Do Casting Directors Look at Social Media?

How important is social media to your career? It’s generally considered a good move to present your work and personality in an engaging, informative way on various platforms—but be careful you don’t speak too much out of turn, because what you tweet and post on Facebook can have consequences.

*Breakdown*
0:09 - Why social media is so important
0:28 - Actors need an online presence
0:55 - Watch your negativity and "rants"
1:18 - What do want your possible employer to see?
2:00 - Watch what you say about other actors
2:25 - What updated social media you need to have
3:10 - Know what Google says about you

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*More Casting Tips*

[ktoth]

Sorry I'm an actor, not a social media influencer. My job is to live truthfully, not to pretend to be a more exciting version of myself... does this comment count as a negative post because I don't agree with this CD's assessment of the importance of social media? I guess no one is going to hire me now, oh well.

[kendallmallett]

I think it’s a challenging task actually, in a sense that a couple years ago Actors didn’t have to worry about this. I used to be actively on Social Media but it wasn’t really that productive and I found myself more productive when I shut most of my profiles down and really focused on working on myself. There are some people who have many many followers on Social Media BUT aren’t even in the league of some actors with less. I think with that being said it makes it hard for some actors who are really more focused on the actual craft and real connections other than creating this persona over the web to boost your credibility in a sense.

[RiqueC]

I've been booked on huge national commercials and other big projects and have less than a thousand followers on social media. Don't be fooled into thinking you need a huge following to be successful in this day and age. You make fans in the room when you go to a casting. Sure, having a lot of followers help because the clients are looking to use YOUR presence to sell THEIR products but you can still work in the industry without having a verified twitter account hah.

[tiffanywaldon]

Woooow. That sucks, as I'm not a big fan of social media. 😞

[PatriciaHolly]

I wish I could like this a million times. There are even casting calls on Backstage that say "must have 5000+ followers on instagram, youtube, etc". Great advice :)

[OdeeOz]

Well said Mr Whitley! How actors present themselves on Social Media, has always been a bone, that News, and Paparazzi cannot refuse to chase. If you are controversial, then rest assured whatever you put on the web, will be blown all out of context, and then you are left with damage control of your career.

As an actor, I have always looked at how I can connect with the viewer of a project I work on, through the art of acting itself. If I can strike that emotional trigger on screen, then I have done my job well. But I digress from the original post...

[rohjeseir]

Marketability in numbers over talent in the audition room?

[DanielSelk]

...I didn't get 4 films this year, and 3 last year, and an IMDB credit, because of my social media. I am NOT popular on social media at all, yet I got them cause of my experience and hard work. I DO have social media but it's not a big presence at all, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. It totally didn't get me the work that I'm doing now. It can help, for sure. But not required. =) Just sayin'...

[DrewNorton]

it may not be attractive but the entertainment business does have some big problems just like many other businesses! honestly actor or not I will say what I feel and I don't think actors should bend their beliefs to fit others!

[MsProudcherokee]

Coming from the entertainment industry myself, it never looks good reading others "rant." If anything, it gives a negative perspective of the person ranting.

[RobMaddenMadeIt]

Definitely some good gems dropped here. Thank you

[katemoore]

This is so great thanks for this. I love the line about people who are doing well on social media, making "something out of nothing". People who poo poo social media and decide not to use it because of moral superiority or what have you are missing out on a free and immediate opportunity to create and control an identity. I think that's pretty cool just artistically, business and marketing aside.

[daniellemaroney]

One of the things that irritate me about the acting biz is you get a lot of contradicting cross talk. This guy on the video says yes you do need a social media presence. While the author of this book I'm reading about the biz says no you don't, especially if you are just starting out. He also goes on to say that casting directors never look at social media, and they simply don't have the time. The book I'm reading by Alan R. Davies says an actor needs to focus on getting headshots, resume, and demo reel. So which is it, social media or not? If it's one thing I learned about the acting biz is no matter what your efforts are, you are always made to feel like whatever action you take is WRONG. I just wish the people who are giving advice on this topic would all be on the same page.

[miadjojowasitomalik]

I think it's still very important to speakout about things in the Industry (ageism is a huge one in my country—we're forced to reveal our biological age on slates, instead of range). I do "rant" about meeting Industry men on Bumble who try to pick up women on dating apps and use us. And I think it's necessary to stand-up for ourselves (even if it does worry me how I'd come off to potential employers, I'm not gonna lie!!)

But posting on how "disgusted" you are about a castmates' performance is completely unnecessary. Who does that?? Is that just some random example or did that actually happen IRL?

Either way, thank you for your insights. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[KristinaArntz]

Great video. Very impressed with the detail in this video.

[thedoneeye]

Just because you have a social media presence doesn't mean you can *act*

[_nicolekyra]

Oh wow, if you search up my name you won't find my stuff... it's always just "Issa Me Nicole"

[zenonroobet]

It’s good that people speak up sometimes though. *cough* sexual assault. Speaking up can lead to change.

[fishful]

Getting to know you ? Is this a date lol ? Personally in my opinion taking the time to look up someone’s profile on all social media like why. Posting on social media you only see the parts people want you to see. Your not getting the full picture. Yeah you might learn something about them, but getting the job should be based on the work you actually do in the room.

[bernardmishra]

He is struggling to get projects himself (imdb him), advise should be given by masters of a craft/trade, not bootleg Edward nortan .