Taye Arimoro, a rising Nollywood actor, recently opened up about the challenges he faced in securing roles due to his social media following. In an exclusive interview with Pulse Nigeria, Arimoro, known for his roles in Criminal, Casa de Novia, and the Ndani TV web series Game On, discussed how the industry’s focus on an actor’s Instagram followers initially inhibited his career progression.
Arimoro explained that casting decisions were often influenced by the number of social media followers an actor had, which posed a significant challenge for him as he was still building his online presence. Despite this, he has come to terms with the industry’s demands and now focuses on showcasing his talent rather than worrying about follower counts.
“It was a challenge for a long time. Now I don’t care about it anymore,” Arimoro said. “I completely understand why that is a bother for producers. I get it. It’s their work. However, I do believe I’m a talented actor and I put my best foot forward in all my performances.” He added that he is beginning to receive recognition in his field, which feels rewarding, and his social media following is gradually improving.
Arimoro’s experience echoes sentiments previously shared by other Nollywood actors, including Deyemi Okanlawon, who also faced rejections due to a lack of social media presence. Okanlawon mentioned on the Echoo Room Podcast that his craft was often overlooked in favor of social media metrics, leading him to focus more on brand-building alongside his acting skills.
This issue is not unique to Arimoro and Okanlawon. Actor Uzor Arukwe also highlighted his struggles with the industry’s emphasis on social media followers during the early stages of his career. He noted that while it was initially confusing, he eventually accepted it as a part of the industry landscape, recognizing that production houses often prioritize actors with a significant online following.
Arimoro’s candid reflections underscore the ongoing tension between talent and social media influence in the entertainment industry, a challenge many actors continue to navigate.