Social Media Dos and Don’ts for Models and Actors

In the entertainment industry, your online presence is your digital business card and essentially an extension of your portfolio. Social media is a powerful tool to showcase your talent, connect with industry professionals, and build your personal brand. However, using it effectively requires a balance of authenticity and professionalism. Here’s a guide on the dos and don’ts for models and actors navigating the social media world featuring advise from social media influencer and Tina Kiniry Mgmt model, Jaclyn Manfredi!

?DO: Curate a Professional Portfolio

• Showcase Your Work: Post high-quality images and videos from shoots, auditions, or performances. Make your profile a visual portfolio that highlights your skills.
• Keep Profiles Updated: Regularly refresh your bio, update your contact information, and include links to your website or booking platforms.

?DON’T: Overshare Personal Details

• Avoid Controversial Topics: Stay away from divisive subjects like politics or religion unless they're central to your personal brand.
• Protect Your Privacy: Don’t disclose sensitive information like your location, personal relationships, or upcoming projects unless officially announced.

?“It’s important to be personable on social media and share parts of your life, but try to limit the type of content that can be taken out of context. such as partying, photos of you holding too many drinks, etc. It’s important to have fun, but remain professional. It’s always good to remember that this is the place clients can book you from!” - Jaclyn Manfredi

?DO: Have Safety Measures in Place

• List your agency: In your Instagram or TikTok bio be sure to list your agency as an extra layer of protection
• Always discuss opportunities with your agency: There are fake accounts out there who may follow you always fact check with your agents

?DON’T: Ignore Industry Norms

• Avoid Over-Editing: Use filters sparingly to maintain authenticity. Casting agents prefer seeing your true self.
• Don’t Violate NDAs: Refrain from posting behind-the-scenes content of projects under confidentiality agreements.

DO: Be Authentic

• Show Your Personality: Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, day-to-day activities, or hobbies to let your audience connect with the real you.
• Post Inspirational Content: Share your journey, challenges, and achievements to inspire others.

?“Being authentic can be hard, especially when it’s easy to get pulled in different directions. My biggest piece of advice is unapologetically being yourself and sharing that with the world. It can be scary and uncomfortable at first, but I think people appreciate creative, genuine, authentic creators.” - Jaclyn Manfredi

?DO: Engage Thoughtfully with Your Audience

• Respond to Comments: Acknowledge your audience by replying to comments or messages in a friendly and professional manner.
• Use Hashtags Strategically: Use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility in your industry niche.

?DON’T: Sacrifice Quality for Quantity

• Avoid Spamming: Posting too often or irrelevant content can alienate your audience.
• Don’t Post Low-Quality Content: Ensure your images, videos, and captions reflect the professionalism expected in your field.

?DO: Stay Active

• Post Regularly: A consistent posting schedule helps keep your audience engaged. Use tools to plan and automate posts if needed.
• Engage with Industry Trends: Participate in relevant challenges, trends, or discussions to remain visible.

?Social media can be your gateway to opportunities, but it can also hurt your career if misused. Treat it as an extension of your professional persona. Remember, every post, like, or comment represents your brand. By staying authentic, thoughtful, and professional, you can leverage social media to open doors in the modeling and acting world.

Written by: Jessica Baxter, TKM

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