The fashion modelling industry has undergone a drastic transformation with the advent of social media. Once a highly exclusive and unreachable industry, models now have access to global platforms that allow them to showcase their work, connect with their audience, and collaborate with brands directly.
Social media provides models with increased exposure, the ability to build their personal brand, direct communication with fans, and an online portfolio. However, it can also come with its fair share of challenges.
Democratization of Beauty
From the first iteration of SixDegrees in 1997 to today’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, social media has become a part of our lives. It’s easy to take it for granted that the internet has democratized information and allowed people of all backgrounds to communicate with broader audiences than ever before.
The world of fashion is no exception. While it’s true that traditional magazines and runway shows still play a significant role in the modeling industry, social media has become a critical tool for models to gain exposure and build their brand. Social media has reshaped beauty norms, redefined what it means to be beautiful, and opened up opportunities for individuals who might not have been able to pursue careers in modeling otherwise.
Models are no longer relegated to a handful of agencies that dictate their looks, roles, and schedules. With platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube empowering users to take control of their own image and pursue their passions, the pool of aspiring models has widened significantly.
While some individuals might be frustrated by these changes, it’s important to remember that democratization of beauty has its positive sides. In the past, the standard of beauty was top-down and decided by editors, designers, and a small group of gatekeepers. Now, a model can gain fame simply by posting an outfit on their Instagram and gaining thousands of “likes.”
Moreover, the democratization of beauty allows consumers to choose what they want to wear based on their personal tastes. It also makes it easier for them to find new brands and products that align with their values.
In addition to empowering models and changing beauty norms, social media has shaped the ways in which companies market their products. With so many potential customers searching for their products online, it’s crucial that businesses have a strong social media presence. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to create a successful social media strategy that will help you drive measurable business returns.
From promoting your latest collection to building an engaged community, there are endless possibilities for how you can leverage social media to grow your business.
Social Media’s Impact on Modeling Agencies
Many industries have been transformed by the arrival of social media, and the modeling world is no exception. From how aspiring models are scouted to how they market themselves, social media has a firm grip on the industry.
In the past, the criteria for becoming a model was fairly restrictive. In the age of print magazines and “go-sees,” modeling agencies sought out a select group of people who excelled at both the runway and the photo shoot. Today, however, a new breed of supermodels are emerging—and they aren’t all size zeroes or from the same background. These models are breaking the mold by launching their careers through Instagram, posting their headshots online in the hope of catching an agent’s attention. In fact, it seems that the days of go-sees and modeling books are quickly becoming a thing of the past.
As more and more individuals launch their careers in fashion through the power of the internet, it’s important to understand how this transformation has occurred and what impact it might have on the future of modeling.
The democratization of beauty has also transformed the way that modeling agencies find talent. Instead of scouting for faces that embody traditional standards of beauty, top modeling agencies now actively seek out models with social media presence and engagement. These models are not only more attractive, but they have a wider reach and appeal to digital audiences.
With billions of users worldwide, it’s no secret that social media has become a major part of our daily lives. It’s the go-to platform for communicating with friends, family, and coworkers. In addition, it’s a great resource for accessing news and information. According to a 2021 survey, more than 60 percent of adults use social media on a regular basis.
In the past, it was a challenge for businesses to connect with their target audience. But with the advent of social media, it’s easier than ever to create, share, and interact with content. The best way to cut through the noise and get in front of consumers is to be consistent with your posts and create engaging visuals. Posts with images and video tend to perform 100% better than text-only content.
The Impact of Social Media on Models’ Personal Brands
The 2010’s brought us a breed of models who have become more famous for their social media presence than for their modeling skills. Instagram fame allows these models to connect with their audience on a much more personal level, and brands can run campaigns through their “personal” accounts which have the potential to reach thousands of people. These are advantages that traditional models wouldn’t have access to.
However, being a social media influencer comes with its own set of challenges. Models who are able to build a large enough following can find themselves under intense scrutiny from fans and the media. They must be mindful of the message they are conveying and ensure that it aligns with their image and personal brand. Keeping up with the demands of the job can take its toll on a model’s mental health and well-being, so it is important for them to find a balance between their social media presence and their career.
In addition to building a strong personal brand, social media can also help models connect with industry professionals. By posting behind-the-scenes footage from photoshoots, and using relevant hashtags, models can increase their chances of being discovered by photographers, stylists, and casting agents. This can lead to opportunities for photo shoots, runway shows, and other modelling gigs.
For many aspiring models, social media has been the key to launching their careers. It has allowed them to showcase their work, build a following, and create an online portfolio. Using platforms like Instagram and TikTok, models can easily reach their target market, and gain the attention of designers and brands.
Another advantage of these platforms is their ability to provide models with a platform to speak out about issues facing the fashion industry. For example, models who have used social media to share their experiences of mistreatment at castings, such as Ulrikke Hoyer’s account of being canceled from the Louis Vuitton show for being too big, can encourage others to speak up and make a change.
The modeling industry has come a long way since the days of glossy magazine spreads and ruthless talent scouts. Now, it is possible for models from all backgrounds to pursue their dream of becoming a model. Despite this, it still takes a lot of hard work and savvy to make it to the top.
The Impact of Social Media on Models’ Careers
Models can build their personal brand and connect with fans through social media, which can be a powerful tool in building career momentum. By curating a visually appealing feed and sharing behind-the-scenes content from photo shoots, models can increase their exposure and expand their reach. Models can also use their platforms to promote upcoming projects and connect with industry professionals.
Modeling agencies have become more sophisticated in their approach to talent acquisition, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between a model’s online presence and modeling success. Prominent agencies now actively scout for faces that embody traditional beauty standards as well as those with substantial online followings and engagement. This shift has blurred the lines between modelling and influencing, with influencers now enjoying a range of career opportunities that would have previously been reserved for traditional runway and print models.
The democratization of modelling has also allowed models from diverse backgrounds and body shapes to pursue the industry. This has been made possible by the proliferation of social media platforms, which allow aspiring models to showcase their work and engage with followers on a more intimate level. As the industry becomes increasingly diverse and inclusive, it’s likely that social media will play an even more significant role in advancing these changes.
In addition to allowing models to communicate with their audience in real time, social media also allows them to share their work and create a virtual portfolio. For many aspiring models, this is a key step in gaining representation and establishing a solid career foundation. Models can utilize social media to share their latest photoshoots, as well as post updates and answer questions from their followers.
While social media can have a positive impact on the modelling industry, it is important for models to keep in mind that it can also be used as a platform to highlight a model’s personal life and negative aspects of the job. For example, some models struggle with mental health issues and a lack of financial stability, while others may be required to attend castings or photo shoots on short notice, which can cause stress and anxiety.