Your ability to captivate an online audience can define your career. Most people see social media as entertainment, so the secret to achieving this success is simpler than you would think.
Since social media and entertainment go hand in hand, the best way to engage your followers is to show off your unique personality.
In this post, we’ll explain why being entertaining on social media is crucial for career advancement and how you can harness this power.
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The Transformation of Social Media
From January of last year to January of this year, social media users grew 3% YoY worldwide.
Social media has evolved into a dynamic space where people not only connect, but also build businesses and personal brands. And with more users, creators and influencers can attract a wider audience.
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube offer individuals a stage to showcase their talents, share their insights and connect with a global audience. Whether you’re educating an audience or using humor, these platforms can allow creators to build successful brands on social media.
Think of a fitness enthusiast who starts sharing workout routines on Instagram reels. As her audience grows, so does the individual’s rapport with brands in the fitness space. This then leads to collaborations with those brands and the establishment of a personal fitness brand, all fueled by the expansive reach of social media.
This sequence continues cycling over and over again, perpetually growing the fitness enthusiast’s personal audience and power as an influencer via knowledge and an authentic persona:
The Era of Personal Branding
In the digital era, personal branding is no longer optional — it’s a necessity. Your online presence, the content you share, and the way you interact with your audience all contribute to your personal brand. Being entertaining on social media is a powerful way to shape and enhance your brand:
The content you choose to share, be it written articles, videos or any other format, acts as the building blocks of your digital identity. The point isn’t to just fill digital space with your name attached to it, but rather it’s about providing value, entertainment or insights that resonate with your target audience.
There has to be a purpose to what you contribute online if people are going to pay attention to you. And beyond that, you have to:
- Be confident and competent in what you choose to talk about
- Have a different spin on your topic that no one else is doing
Pushing Boundaries Through Entertainment
Nearly anyone can take social media and entertainment into their marketing strategy.
Let’s take the popular poker stream Hustlers Casinos Live as an example. This stream showcases high-stakes poker games where players can put hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars on the table.
What’s intriguing about this stream is not just the money involved, but also the players’ personalities.
Nik “Airball” is one of the star poker players to note, bringing a high level of entertainment to the game. He’s known for his captivating and sometimes controversial presence at the poker table. Is his strategy successful? Nik earns a whopping $100,000 just for appearing on the stream, while another well-known player, Tom Dwan, receives significantly less.
Why the disparity in pay? It all comes down to the entertainment value each player brings to the table.
Nik is, without a doubt, a character. He has a knack for stirring the pot, creating tension at the table and keeping the audience engaged. The entertainment factor plays a significant role in his earnings.
Key Takeaway: This is a clear example of how being exuberant can elevate one’s success in a competitive field. Being willing to push the envelope and have original thoughts are part of what drives people toward success, no matter the industry.
Professional Sports and Entertainment
It’s no longer only about raw talent anymore in sports. Take, for example, Draymond Green from the Golden State Warriors. While he might not be the best player on the team, he’s an amusing internet personality.
Draymond’s on-court antics and fiery personality make him stand out among other players. He’s a prime example of an athlete who uses outlets like X to supplement his athletic career:
Other athletes, like LeBron James, are superstars because of both their skills and their marketability. LeBron brings charisma to the table, and this makes him a sports icon and a global superstar. This is one of the many reasons why LeBron is ranked as the most popular NBA player.
The Success of Social Media Entertainers
Another example is the rise of social media entertainers and content creators, like PewDiePie, Charli D’Amelio, and Logan Paul. These individuals have transcended the traditional boundaries of content creation to become full-fledged entertainers, capturing the collective attention and imagination of millions worldwide.
The Phenomenon of PewDiePie:
- Subscribers: As of December 2023, PewDiePie boasts a staggering 111 million subscribers.
- Content Variety: His content ranges from gaming to vlogs, comedy sketches and commentary.
- Impact: PewDiePie’s influence extends beyond his channel, impacting gaming trends and internet culture.
Charli D’Amelio – A TikTok Sensation:
- Followers: Charli D’Amelio became a household name with her dance videos on TikTok.
- Brand Deals: Her massive following has led to lucrative brand endorsements and collaborations, including Abercrombie & Fitch and Morphe Cosmetics.
- Cultural Influence: Charli’s trends and styles have a significant impact on youth culture.
Logan Paul – A Controversial Maverick:
- Content Shift: Logan Paul started with comedic sketches and vlogs, later venturing into boxing.
- Media Coverage: His controversial actions have garnered significant media attention, impacting his career trajectory.
- Adaptability: Despite controversies, Paul’s ability to adapt and reinvent himself keeps him relevant.
These social media entertainers have not only built entertaining personas, but have also skillfully leveraged the power of social media platforms to go beyond mere content creators. Their success stories are not just about creating content, but rather about understanding audience psychology, leveraging platform algorithms, and consistently evolving to stay fresh and relevant.
Why Being Entertaining Matters for Your Career
The examples we’ve seen so far highlight the importance of authenticity, adaptability and a keen understanding of the social landscape. This is a clear indicator that in today, social media and entertainment are not just complementary, but together are the key to carving out a successful career in the creator economy.
Here’s why having a dynamic personal brand matters for your career:
- Audience engagement: Entertaining content grabs people’s attention and keeps them engaged. In a world flooded with information, being entertaining is a surefire way to stand out and build a dedicated following.
- Networking: Your social media presence can be a gateway to valuable connections and collaborations. When you’re entertaining, you attract a larger audience, and this can turn into networking. Therefore, other professionals in your industry are more likely to notice and engage with you.
- Career advancement: Whether you’re an aspiring influencer, entrepreneur or corporate professional, having an entertaining persona can accelerate your career. It can help you land new clients, secure job offers or attract investors.
- Personal branding: Your online persona is an extension of your brand. Being entertaining allows you to shape your brand in a way that resonates with your target audience.
Practical Tips for Being Entertaining on Social Media
Now that we understand the significance of being entertaining, let’s explore some practical tips for achieving this on social media:
- Authenticity: Authenticity is key. Don’t imitate other successful people. Be yourself and let your unique personality shine through in your content.
- Consistency: Regularly post content that aligns with your brand and entertains your audience. Consistency keeps your audience engaged and eager for more.
- Engagement: Interact with your followers by responding to comments and messages. Engaging with your audience fosters a sense of community.
- Storytelling: Effective storytelling is a crucial tool for entertainment. Craft narratives that resonate with your audience. You can also use storytelling to educate your audience about topics in your niche.
- Visual appeal: Pay attention to the visuals in your content. High-quality images and videos can enhance the value of your posts.
- Humor: Incorporate humor when appropriate. Laughter is a universal language and jokes can go a long way in entertaining your audience.
- Stay informed: Being aware of current events allows you to create relevant content.
Social Media and Entertainment: Your Passport to Career Success
In a world where attention is a precious commodity, being entertaining is your secret weapon. And being entertaining is not just a skill, it’s a passport to career success. Your ability to capture and engage an audience can propel your career to new heights, regardless of your industry or niche.
Whether you’re a budding influencer, a seasoned professional or an entrepreneur, embrace the power of social media and entertainment — it might just be the key to unlocking your full potential and achieving your career goals. Your audience is waiting, and your career is ready to flourish. It’s time to step onto the digital stage and let your charisma shine!
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