Should an Actor Have a Private or Public Account on Social Media?

If you're an actor trying to grow your career, connect with industry professionals, and build a supportive audience online, there’s one decision that could be holding you back:

Having a private social media account.

Side note: I’m not talking about your locked-down Facebook profile or that private Instagram you use to share vacation pics with your mom. I mean your main actor account—the one meant to represent your career—being set to private.

Here are 5 reasons a private account is NOT going to help you reach your goals:

1. Growing your following is nearly impossible with a private account.

When your account is private, people can’t see what you post unless they follow you—but why would they follow you if they have no idea what kind of content you share? You’re making it harder for casting directors, collaborators, and potential fans to connect with you. That “follow” becomes a dead end.

2. Using Instagram Reels on a private account?

I hope you’re not spending too much time creating them, because Reels from private accounts do not show up in the Reels tab for people who don’t already follow you. That means your reach is limited before anyone even watches.

3. You’re blocking potential DMs from industry pros.

If your account is private, people who don’t follow you (like casting directors, collaborators, or coaches) can’t message you directly. This severely limits your ability to network and respond to opportunities. I constantly have to tell actors the following:

Don’t let a private profile block your next opportunity.

4. Using hashtags with a private account?

Also not effective. Your content won’t appear in hashtag feeds, search results, the Explore page, or even on location tags for people who don’t follow you. You’re essentially invisible to anyone outside your current circle.

5. Hoping to promote your latest project?

If you're posting about a show, film, or collaboration to help get the word out—your private account is working against you. Your reach is severely limited, which means fewer shares, less buzz, and missed opportunities to shine.

The truth is nothing is really private on social media.

Even with a private account, your followers can screenshot, save, and share your content. If your goal is to protect sensitive or personal content, a private account isn’t a guarantee of safety. Think before you post, no matter your settings.

The bottom line?

If you're using social media as part of your career toolkit, a public account is the way to go. It helps you get discovered, connect with the right people, and show the world who you are as both an actor and a human.

Need help finding this balance between professional and private?

📘 My book, Social Media for Actors, goes even deeper—with strategies that help you share your journey, build trust, and maintain your privacy on your own terms.

See you on social,