Dos and Don’ts for Managing Your Social Media Presence as an Actor

The role of social media in an actor’s career is constantly evolving, and one that is still relatively new on the scene. Whether social media is a necessity for actors depends on who you ask, but many believe it to be a powerful tool for actors.

With a constant influx of ever-changing advice on how to manage your social media presence effectively, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, if you’re looking to streamline your online presence and lay some ground rules to hit your social media goals, look no further!

Here are some quick dos and don’ts to get you started on managing your social media presence as an actor.

Social Media Management Dos

Cultivate Your Brand as an Actor

When thinking about your social media strategy, consider creating separate social media accounts for your actor pages that are entirely different from your pages. This way you can keep all images, color palettes and content consistent with your professional persona and your target audience. Anything else can go with your pages, which you can keep private.

Keep things up to date and current with industry trends. Be sure to tag brands, casting directors, fellow actors and other social accounts that make sense whenever you post social media content to get the most visibility!

Remember, the internet is forever, so try to be mindful of your online presence and think about what you’re posting (even on personal accounts). If you wouldn’t want a casting director to see it, maybe think twice about whether to make that social media post at all.

Promote Your Agent

Once a project is fully booked, and only after you’ve been cleared to post approved information and images, is it acceptable to post a “Thanks, ActorTalent for the incredible opportunity” to your social media profiles. Just make sure to run it by your agent first.

Post Your Acting Accomplishments

Make sure you maximize your promotion potential by posting your accomplishments (again, if the content is approved) across all relevant professional social media platforms and websites.

Categorize Your Skills

Many actors are using a wide range of skills to expand and supplement their careers. However, once you branch out into voiceover work, audiobook recording or print modeling, you’re treading in the waters of separate careers. These require their own promotion and hustle.

For example, instead of shoving all your audiobook history into your actor’s website, consider creating separate sites and accounts to promote each endeavor. It feels like a lot of extra work, but it will help in the long run.

Use Social Media as a Networking Tool

Remember, it’s not just about what you’re posting, it’s who sees it. Follow and connect with relevant industry professionals in your area and nationwide! Listen as much as you post to keep your finger on the pulse of the entertainment industry.

Another great way to get your name out there is by connecting with brands to post user-generated content and/or writing guest articles for them. If you’ve got a big enough following, you might even be able to make some extra cash on the side.

Social Media Management Don’ts

Don’t Post the Details of Your Gigs

If you post something to your social media channels before the details of a gig are finalized, you risk leaking important information, alienating casting professionals and endangering your job.

If you post after you’ve signed on the dotted line (sometimes even after auditioning) you risk violating a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). That means no behind-the-scenes photos or any other details (not even pics of the catering spread). At best, you could lose the gig. At worst, it can severely damage your reputation and open you up to legal trouble. Just don’t do it.

Don’t Post Pictures with Other Actors

It’s completely natural to be excited when you book a guest star role on Stranger Things, but please try to avoid posting pictures of you and successful actors like Millie Bobby Brown. There are other ways to reach your target audience.

When you post pictures with other actors, you not only risk violating NDAs or posting project spoilers, but you’re also likely posting without others’ consent. This is especially tricky and can be unethical if your costars are minors.

Don’t Harass Industry Professionals

Following and interacting with industry social media accounts is one thing, but there are limits to when it’s useful. If you’re commenting on and interacting with every single post, it’s going to become white noise at best, and at worst, a serious annoyance.

Also, If you happen to come across someone’s email, it is creepy to use it if they haven’t given it to you directly. Reach out through professional avenues until that time (it’s always better to build genuine connections versus an online connection). Otherwise, you may burn bridges with casting directors, talent agencies and even your fellow actors.  

Never Air Dirty Laundry on Social Media

In the comfort of your own home and with close, trusted friends, vent away. This industry is frustrating, and it’s healthy to get that out. But for the love of all that is holy, keep your ire off the internet. There are more meaningful posts you can make that will create genuine engagement without harming your reputation.

It shouldn’t have to be said, but screenshots can burn bridges. Even if you’re specifically badmouthing one office or individual, other professionals will see that, and it can give them pause. They might reconsider working with you for fear you’ll treat them and their projects with similar disrespect.

Don’t Post Your Audition Clips on Social Media

I know it’s fun. I know it can be funny. But please reconsider posting used or unused fragments of your self tapes. First of all, again, it would look very unprofessional if a casting director were to come across it. It’s also way too easy to let details of whatever you’re auditioning for slip.

Posting your auditions on social media doesn’t inspire confidence in casting professionals, and honestly, other actors are just going to be annoyed. All this does is tell people you saw some casting calls and went for it (just like everyone else who did the same thing). Posting your auditions to reach a wider audience and boost your engagement rate may seem like a good idea at the time, but the safest route is to keep your audition clips and self tapes under wraps.

A good rule of thumb is that if you’re unsure whether something is professionally acceptable, don’t post it. Here are a few more quick notes to put a button on your social media etiquette:

Social media management can be a powerful branding tool for actors. Although social media networks can be difficult to navigate, remember that a little forethought goes a long way.

When you look at the big picture, your social media channels are just marketing tools. Like your website and business card, they’re another piece of the acting puzzle, but they won’t get you the job. That’s where your training and acting skills come in.

Remember that social media is about quality over quantity. That means putting out thoughtful content on a regular basis as opposed to posting everything under the sun at all times. It’s also easy to get wrapped up in our social lives, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed, put down your phone or laptop and do something else.

Social media is a valuable tool that can help you reach a wider audience, so take these tips, build your brand wisely and don’t forget to have fun!

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