Can I Post Monologues on Social Media?
Let’s talk about something I used to say wasn’t social media savvy:
👉 Posting monologues
I used to think it wasn’t the best use of your feed. Why? Because most actors were posting them like they were in acting class—long, unedited, and made with no thought to audience, platform, or engagement. They weren’t getting seen. And they weren’t working.
But then I saw Chris Tester’s account—and I changed my mind.
Chris Tester Does It Right!
Chris Tester (@chrisnaturallyrp on IG and TikTok) posts short monologues that are tailored to his voice, casting sweet spot, and audience. He’s not just throwing a random scene online—he’s making content that showcases his brand.
The performances are clean.
The delivery is specific.
The ‘watch time’ is high.
And they’re super engaging!
He’s built a following (on IG, TikTok & Youtube) and booked opportunities—not by posting for actors, but by posting as a storyteller who knows who he’s talking to.
Before we talk about how to make monologues work let’s discuss one of the most important metrics on social media:
WATCH TIME.
Why Watch Time Matters:
Instagram, TikTok and Youtube reward content people finish watching. That means your monologue needs to:
✅ Hook us in the first 1–2 seconds
✅ Get to the point—fast
✅ Show contrast, range, or a reveal
✅ Keep us watching all the way through
So no more posting 90-second general drama monologues shot in your bedroom with a blanket background. You’re not in class. You’re on social media—and the rules are different.
How to Make Monologues Work on Social Media
Want to post monologues that actually work for you? Follow these tips:
1. Choose the right piece
Find a monologue that fits your voice and lights you up —and doesn’t take a long time to get interesting. It can be from a play/musical or film/tv. And don’t forget to cut it down for social media - more on that in #2.
But before we get to length… If you need help finding a monologue, my friend Jennifer Apple created a free Monologue Selection Toolkit to take the stress out of the search and help you find material that fits YOU like a glove! This toolkit will help you find pieces that you are excited about (for social media or offline).
2. Make it scroll-stopping
Hook us right away! The easiest way to do this is to cut out the big pause at the start. We don’t need a big ‘moment before’ on Instagram- that just gives us reason to scroll. Until you really get good at posting monologues online try to keep it under 60 seconds (30 seconds is even better). Get your watch time up- then experiment with longer pieces.
3. Caption it like a story
Don’t just post: “Monologue from XYZ” in the caption. Tell us why you chose it. Add a line about your connection to the material—or let us know how you’d cast yourself.
🗣 “Wanted to try something outside my comfort zone. How’d I do?”
🗣 “Thinking this is perfect for that offbeat CW detective…”
🗣“10 years ago, I saw Glengarry Glen Ross on Broadway and knew I wanted to be an actor. This monologue brings me right back to that moment.”
4. Add Text to the screen!
Add text in two key places to keep us watching and to make your post more accessible:
Include on-screen text that tells us what the monologue is from.
Use the app’s closed captions so people can follow along even with the sound off (Bonus: this boosts accessibility and watch time!)
Not sure how to do this? I show you how to add text in the app right here.
5. Shoot it like a scene—because it is
You don’t have to film in front of your blue or green screen. If the scene takes place in a kitchen, shoot it in your kitchen. Sit on your couch. This is social media—lean into what's real and authentic.
6. Don’t post it for the algorithm—post it for you
If the piece lights you up, do it. This is your digital stage. Just make sure it’s framed with intention.
Monologues can work on social media—if you make them work for the ‘virtual stage.’
Don’t just film something you had to memorize for class. Share a performance that shows your range, your casting, and your creative spark. And keep it short, specific, and watchable.
Want help creating content that actually helps your career—not just fills your feed?
🎁 Grab one of my free guides here — they’ll help you post with purpose and avoid the biggest mistakes.
📘 Or dive into my book Social Media for Actors — it’s full of smart strategies to help you stand out online with content that represents you:
See you on social,
