Since the emergence of the phenomenon of social media, there have been whispers in the acting world that actors without a huge social media following are at a disadvantage. According to Sophie Turner, we might not have known her as Sansa Stark had it not been for her social media following at the time of casting. But there’s more nuance to the discussion.
Actors Ray Diaz and Manon Mathews share how their social media status has impacted their own acting careers.
Ray Diaz
Known for “East Los High,” “Lopez” and “Close Range”
“People will introduce me by saying that I have three million followers. That’s the worst introduction ever. I feel like people don’t take me seriously as an actor because I have a following. I take training as an actor seriously. I moved here to study with Ivana Chubbuck after studying at William Esper Studio in New York City. And I booked ‘East Los High’ before I even had an Instagram. Then with ‘Lopez,’ they didn’t know I had a following until after I booked.
“So my following hasn’t really opened a lot of doors with acting. When I go in to audition, I’m focused on portraying the character they want. It doesn’t feel like the right space to bring up that my following can help sell the show. You know? That wouldn’t be good anyways, because I want to get the role for my acting ability and not because of my clout. But don’t get me wrong. I love social media. It lets me make a living, inspire individuals and create content. But making Instagram skits is not cathartic for me like acting is. Acting is my outlet.”
Manon Mathews
Known for “Holiday Breakup,” “Broad City” and “Single by 30”
“I don’t really like to use the word ‘influencer’ because it has such a negative connotation attached to it, especially in the acting world. I have found that a lot of influencers don’t necessarily have training or a background in acting, so after they get hired, the feedback sometimes isn’t ideal. I more like to see myself as a comedian-actress who happens to have a following. It has enhanced my acting career immensely, though. I was doing stand-up before and not getting much luck in the audition world. Once I gained a following on Vine, I was able to get more validation as far as representation goes. And I was taken more seriously as a comedian because I had leverage with a following. Opportunities were given to me that I don’t think would have come, at least in the way they did, if I didn’t have that notoriety online.
“I like to connect in person, though. I didn’t even have a Facebook profile before Vine, and I just got on there because I loved making videos. I didn’t do it to become an influencer. That wasn’t my path. But it happened, and I’m grateful it gave me more credit in the world of acting and traditional TV.”
Actors who’ve been sweating over their follower count on Instagram can now take heart in the fact that they’re avoiding the negative association a huge social media following can have with regard to how one’s acting skills are perceived. But as Mathews points out, a substantial social media following can help win acting opportunities and gain visibility for a role.
In and of itself, being an influencer doesn’t guarantee of a sustainable acting career. Both influencers emphasize the importance of training and dedication to one’s profession. So before actors start studying the Instagram algorithm, they better have a solid grasp of acting technique and an in-depth understanding of how to audition.
