Instagram has not only become a powerful tool for personal promotion, but has evolved into a successful business tool for certain industries: one of which, is the modelling industry. Modelling agencies now use the social media platform to scout new talent with the hope of signing fresh faces to their label. So how do you get scouted on Instagram? Here are the most important tips and tricks to becoming a model in the social media age.
1. FREELANCE MODELING VS MODELING AGENCIES
What’s important to clarify is that being scouted as a model can mean one of two things: signing to a modelling agency, or becoming a freelance model for a brand. This article will be looking at being scouted on Instagram for a modelling agency, rather than a freelance model for a brand.
However, a popular method for the second type of scouting is to tag the clothing brands in your Instagram uploads. Tagging a brand or a person in your photos notifies them, and brings your image to their attention. If the brand likes your image and thinks it suits their Instagram aesthetic, they may use your image on their page.
2. #HASHTAGS
Beginning with the pound (#) symbol, a hashtag on social media is a link that connects messages from multiple users under the topic of a phrase or an idea. The tool was predominantly used on Instagram and Twitter, but is now used on most social media platforms.
Modeling agencies will use Instagram to scout potential models by searching an existing hashtag, so including them in your Instagram upload is important. Equally as important is knowing which hashtags to use.
3. MAKE YOUR PROFILE PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL
For hashtags to work, modeling agencies have to be able to view and peruse your account. It is important your Instagram account is set to public, not private for this to happen.
Because your profile would be able to be seen by anyone and everyone, it is important to see the platform as a professional space. Continue to upload everyday pictures, but be mindful that language and content could be being seen by a potential employer – so cater for this.
Additionally, relevant personal information should then be available and put in your bio on Instagram. Your email and living location are important pieces of information for perspective modelling agencies to contact you.
4. CREATE CREATIVE CONTENT
Modeling agencies should be able to get an insight into your personality and image when on your Instagram, so uploading content that reflects who you are is important. Creating a niche for yourself and marketing yourself as something different to everyone else on Instagram is important when getting scouted on Instagram.
That being said, it is equally important to upload a variety of images to express your versatility. Photos that focus on your facial features, body shape and your ability to pose in different environments are all aspects that modelling agencies search for. Before you decide to make your Instagram a professional space, consider what tone and aesthetic you’d like your profile to follow.
5. AUTHENTICITY IS THE KEY
Modeling agencies are searching for natural talent, so editing your Instagram uploads with multiple filters or apps won’t appeal. Photos that highlight your natural beauty and uniqueness are more likely to be successful with modeling agency scouts than heavily edited images. Focus on images that show of your personality, body shape and facial features! Your Instagram should still reflect your life and you in different environments, so make sure to capture your day-to-day activities while remembering that potential employers could be looking through your feed.
Disclaimer: a fine line exists with uploading selfies. Selfies are a great way of highlighting your unique facial features and bone structure, however be a good judge of what’s appropriate and what’s not. Bathroom selfies are not constructive to your online modeling portfolio and getting scouted on Instagram.
6. UTILIZE DIRECT MESSAGES
A last option is to direct message the Instagram pages of modeling agencies. When direct messaging a modeling agency off Instagram, attach two small size images of you and a quick message. Always do your research and make sure you are contacting the authorised Instagram pages of the modeling agencies you’re interested in. Lastly, be patient. If you do not hear back, remain professional and pursue other agencies. You may not be exactly the look they’re after, but every agency is looking for different things.
Don’t give up!