Social media influencer

Career path and progression

You could work for a retail, fashion or marketing company, managing a team of freelance social media influencers or vloggers.

You might also specialise in a particular area, for example:

• travel
• gaming
• health and wellbeing
• music and entertainment
• sport and fitness
• fashion and beauty

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills to come up with new ideas
• persistence and determination
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Media Studies - Social media influencers need to understand how audiences consume content across different platforms and how media language shapes engagement. Media Studies covers representation, audience behaviour, and digital distribution – the foundations for building and sustaining a following.
• English Language - Social media influencers write scripts, captions, and promotional copy as part of their daily work. Being able to communicate clearly and persuasively – whether speaking to camera or writing a post – is essential for connecting with an audience and working with brands.
• Business - Social media influencers are essentially running their own brand, which means understanding marketing, negotiating deals with sponsors, and managing income. Knowing how to grow an audience, price collaborations, and plan content strategically is what turns a hobby into a career.

Also relevant

• Film Studies - Social media influencers plan, script, and edit video content, making creative decisions about camera angles, lighting, and pacing. Film Studies teaches how shots are composed and edited to hold attention – helping them produce more polished and engaging videos.
• Art and Design - Social media influencers need a strong visual eye to create thumbnails, graphics, and content that stands out in a crowded feed. Understanding colour, composition, and visual branding helps them build a recognisable and professional-looking channel.
• Computer Science - Social media influencers use editing software to cut footage, add effects, and layer audio into polished videos. Understanding how digital tools and platforms work at a deeper level – including algorithms and data formats – helps them optimise their content and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Mathematics - Social media influencers analyse web tracking data to understand which content performs best, looking at metrics like engagement rates, audience demographics, and growth trends. Being comfortable with numbers and percentages helps them make smarter decisions about what to create next.
• Psychology - Social media influencers need to understand what motivates people to watch, share, and engage with content. Knowing how audiences react emotionally and what drives consumer behaviour helps them create content that resonates and build a loyal following.
• Drama - Social media influencers perform on camera regularly, whether presenting to a live audience or recording scripted content. Confidence in front of a camera, strong delivery, and the ability to hold an audience's attention are skills that drama develops directly.