Social media platforms have proven invaluable across various industries, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when entertainers showcased exceptional adaptability and resilience. The following section highlights how three entertainers creatively leveraged their online presence during the pandemic to expand their influence, deepen audience engagement, and secure significant career advancements.

Notably, Matt Ford and Jack Steele of theinspiredunemployed, alongside ben_brainard and katiefeeneyy, exemplify how social media can effectively turn challenges into opportunities.

THE COMEDY ACTS

The Inspired Unemployed
Australian comedy duo Matt Ford and Jack Steele, known as theinspiredunemployed, illustrate creative adaptability in response to rapidly changing circumstances. Their relatable, humorous sketches resonated widely, significantly expanding their follower base during the pandemic. Their innovative approach propelled their careers into podcasting, television appearances, and notable brand partnerships, demonstrating social media’s potential to broaden entertainers’ influence.

Ben Brainard
American comedian Ben Brainard effectively utilized social media, particularly TikTok, to deliver engaging and topical content. His popular series, The Table, humorously personifies U.S. states discussing current events. The series garnered substantial attention, significantly growing Brainard’s digital following and underscoring social media’s ability to amplify an entertainer’s reach and deepen audience engagement.

Katie Feeney
Content creator Katie Feeney represents a dynamic use of social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, where her dance and lifestyle content rapidly gained popularity during the pandemic. Feeney translated her digital success into notable offline roles, becoming the NFL’s first social media correspondent and subsequently a White House correspondent. Her trajectory highlights social media’s capability to convert online influence into significant real-world opportunities.

Together, these examples underscore social media’s critical role for entertainers, especially during challenging times. By creatively adapting, strategically engaging audiences, and effectively leveraging online platforms, entertainers can maintain relevance, expand their reach, and secure transformative career opportunities.