Are You Making These 10 Instagram Mistakes as an Actor?
If you're an actor using Instagram to grow your career, build your relationships, or simply build a supportive fanbase—these common mistakes could be holding you back. They’re easy to make, but the good news? They’re just as easy to fix! Let’s break down the most common ones I see every day—and how to get your account working for you, not against you.
Mistake #1: You underestimate your first impression
Whether it’s a casting director, agent, producer—or someone who just saw your performance—if they search you on Instagram, your profile is their first impression. That first glance tells them who you are and whether you're someone they want to follow or work with. So ask yourself:
Does your profile pic look like you?
Does your bio tell me what you do and why I should care?
Are your top 3 posts (or pinned posts) clear and compelling?
You only get one chance to make a first impression—so make it count.
Mistake #2: Speaking of bios…Your bio isn’t specific
Your bio is one of the first things people see. Its #1 job is to get us to hit that follow button. Don’t try to appeal to everyone. Instead, focus on:
What you do in the business (e.g. actor, voice actor, Broadway actor)
What you post about
A personal connection (award, theater company, rep, etc.) When you’re clear about your account, it's easy to attract like-minded followers.
Mistake #3: You’re a spoiler
Got permission to post about your latest project? Great! Just make sure your content doesn’t accidentally spoil the plot. Also, be careful with geotags on set—they can give away more than you think.
Mistake #4: You don’t tag the people, places, and things
Tag fellow cast, crew, creatives—anyone who’s part of the moment. And try using Instagram’s “Invite Collaborator” feature to share posts across both accounts. It’s a win-win for reach and engagement. Collaborating with others is also one of the fastest ways to grow your account—especially when your content shows up on both feeds and taps into both audiences.
Mistake #5: You tag random people who aren’t in your post
Tagging casting directors or agents just to get noticed? Yikes. That’s not good marketing—it’s pushy. Tagging should benefit you and the person being tagged. Want to build real relationships? There’s a better way. More on that in a sec…
Mistake #6: Your feed is full of self-tapes
Please don’t have a feed full of self tapes! And this isn’t just from me (so listen up). This is what I’m hearing directly from working casting directors, agents, and producers:
From producers: “When we look you up and see a ton of self-tapes, it can be a red flag. We don’t know if the episodes have aired—and it makes you look like a liability.”
From casting: “We love to see actors perform—but be careful. If you must post it, wait until after it airs.”
Also…over and over again I’ve heard: “We want to see a little more about who you are when we’re looking you up on Instagram.”
And they’re right—you’re so much more than your self-tapes.
So yes, show us your talent—but don’t let your entire feed become a digital filing cabinet of audition clips. Your Instagram should be a reflection of who you are as a human, not just the roles you can play.
Mistake #7: Your account is private
If your acting account is private, it’s like locking the door on opportunity. Here’s why:
No growth — People can’t preview your content, so they’re unlikely to follow.
Limited reach — Reels from private accounts don’t show up in the Reels tab.
Networking blocked — Industry pros can’t DM you if they don’t follow you.
Hashtags don’t work — Your posts won’t show up in search or explore.
Promoting projects? Forget it — Your buzz stops at your follower count.
Bottom line? A private account may feel safe, but it’s not helping your career.
Mistake #8: You’re using the wrong features to reach your goals
Not all Instagram features serve the same purpose. Reels are designed to help you grow and reach new people—they’re your virtual stage to showcase your talent. Stories, on the other hand, are for nurturing your current audience and increasing engagement. If you’re only using the feed or avoiding Reels entirely, you’re missing out on massive growth potential. The Instagram algorithm favors users who embrace the newest features—because we’re their best advertisements. So follow the green lights!
Mistake #9: You don’t let followers in
Your account shouldn’t be all acting, all the time. People in the industry are looking you up to get a sense of who they’re going to work with—not just your résumé. If your feed is only bookings and credits, it’s hard to feel a connection. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses into your life and let people connect with you as a person, not just as a performer. That’s what builds trust and long-term engagement.
Mistake #10: You have a spaghetti account
A “spaghetti account” posts everything: acting, dinner, memes, random life updates. It’s confusing. And if people don’t know what your account is about, they won’t follow. Instagram is crowded—clarity wins.
You've got to know the story you're telling online if you want to grow an audience. When your message is clear, the right people will hit follow—and stick around.
Most of these mistakes come down to one big one:
You don’t have a strategy.
Without a plan, it’s easy to feel lost or frustrated—especially with how often Instagram changes. A real strategy will help you:
Connect with more people
Build your following faster
Save time every day
That’s where my course InstaActor comes in.
🎯 It’s your step-by-step strategy to grow your acting career on Instagram. You’ll fix every mistake from today’s list and walk away with:
A posting plan
A networking strategy
Tools to grow with confidence
And right now? This is your last chance ever to join InstaActor. I'm officially retiring the course—so once the doors close on 9pmPST June 5th, it's gone for good.
The best part? InstaActor is fully updated for 2025 with the latest strategies that are working right now—so you can grow your audience and career with confidence.
Here’s just a few of things you’ll learn in class:
💗 MODULE 1: Instagram 101, branding & bios (yes, we cover how many accounts actors should have)
💗 MODULE 2: What, when, and how to post (100+ actor-friendly post ideas)
💗 MODULE 3: Reels, Stories & easy ways to create content—fast
💗 MODULE 4: How to connect with industry pros, reps & CD’s (without being weird)
💗 MODULE 5: How to grow an audience that actually cares!
📲 Immediate access. Lifetime access. Go at your own pace.
But don’t delay! There’s only one more week (until June 5th) that you can get everything inside InstaActor for just $199!
See you on Instagram!
