How to host a live kahoot

Updated

Log in, open your kahoot from Library or Discover, click Host live, share the PIN/link/QR, choose an experience (Classic, Team, Accuracy, Student-led), adjust game settings (gear icon), and press Start. Players join on kahoot.it or the Kahoot! app - even after the game begins.

Shortcuts:

What are the tech requirements to host a live kahoot?

  • Device: Desktop/laptop/tablet/phone with a supported browser or the Kahoot! app.
  • Display: Projector/large screen or a video meeting (Zoom/Teams/Meet); ≥1024x768
  • Internet: Stable connection (test the venue/network beforehand)
    ⚠️ If a player leaves and rejoins, they must choose a new nickname (score resets)
    ⚠️ Don't share the PIN publicly to avoid unwanted/bot joins

kahoot host

💡 Accessibility tip for blind or visually-impaired learners: As the host of a live game, you and your learners can use screen readers. Your device will read out the question and answer text (answers prefaced by “answer one..., answer two…”), while learner devices will audibly say “answer one, answer two, …”. Your participants can also use our Read Aloud feature available in mobile apps.

How do I launch a live game (web)?

  1. Log in to Kahoot!
  2. Open a kahoot from Library or Discover.
  3. Click Host live to open the lobby.
  4. (Optional) Build a playlist to run multiple kahoots.
  5. Hosting virtually? Sharte your screen or use Zoom/Teams integrations.
    👉 To practice kahoot before hosting live, see Preview option.

  
💡 Found this helpful? Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more tips and Kahoot! tutorials!

Which experiences can I use?

  • Classic -  everyone plays individually
  • Accuracy - correctness weighs more than speed
  • Team experience - team play
  • Presentation - for meetings and formal presentations.
  • Lecture - for boosting engagement and learning in any lecture.
  • Student-led experiences- e.g., Tallest Tower, Color Kingdoms, Treasure Trove, Submarine Squad, Chill Art, The Lost Pyramid, Robot Run

How do game settings work?

  • Open Settings from the gearwheel (bottom-right).

     
  • You can change options before selecting an experience, in the lobby, between questions, and some options during play. You can read more about settings here.
  • Your choices persist for next time.

How do I start and manage the session?

  • After you pick an experience, the PIN + QR appear.
  • Share PIN, direct join link (click the PIN), or enlarge QR for easy scanning.
  • Participants join via kahoot.it, the app, or by scanning the QR.
  • Click Start.
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  • Latercomers can still join (PIN stays on screen)
  • Use the padlock to lock entry at any time
  • Navigate questions/slides with the keyboard
💡 When hosting in Classic experienceLecture/Professional, you don’t need to wait for participants to join before starting. Click Start whenever you’re ready – players can still join later using the game PIN or QR code. 

FAQ: Hosting a live kahoot:

  1. Can I host a kahoot for free?
    Yes. Free account can host; participant limits depend on plan.
     
  2. How many participants can join?
    It depends on your account and subscription type. Read more here: How many participants can play a kahoot?
     
  3. Can I host on Zoom/Teams/Meet?
    Yes. Share your screen; Zoom and Teams also have direcr integrations.
     
  4. Can participants join late?
    Yes, while the PIN is visible and entry isn't locked.
     
  5. What if my PIN is shared publicly?
    Unwanted participants/bots may join -  share only with your audience.
     
  6. If someone disconnects, can they rejoin?
    Yes. As long as the game is still running and the host allows joining, players who disconnect can rejoin.
    1. Open the Kahoot! app or go to kahoot.it.
    2. On the Join game screen, tap Tap to rejoin game to quickly use the last game PIN, or enter/scan the game PIN again.
    3. If you see the Back in action? screen, choose Resume as [nickname] to continue with the same nickname and score, or Start fresh to join as a new player.

💡 Next steps 💡 

➡️Kahoot! quiz reports

➡️ How to assign a kahoot in web platform

💡 Read more 💡 

➡️ Kahoot! live game: see questions on participant's screen

➡️ How to share a kahoot

➡️ How to make a kahoot: Complete guide

 

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  • Thanks for the article! It was real helpful!

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    oliverhann
    3

  • Thanks, everyone! Glad to hear you found this article helpful! Please contact us via this form: https://support.kahoot.com/hc/en-us/requests/new from the email connected to your Kahoot! account if you ever encounter any issues with your account or the app!

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    Leigh-Ann
    3

  • Thanks

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    maorigirl11
    3

  • Hi

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    e_simon_graham
    6

  • i like limabeens 

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    rapid_gorilla206
    0

  • do y'all play clash of clans 

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    rapid_gorilla206
    3

  • yea me neither 

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    rapid_gorilla206
    2

  • very cool

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    KAHOOT__1232286
    2

  • hi, thankyou

     

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    cheerful_goat712
    2

  • ty

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    lanadoesnails93
    0

  • hi guys

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    amazing_piranha3005
    1

  • hi guy how are you 

     

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    knowing_koala8885
    1

  • a warm welcome from me and my kiddos! hearts!

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    30mryan
    1

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