Whether you’re a seasoned showgirl, a burlesque powerhouse, or a rising starlet just stepping into the spotlight, social media is one of the most powerful tools in your burlesque toolbox. A killer costume and sultry stage presence are vital, but if you want people to see your brilliance, you need to show up online, too.
In today’s digital world, your social media isn’t just for fun — it’s your portfolio, your megaphone, and your personal brand. This guide shares actionable, SEO-friendly social media tips for burlesque artists to help you build your audience, book more gigs, and stay true to your unique stage persona.
Why Social Media Matters for Burlesque Artists
Social media is often the first place potential fans, producers, or collaborators see your work. Your social media profiles showcase your style and aesthetic right off the bat. This gives those fans, producers, and collaborators an immediate sense of who you are as a performer. Whether your vibe is classic glamour, dark and edgy, or nerdy neo-burlesque, your visuals and tone help set expectations and attract the right audience. It’s how you tell the story of your persona before you even hit the stage.
Your profiles also highlight past performances and events. Not only will this demonstrate your experience and range, but it also builds credibility. Producers want to see that you’re active and professional. Fans love to see where you’ve performed, and it can help get them excited about what’s next. Archiving these moments gives new followers a sense of what they’ve missed, and a reason to stick around so they don’t miss the next one!
Aside from showing potential fans and producers your style and past events, well-curated socials can drive ticket sales, help you land bookings, and cultivate a loyal fanbase and community.
Your socials serve as a kind of living portfolio. Producers who are casting shows or looking for talent will absolutely look you up on social media. A profile clearly showcasing your performance style, highlighting your experience, and showing your personality and professionalism, it can directly lead to more gigs.
As for ticket sales, we all know promotion on social media is essential. Your followers are already interested in what you do, so when you share event flyers, teaser videos, or countdowns to a performance, you’re marketing to a warm audience. Creating anticipation through sneak peeks or interactive content (like polls or Q&As about your act) can boost engagement and turnout. Platforms like Instagram Stories or TikTok videos also allow you to create quick, digestible content that keeps your show top of mind.
And when it comes to community building, social media allows you to connect with your audience on a more personal level. Show up regularly ad authentically, sharing not just polished performance shots, but also rehearsal clips, inspiration, works in progress, or reflections on your creative process. All of this invites people into your world. Over time, this kind of engagement builds trust and loyalty. Fans who feel like they know you are more likely to support your work, buy tickets, bring friends, and cheer you on from the front row.
Define Your Burlesque Brand
Before you start posting, take a moment to think about your burlesque brand. What makes you you? What mood, era, themes, or aesthetics define your stage presence?
Ask yourself:
- Are you campy, sultry, classic, avant-garde, comedic?
- What’s your persona’s story or vibe?
- What colors, fonts, filters, and music feel “on brand” for you?
Once you’ve clarified this, let it guide your visuals and captions. A strong and consistent aesthetic helps audiences recognize you instantly and sets you apart in a crowded feed.
Optimize Your Profile
Every platform is different, but across the board, most of your social media profiles should include these:
A Recognizable Username
You want to make it as easy as possible for people to find and identify you. Your username is preferably your stage name, or something very close to it. ILikeTacosAndMargs86 is probably not the best choice for this particular situation.
A Clear Profile Photo
Again, you want it to be easy for people to identify you. You also want something that captures your essence at a glance. A polished headshot or a striking performance photo works great.
An Engaging Bio With Important Info
Your bio is like your first introduction. It should be informative, but also keep it brief. No one is going to read your entire life story. Some social media platforms have character limits, anyway. Always list your city so they know where you perform, and how to book or contact you.
Links in Bio
This is valuable real estate. Use it to direct people to your website, Linktree, ticket links for upcoming shows, your Etsy shop, or any other platforms where you want to drive traffic.
Highlights
If you’re on Instagram, consider using Highlights to keep important content easy to access. You can create folders for show flyers, press mentions, costume looks, fan shoutouts, and anything else you want new visitors to see without having to scroll through your entire feed. It’s like a curated peek into your world.
Highlights are specific to Instagram, but other platforms also have similar features for you to utilize. Facebook has a “Featured” section, and Snapchat has “Saved Stories” on public profiles.
Make sure your content is public (unless you need a private alt) so producers and fans can easily find you.
Post Consistently (But Sustainably)
Consistency builds trust, and algorithms love it. You don’t have to post every day, but you do need to show up regularly. For example, here’s a manageable content strategy:
- 1 to 3 main feed posts per week (photos, flyers, videos)
- 3 to 7 stories per week (rehearsals, BTS, selfies, reminders)
- 1 Reel per week, even if it’s just a 7-second teaser
Use a scheduling tool like Later, Planoly, or Meta’s Creator Studio to batch your content ahead of time and avoid burnout.
Use Reels and TikToks to Boost Visibility
Short-form video content is king right now. Instagram Reels, TikToks, and even YouTube Shorts get major reach. These are a great way to get more reach and showcase your artistry in bite-sized, engaging ways.
Short-form content is great for things like clips from past shows, quick peeks at costume reveals, or behind-the-scenes teasers. You can also lean into what’s already popular on social media platforms, like transformation videos and using trending audio, but give ’em a sparkly burlesque twist. It is a great way to stand out in a crowded feed.
Make the most out of these posts. Use relevant hashtags, catchy captions, and good lighting. You don’t have to jump on every TikTok dance trend (if you don’t want to, that is) but if you can remix them with a burlesque flair, you’ll stand out.
Content Ideas That Engage
Not sure what to post? Mix and match from these high-performing content types:
- Performance Highlights: Short clips from recent shows with music overlays
- Throwback Thursdays: Old show photos or debut moments
- Behind-the-Scenes: Rehearsals, costume sewing, glam routines
- Tutorials or Tips: Quick makeup hacks or pastie applications
- Q&A Posts: Ask followers to “Ask me anything” about burlesque
- Props or Outfit Spotlights: Focus on a fan, glove, or rhinestoned bra
- Upcoming Show Flyers: Promote your next gig with ticket info
- Personal Notes: Reflections on body confidence, artistry, or community
Don’t be afraid to blend professional and personal. Fans want to connect with you, not just your act.
Use Smart Hashtags
Hashtags help new people discover your content. Use a mix of:
Niche Burlesque Hashtags
- #Burlesque
- #BurlesquePerformer
- #Boylesque
- #NeoBurlesque
- #BurlesqueDancer
- #ShowgirlLife
Audience/Interest Hashtags
- #CabaretLife
- #BodyPositivity
- #VintageStyle
- #QueerPerformer
- #AlternativeFashion
Location-Based Hashtags
- #[YourLocation]Burlesque (e.g. #NYCBurlesque)
- #[YourLocation]Events (e.g. #ATLEvents)
- #[YourLocation]Glamour (e.g. #LAGlamour)
- #[YourLocation]Nightlife (e.g. #NCNightlife)
Limit to 5-15 hashtags per post for best engagement, and change them up so your posts don’t get shadowbanned for repetition.
Engage With Your Community
Burlesque is as much about community as it is about sparkle. Show up for others the way you want them to show up for you! This boosts your reach, builds stronger relationships, and makes people more likely to return the favor.
Comment on Other Performers’ Posts With Sincere Compliments
Commenting on other performers’ posts with sincere compliments helps build genuine connections. A thoughtful comment goes further than a like. It shows you’re paying attention and rooting for your peers.
Share Show Flyers and Tag the Full Cast
This is a small gesture that makes a big impact. It boosts visibility for everyone involved and shows that you’re a team player who values collaboration.
Respond to DMs and Comments
Responding to DMs and comments, even with just a quick emoji or thank you, keeps the conversation going. It shows your audience that you’re engaged and appreciative, which strengthens your relationship with fans and fellow performers. Responding to comments can also boost engagement and improve your post’s visibility in the algorithm.
Tag Your Troupe, Photographer, MUA, Venue, etc.
Tagging gives credit where it’s due, and helps expand everyone’s reach. It also makes your post more discoverable and reinforces the spirit of mutual support that keeps the burlesque world thriving.
Avoid Common Social Media Mistakes
Even the most dazzling performer can get lost in the scroll if their social media presence doesn’t feel vibrant and personal. There are a few common pitfalls that can dull your shine. For starters, if your feed is only show flyers without mixing in other kinds of content, it can start to feel more like a boring ol’ bulletin board.
Low-quality visuals are another culprit. Blurry, dark, or poorly framed photos can distract from your artistry rather than enhance it. Make sure the content you post reflects the same care and attention you bring to your performances.
It’s also important to tag thoughtfully. Over-tagging irrelevant accounts or misusing hashtags can come across as spammy, and may hurt your reach more than help it. And don’t skip the captions, either. This is your chance to add context, humor, vulnerability, or flair. A strong image can pull someone in, but your words are often what make them stay.
Most importantly, try not to burn yourself out by doing too much too quickly. Building a strong social presence takes time. Social media should support and amplify your burlesque journey, not become a stressful side hustle.
Track Your Progress
Check your analytics at least once a month to see:
- Which posts got the most engagement?
- What time of day gets the most interaction?
- Which hashtags are working best?
Adjust your strategy accordingly. If video’s doing better than static photos, lean into video. If Reels with humor pop off more than glam shots, make more of those.
Bonus Tips for Pro-Level Growth
- Collaborate with other artists: Do joint posts, shoutouts, or duets
- Go Live before a show or from backstage
- Offer Value: Educate your audience, make them laugh, or inspire them
- Show Appreciation: Thank your audience often; spotlight your fans
- Add Subtitles to Reels: Accessibility matters, and improves watch time
And remember — done is better than perfect. Keep showing up, keep experimenting, and let your online presence evolve with your artistry.
Final Thoughts
Social media can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By staying consistent, showcasing your unique style, and engaging with your burlesque community, you can grow your audience and create real-world opportunities.
Whether you’re promoting your next show, building your brand, or just vibing in full glam, these social media tips for burlesque artists will help you shine both onstage and online. ✨