recorded#

A stream is a public place. Other people’s personal data — phone numbers, addresses, documents — must not be shown or read out on it.

The same applies to your own. An order list or messages left open on screen can end up in frame. Close anything you do not need on your phone before going live.

Do not take the sale off the platform#

This deserves its own mention. “I will give you a better price, message me directly” sounds harmless, but it leaves both sides unprotected.

A deal made outside the platform is not recorded in the system. The buyer has nowhere to turn, and you have no proof of the sale. If something goes wrong, neither of you has any evidence.

A one-minute check before going live#

Experienced streamers make this a habit. Before starting, look at four things:

• The frame — what is visible in the background, is anything stray on the table
• Your phone screen — are open messages and orders closed
• The goods — do you know what you are showing today, and is each item permitted
• Your answers — what will you say when a question you cannot answer comes up

The fourth helps most. Prepare one sentence in advance: “I am not certain about that, I will check and write it in the chat.” That single sentence keeps you from making a promise you cannot keep.