Nollywood actress Jemima Osunde has voiced her concerns over what she describes as growing pressure on actors to build and maintain a social media presence as a prerequisite for landing roles in films.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Running Lines Podcast, Osunde shared her frustration with how the film industry is increasingly expecting actors to double as online content creators—something she believes undermines their primary role as performers.
“There’s now this unspoken rule that you have to be active online, posting skits or participating in trending challenges,” she said. “You hear things like, ‘You see that dance? You must dance on the internet.’ But why? That’s not what I signed up for.”
She argued that actors should not be judged by their online popularity, but by their talent and ability to deliver on screen. Drawing a comparison with Hollywood, Osunde remarked, “How often do you see Keanu Reeves outside of his roles? Yet, he’s respected and booked. That should be enough.”
Her remarks have triggered a wave of responses on social media. While some users sympathized with her viewpoint, others pointed out that the evolving demands of the entertainment market now include digital self-promotion.
One user commented, “Unfortunately, that’s the world we live in. If you don’t promote yourself, who will?”
Another added, “Even small business owners have to dance or act to get visibility now. It’s a market trend—either adapt or get left out.”
Critics argue that while the shift may be uncomfortable, it’s becoming increasingly necessary for actors to engage audiences directly as part of modern-day marketing strategies.
