For actors and performers, social media is more than just a leisurely way to pass time—it’s also an occupational boon that can help you network and promote yourself. But how should you use it smartly and effectively? And how can you avoid making virtual blunders? Here are six social media rules you should follow to be your best online self.
Create a character
Social media is the ultimate sandbox, so use it as an opportunity to cast yourself in the roles you’ve always wanted to play. Creating a character gives you a chance to show your true, authentic self in a way that’s comfortable for you. Since social videos prioritize brevity, you can test new things quickly without exhausting too much of your time.
Keep track of scenarios and dream roles that you could perform as your character. This list can help you maintain a consistent, steady posting schedule and style. By showcasing your own character content, you’ll have concrete proof of your abilities should a similar acting role come your way. “It’s your foot in the door for casting,” social media strategist Lenka Silhanova told us. “You might even be asked to play a character based on the character you created.”
Use Instagram Story highlights
If you’re using Instagram, take advantage of Story highlights. “It’s a great way to keep important videos at the top of your profile,” said choreographer Jennifer Weber to Backstage. Anyone who visits your page will be able to see your best work straight away. Depending on what you’d like to showcase (such as dancing, singing, or acting), make individual highlights for each skill. You can go even further as an actor and break highlights down into specific genres—dramatic work, comedy, or monologue—giving the viewer a clear, undistracted look at your various performance styles in a centralized location.
Don’t respond to critics
Whether good-intentioned or not, a negative response on one of your posts can easily rattle or offend you. But, as communication expert Steve Rohr advised in an article for Backstage, “you should never respond” to critics. Since social media is your calling card, you don’t want to be associated with anything negative—including a single Instagram comment. Even responding with something presumably polite can have unintended consequences; it’s possible the person leaving the snarky comment wants you to engage, and doing so will only spur them to keep commenting. In instances like these, starving the fire is the best response.
13 Top TikTokers for Actors to FollowEmphasize what makes you stand out
Make a point of highlighting any special talents you have that could enhance your characters. If you’re good at, say, stunt work, impressions, or horseback riding, find ways to flaunt those skills in your videos.
It’s said that everyone’s favorite neighborhood Spider-Man, Tom Holland, got the role by showcasing his stunt capabilities on his Instagram. “Some people credit that for him getting that role, because everyone [else who was auditioning] was equally as talented,” social media expert Heidi Dean told us. “But Tom was on Instagram every day, doing these really cool stunts that literally made you go, Ah, this guy is Spider-Man.” You never know when a casting director might need your special set of skills.
Be intentional with your photos
When it comes to acting, every decision you make has a purpose—and that extends to the pictures you’re posting. Your headshot is the first impression you’ll make on anyone, whether that be a casting director or just someone interested in following you. So while a kooky photo of you might be fun for your friends, you should always have your professional headshot as your profile picture, and it should be the same photo across every social media platform you have.
Take the same opportunity with headers, cover photos, and channel art to remind people of you and your work. Don’t hesitate to put your name and “Actor” on the bottom of these same spaces. Be sure to use the correct sizes for each platform so nothing in your photo is cut off or awkwardly placed.
Don’t celebrate too quickly
You’ve just booked a job and want to share it with your followers—not so fast! While your excitement and eagerness to share is at an all-time high, you should always take a moment to verify with the company or job as to whether or not you can disclose your involvement. That can mean looking at any specific social media policy it might have, discussing with HR, or talking to your agent. “Actors have lost jobs for doing this,” Dean said. “Don’t sink your own ship!”