Nollywood actress Jemima Osunde has raised concerns about the increasing pressure on actors to build a strong social media presence in order to secure roles in the Nigerian film industry.
In a candid video shared on Instagram, Jemima revealed that casting decisions are now heavily influenced by an actor’s online engagement, including their follower count, content creation, and overall visibility on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
She lamented that talented actors risk being overlooked for roles simply because they do not meet the social media expectations of casting directors and producers.
“Actors now have to juggle two careers—content creation and acting—just to stay relevant,” she said.
Jemima also criticized the way this trend blurs the lines between an actor’s craft and marketing responsibilities, emphasizing that performers should be hired based on talent and suitability for a role, not just their ability to go viral.
Her statement has sparked heated debates online, with many agreeing that social media has become a major factor in Nollywood casting. Some actors admitted they struggle to keep up with the demand for content creation, while others noted that even entrepreneurs and professionals are now expected to maintain an active online presence to stay relevant.
Social Media Reactions:
💬 @loveth_ogbene: “I am an actor! My film ‘A Danfo Christmas’ is on Prime. I played the lead role… But content creation? I just can’t do it well 😭. Welcome to Nigeria, where actors must also be influencers!”
😂 @brofolu: “No vex dear, even business owners are dancing on TikTok now!”
🤔 @fheyioflagos: “At this rate, who will be a banker, lawyer, or doctor by 2050?”
Many also pointed out that auditions now include social media page reviews, making it almost impossible for actors without an online presence to thrive.
This shift in Nollywood mirrors a global trend, where digital visibility is now as important as raw talent. Do you think actors should be required to build a social media following to succeed in their craft?
