IRL (In Real Life) streaming has become a favorite content style for many streamers. Instead of just streaming in front of a screen, these streamers take their cameras outside to share real-life moments, offering viewers fresh and exciting experiences. While it’s great for engagement, IRL streaming also comes with risks. Just ask Michaela Witter, who recently had a scary encounter during her stream.

The story began when Michaela took on a “100 Days of Dating Myself” challenge on TikTok Live. On day 20, she visited a bookstore, visibly excited to explore. But things took a turn when she noticed a man slowly approaching her from behind, hidden among the shelves. Unaware that her live camera was capturing everything, the man got closer and closer.

When the man finally got close, he bent down near her feet. That’s when Michaela couldn’t take it anymore and confronted him. The man claimed he was just tying his shoelaces. Michaela quickly alerted store staff, and the man left as soon as he realized he’d been caught.

The clip quickly went viral, racking up over 2.5 million views. Many viewers agreed Michaela was lucky to be live streaming, as it revealed everything happening behind her. It’s a reminder that while IRL streams can be fun and engaging, they also require extra caution.