Let’s say that you and your Tik Tok-happy friend are neck in neck for the same recurring role on a major network. Let’s say you’re even a slightly better actor than them. But your friend’s singing video went viral last week, earning them 50,000 new followers that network producers can easily convert into a ratings spike. Now, your friend has a job, and all you have is a dreary text from your agent, “We’ll get ‘em next time.”
Whether you think of it as a dedicated hobby or a necessary evil, you know that in 2022, social media matters for actors. So how do you make sure you’re doing it right? We’ve got your back with seven golden rules to keep your socials in check.
- It’s not personal, it’s strictly business.
When you signed up for acting, you agreed to become a product. That means social media can’t be just fun and games anymore. Your wine-induced hot takes on Twitter about this year’s Oscars fiasco might kill with your friends, but they’re not doing much for your employability.
You’re still allowed to be a person, as long as you’re an ambitious person who knows their audience. Put those indie short BTS shots in your Instagram highlights. Pin that hit tweet to the top of your profile. You never know who’s looking.
- Filters are important, and not the ones you’re thinking of.
Put your right hand over your heart, and repeat after us: “I will think before I post.” One more time for good measure.
Just because you’re cultivating your online presence doesn’t mean you should share every single thought that pops into your head. Consistency is great, but consider quality over quantity
Before you hit “post,” ask yourself some tough questions. Is this relevant to my audience? What would a casting director think if they saw this? Common sense is key.
- Acting is reacting, but tweeting is retweeting.
Have you ever casually checked your Twitter feed, only to find dozens of hyper specific references to some pop culture moment you must have missed in the two hours since the last time you looked at your phone and thought to yourself, “Oh, God?”
You’re not alone. The internet is overwhelming. Like, really overwhelming. Though it’s easy to feel like you’ve missed the boat, you don’t have to add your two cents to every cultural conversation. Trust us, there will be more. Just like great acting, sometimes all it takes is listening.
- The algorithm is your bestie, not your enemy.
Do you have the sneaking suspicion that the algorithm is working against you? It probably is. If you have a good amount of followers but nobody’s seeing those stunning new headshots, it’s time to rethink your strategy.
Refresh your own feed, just as an example. Your work crush will probably pop up first (insert side-eye emoji here), but generally, the kinds of posts that get the algorithm’s blessing are the ones with the most engagement. Make your caption a question to spark some conversations. A carousel post on Instagram creates built-in interaction. Anything to avoid getting lost in the shuffle.
- Not all hashtags are created #equal.
At this point, hashtags have become an easy target for critics of internet culture. Besides, haven’t we all scoffed at the overuse of #actorlife? Even so, when used tactically, they’re a great way to build your audience
Go for hashtags that are specific, strategic, and relevant. Instead of typing #castmeplease 15 times, try #voiceover, or #showcase to get the attention you’re looking for.
- Beauty fades, but the internet is forever.
Think about it this way: Once you post something, you give up any control over how it’s used, perceived, or recontextualized. It takes less than a second to post something, but it can take years to undo the damage it does.
Not to get all after school special on you, but please, post responsibly. You don’t want that emotional 4:00 a.m. Twitter rant about the director who wronged you coming back to haunt you later.
You are what you tweet.
At the end of the day, how you use your platforms is up to you. But these days, social media plays an undeniable role in casting decisions. You don’t have to curate a false persona or be someone you’re not, as long as you show off your best side. Even if you’re not an influencer, don’t overlook this powerful career tool that’s right at your fingertips.
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