Modelling Tips: How To Get Scouted on Instagram
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 Australia 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.
By Samantha Beckwith
Instagram influencer Juanpa Zurita for Dolce & Gabbana.
1. Freelance Modelling vs Modelling 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.
Instagram influencer Lele Pons for Dolce & Gabbana.
2. #Hashtags #Hashtags #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.
Modelling 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. Below is a list of the most active and relevant hashtags for the budding Australian model on Instagram:
3. Make your Profile Public and Professional
For hashtags to work, modelling 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
Modelling 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
Modelling 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 modelling 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 modelling portfolio and getting scouted on Instagram.
6. Grow your Followers
Because Instagram and social reach has become such a strong marketing tool in the modelling industry, modelling agencies have started recruiting not only models but influencers too. Having a large following on social media platforms is very advantageous and can help you get scouted on Instagram quicker.
Implementing some of the tips we’ve already mentioned in this article will definitely help increase your follower count. A public profile, appealing content and hashtags will all garner attention to your page. This is often what aspiring freelance models do, uploading a photo with a brand’s product in it and tagging the relevant parties in hopes the brand will see the image. Social media reach is now understood to be lucrative for brands and you could be more appealing as a model with a high follower count.
7. Utilise Direct Messages
A last option is to direct message the Instagram pages of modelling agencies. Direct message, or DM as it’s commonly abbreviated to, is the message tab underneath an Instagram profile. Pressing this will take you to a screen in which you can write a personal message that can go directly to the user behind the Instagram page. Some modelling agencies have it written in their Instagram bios that they prefer potential models to direct message them, but others might not have it specified. When direct messaging a modelling 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 modelling 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!
8. Social Media Magic
It is now an undisputed fact that Instagram is playing a larger role in model scouting than ever before. If your dream is to become a model, getting your Instagram ready for potential modelling agencies to look at is vital. With all social media platforms, be smart with sharing information and always do your research if companies or agencies reach out to you. The new breed of model is tech-savvy and aware of public image. When Marc Jacobs cast Singaporean local Nadia Rahmet in his 2015 Spring campaign after finding her on Instagram, it became clear that social media can be the key to success!
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