Social media influencer
Social media influencers create and post videos online about their life, specialist interests and products.
Also known as: Content creator
What you'll do
As a social media influencer you could:
- plan what to film and write scripts
- create content in a studio or at home with a camera or mobile phone
- livestream events on location
- use software to edit your videos and add text or special effects
- tag videos with web links for products you promote
- promote your content to get more followers
- analyse web tracking data on your channels to learn what works best
- keep up to date with other influencers' activity and new technology
Working environment
You could work from home, in a creative studio or in an office.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of media production and communication
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to understand people's reactions
- excellent verbal communication skills
- thinking and reasoning skills to come up with new ideas
- persistence and determination
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a social media influencer
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- teaching yourself
- short private training courses
College
You can do a college course to get practical skills in using editing equipment and software.
Courses include:
- video editing and production for creative media industries
- creative digital media
- digital content production
- T Level in Marketing
A course that includes work experience will give you the chance to make contacts in the industry.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You could learn useful skills for this role by applying to do a Content Creator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Multi-channel Marketer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Volunteering
It's important that you get as much practical experience as you can.
You could:
- volunteer to create and edit video content for charities
- do a work placement in a digital marketing agency
- edit student or community film productions
- work on content for an employer's social media channels
Do IT has more information on volunteering opportunities in your area.
Other routes
You could develop your skills and knowledge using free online learning resources that show you how to create clips, podcasts and reels, as well as editing sound and adding effects.
You could also take short courses in video editing run by film schools and private training providers.
Career path and progression
You could work for a retail, fashion or marketing company, managing a team of freelance social media influencers or vloggers.
You might also specialise in a particular area, for example:
- travel
- gaming
- health and wellbeing
- music and entertainment
- sport and fitness
- fashion and beauty
Career tips
You can get advice and tips online from other influencers.
Many people start as a hobby alongside doing other paid work. This gives you the chance to get subscribers or followers while you improve your skills.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Data and Marketing Association or the Influencer Marketing Trade Body for training opportunities, industry advice and to make industry contacts.
Guides for this industry
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