Social media influencer

You can do a college course to get practical skills in using editing equipment and software.

Courses include:

• video editing and production for creative media industries
• creative digital media
• digital content production
• T Level in Marketing

A course that includes work experience will give you the chance to make contacts in the industry.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/

You could learn useful skills for this role by applying to do a Content Creator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Multi-channel Marketer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

It's important that you get as much practical experience as you can.

You could:

• volunteer to create and edit video content for charities
• do a work placement in a digital marketing agency
• edit student or community film productions
• work on content for an employer's social media channels

Do IT has more information on volunteering opportunities in your area.

You could develop your skills and knowledge using free online learning resources that show you how to create clips, podcasts and reels, as well as editing sound and adding effects.

You could also take short courses in video editing run by film schools and private training providers.

Career Tips

You can get advice and tips online from other influencers.

Many people start as a hobby alongside doing other paid work. This gives you the chance to get subscribers or followers while you improve your skills.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Institute of Data and Marketing or the Influencer Marketing Trade Body for training opportunities, industry advice and to make industry contacts.

Further Information

You can find some useful resources to help you develop the film making skills you'll need from Screenskills .

As a social media influencer you could:

• plan what to film and write scripts
• create content in a studio or at home with a camera or mobile phone
• livestream events on location
• use software to edit your videos and add text or special effects
• tag videos with web links for products you promote
• promote your content to get more followers
• analyse web tracking data on your channels to learn what works best
• keep up to date with other influencers' activity and new technology

You could work from home, in a creative studio or in an office.