Social media influencer
Create content on social media to entertain and inform others. Ready to hit like and subscribe on a creative career?
Also known as: blogger, vlogger, podcaster, streamer, influencer, content creator
About the job
Meet MarleyThirteen: YouTuber, gamer and influencer
What it's like
Are you the first of your friends to hop on the latest social media trend? Do you have a creative streak? You could be an influencer in the making!
You'll create content and build an audience on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, TikTok or Instagram. You might share content about your lifestyle, a brand, products you use or something you're passionate about such as gaming, fashion or food.
The format you use for your content is up to you. There’s a wide variety of options used by content creators such as:
video
social posts
images
livestreams
podcasts
blogs
vlogs
It can take a lot of time and hard work, but if you become popular enough you can generate money through adverts, partnerships, donations or subscriptions. It's important to know that for many people, being an influencer isn't a full-time job. It might help bring in a little money on the side or be purely for fun. But while it's very difficult to make it big, the most successful influencers can make a lot of money!
If you do make money, you’ll need to make sure you’re aware of things like tax and budgeting. Check out our article on being your own boss to learn more about self-employment.
Your tasks might include:
coming up with ideas for content
writing, filming, directing and editing content
engaging with people who interact with your content
using equipment such as phones, cameras, lighting and computers
using software for things like video editing or streaming
promoting products or brands to your audience
marketing your content to build a following
analysing how your content performs and engaging with popular trends
You'll need to be confident, charismatic and okay with being the centre of attention. You'll also need to be handy with the tech and equipment needed to create content. Ready to hit like and subscribe? Then this could be a great way to make some money and possibly create a career for yourself!
Hours
Environment
Travel
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- written communication
- taking initiative
- adaptability
- networking
- working with technology
- persevering
- creative
- positive attitude
- time management
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
Drama
English
Creative Arts
Graphic Communication
Media
Photography
Performing Arts
Business Management
Art and Design
Computing Science
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are no formal qualifications for this role, all you need is an internet connection and the equipment to create and post content and you're ready to go!
There are lots of qualifications you could get that'll help you though. Whether it's college, an apprenticeship or on the job learning you can learn important skills for this career.
You could also brush up on some social media skills by doing a free course.
Check out some more possible routes you could take.
College
You could do a Creative Media course to get experience of creating content such as podcasts, videos and blogs.
You may want to consider other courses where you'll learn about marketing or business. These are important skills to build an audience and make your content profitable.
Browse what's available using our course search.
Apprenticeships
You can start learning the skills you'll need in this career through a Foundation Apprenticeship. While you're in S5 or S6, you'll gain work experience while you study.
Check out these FAs that may be relevant to this career:
If you’re 16 or older, a Modern Apprenticeship will let you work and earn while you study for a qualification. While you learn or after you qualify, you'll be able to put your skills and knowledge into practice.
Apprenticeships.scot has details of over 100 Modern Apprenticeships. Here are some you might find helpful for this role:
Work
You could pick up skills and knowledge by getting a job, volunteering or doing work experience in a relevant role.
For example, you could apply for an entry level social media assistant position to get hands-on experience of content creation.
You can look for job vacancies using our job search.
Or visit Volunteer.scot to browse volunteering opportunities.
Having a niche is often a way to help yourself stand out from others. This may be a particular topic that your content focuses on such as sports, gaming or beauty.
It'll help your audience know what to expect from you, allowing you to build a dedicated following with shared interests. It'll also signal to potential partners or advertisers which types of products and services your audience might be interested in.
You'll need equipment to create your content such as cameras, tripods, mics, lighting, phones and laptops.
Also, you'll need to research the terms of use for the platform you create content for. This includes knowing rules about content moderation, copyright and advertising regulations.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Social media influencer'
