BIGO Live for Beginners
What the app is, how gifting works, and what to know before you start streaming yourself.
BIGO Live in one paragraph
BIGO Live is a live-streaming app for iOS and Android. Hosts broadcast in real time — singing, talking, gaming or just hanging out — and viewers join the room to chat, follow and send virtual gifts. It has an especially large community in Southeast Asia.
Your first ten minutes
Install
Download BIGO Live free from the App Store or Google Play.
Sign up
Register with your phone, email or a social account. BIGO gives you an ID automatically — here's where to find it.
Browse
Scroll the home feed or pick a category, then tap any room to watch.
Join in
Say hello in chat, follow hosts you like, and send a gift when you want to support them.
How the money side works
Diamonds
Diamonds are bought with real money and spent on gifts and privileges. They cannot be cashed out.
Gifts
Gifts range from small stickers to big animations that everyone in the room sees. Larger gifts cost more diamonds.
Beans
When a host receives gifts they earn Beans, which hosts can exchange — that is how streamers earn on BIGO.
Recharging
Top up diamonds in the app, or through a reseller that only needs your BIGO ID — never your password.
Thinking about hosting?
Tap the camera or Go Live button on the home screen to start. Some regions ask for identity verification before your first broadcast. While you are live, viewers can chat, follow and send gifts, which turn into Beans for you.
Habits that help new hosts grow
- Go live on a regular schedule so viewers know when to find you.
- Greet people by name and reply to chat — viewers stay longer when they feel noticed.
- Use steady internet and decent lighting.
- Read BIGO's community guidelines so your streams aren't interrupted.
Staying safe
- Use block, mute and report in any room when someone crosses the line.
- Never give your password to anyone, including sellers.
- Recharge only through the app or a store that asks for nothing but your BIGO ID.
Beginner Questions
Does BIGO Live cost anything?
Downloading the app and watching streams is free. You only pay if you buy diamonds to send gifts — see the BIGO diamond recharge price list.
Diamonds vs Beans — what's the difference?
Viewers buy diamonds and spend them on gifts. Hosts receive those gifts as Beans, which they can exchange. Diamonds can't be turned back into money.
How do I start my own stream?
Tap the Go Live or camera button on the home screen. Depending on your region you may need to verify your identity first.
Is it safe to buy diamonds outside the app?
It can be, if the seller delivers automatically, uses secure payment and only asks for your BIGO ID. Anyone asking for your password is a red flag.