It’s no secret that social media plays an undeniable role in shaping public perception. But when it comes to casting, does an actor’s social media presence really matter?
Many performers wonder if follower count impacts their chances of booking a role, while past and present controversies highlight how social media history can affect careers. Let this serve as a cautionary tale — what you post online shares your image, and the industry is watching. But does that mean you should fear a low follower count?
Actors with Low Followers: Should You Be Worried?
Worry not! With Casting Networks now allowing performers to link their Instagram accounts, a common question among actors is: “Will my low follower count hurt my chances of booking roles?” The short answer? In most cases, no. We spoke with three renowned Casting Directors – Julie Schubert, Tiffany Little Canfield and Bess Fifer – to get their insights on the impact of social media followers.
When Social Media Matters
According to Casting Director Julie Schubert (House of Cards, Daredevil: Born Again), while follower numbers don’t influence her decisions, social media content does. “Ask me if your social media content matters and I’ll respond with: What you post online is a reflection of you so think hard about what you put out for the world to see and make sure anything you post is something you’re willing to back up and stand behind, regardless of what might happen employment-wise.”
However, there are instances where an actor’s social media presence may be considered. As Casting Director Tiffany Little Canfield (Wicked) explains: “I see social media numbers as a type of fame. Just a new way to quantify fame. If a project is looking for a famous actor, perhaps a high social media count comes into play. But when we are holding auditions for acting roles… looking for talented actors to fill roles, I never consider socials. I look at training and acting credits.”
In other words, while a strong following might be useful in securing brand partnerships or influencer-style opportunities, it’s not a determining factor when it comes to securing traditional acting roles.
When Social Media Does Not Matter
For most actors, casting decisions are based on skill, experience, and performance rather than online popularity. Schubert emphasizes that her focus is on talent, not social media metrics: “I personally don’t engage in projects where number of followers factor into casting decisions, but I cannot speak for the industry as a whole and unfortunately, I’ve heard instances where it is a conversation. But for me, I absolutely don’t care if you have one follower or five million – do you have craft, do you make choices, am I engaged in your
performance? That is what is most exciting to me and to the creative teams I work with.”
Similarly, Casting Director Bess Fifer (Severance) clarifies that while follower counts may sometimes be referenced for lead roles, they are not a key factor in getting actors into the audition room: “The number of followers an actor has is generally not important to me. For lead roles, I may be asked for out-of-the-box ideas with a built-in following, but numbers are not what get you in the ‘room.'”
What Matters More Than Follower Count?
Shift your focus to what actually gets actors cast:
Your Talent & Craft: If you have any weaknesses when it comes to your acting skills, take a class, practice with fellow actors, and grab a bottomless bucket of popcorn while you view award-winning performances. No amount of followers will make up for weak acting skills.
Professionalism & Reputation: Production wants to work with actors who are reliable and easy to collaborate with. Also, being kind and courteous goes a long way!
A Well-Crafted Resume & Reel: Your body of work speaks louder than your Instagram stats. Perfect your resume and keep your reel updated at least once a year. Check out actor David Banks’ reel for some great ideas!
Being the Right Fit for the Role: It all boils down to whether you fit the character while bringing something unique to the table — not whether you have an online fanbase.
How Actors Can Leverage Social Media Without a Large Following
Engage with Industry Professionals: This is not a time to be shy. Access to fellow actors, filmmakers, and other industry professionals are at your fingertips. Commenting thoughtfully on industry-related posts and participating in discussions can make you more visible.
Post Behind-the-Scenes Content: A glimpse into your acting journey can be a lot of fun for your followers! Some ideas are rehearsal clips, on-set experiences, or behind- the-scenes photos. This will allow your followers to engage in conversation.
Utilize Hashtags and Trends Smartly: Hashtags such as #ActorLife, #CastingCall, #SelfTape, and #AuditionTips can increase the discoverability of your posts. Constant changes in social media algorithms will keep you guessing whether to use hashtags, so keep up with changes in your platforms of choice. Visit Google Trends to see what the world is discussing and post relevant content on your socials.
Create Value with Educational or Entertaining Content: Sharing insights such as acting tips, audition prep, character development, or set etiquette offers something informative and can attract engagement.
Maintain a Consistent Posting Schedule: Staying active on social media should have some consistency. Regular updates keep your profile relevant.
Collaborate with Other Creators: Teaming up with others can help you tap into new audiences. Boost your visibility by participating in skits and by joining duets on TikTok.
Keep Your Online Presence Positive and Professional: Sometimes, it’s hard to hold back, but if you want a long career, do what it takes to focus on content that reflects your values, work ethic, and passion for acting.
Quality Over Quantity: You’ve heard it before. Having a few hundred engaged followers who respect you and your work is more valuable than having thousands of followers with no real impact. Focus on strong storytelling over chasing numbers.
Engage Authentically, Not Desperately
Don’t harm your credibility. There’s no need to force engagement. It’s better to build genuine connections than to chase numbers.
Talent Over Followers
So, while your social media does matter in how you present yourself to the industry, don’t let the numbers define your worth. Casting directors want great actors, not influencers — so keep honing your skills and make wise choices when you post online. Let your work speak for itself!
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