Career Definition of a Social Media Producer
A social media producer creates and distributes relevant content through social media platforms and company websites. Their duties can involve presenting ideas to reporters that can be developed into relevant stories or writing or editing content that they post. Social media producers may work with both written and visual content, so they may film video, edit video or edit photographs or images that are being used in their posts.
They are specifically responsible for understanding their audience, monitoring breaking news, quickly responding to developments, producing posts and providing content that will appeal to the target audience. One of their main objectives is to increase website and social media traffic by reaching a wider audience with their material. Social media producers use their expertise with providing timely, relevant material to attract these viewers.
| Educational Requirements | Bachelor's degree |
| Job Skills | Computer skills, communication skills; HTML, CSS, Photoshop, photo and video editing skills; familiarity with social media platforms, ability to multitask, good decision-making skills, teamwork skills |
| Mean Salary (2022)* | $59,736 |
| Job Outlook (2020-2030)** | 11% (for all types of public relations specialists) |
Sources: *Glassdoor.com; **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
Social media producers need to have relevant experience and a bachelor's degree. Fields of study that can prepare individuals for this career option include communications and journalism. Since computer skills and video and photo editing skills are important in this field, those considering this career may want to take courses in Photoshop, HTML and CSS, as well as gaining experience in using social media platforms.
Required Skills
The ability to multitask is important for social media producers, because they must monitor breaking news and developing stories so that they are aware of current events and respond accordingly. For example, they may not want to promote an article about airplane safety as news of a plane crash is breaking online. They need to have sound judgment so that they can make appropriate decisions based on new information and adjust the material they're releasing if necessary. They may collaborate with graphic artists, video editors, photographers and reporters, so they need to be able to communicate effectively and work as part of a team. Since they are involved with preparing and editing content, they need to be clear communicators.
Career Outlook and Salary
A 2022 annual average salary of $59,736 was reported for social media producers by Glassdoor.com. Social media producers aren't listed separately by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); instead, it includes social media specialists in the broader group of public relations specialists. According to the BLS, public relations specialists should see a 11%rate of job growth in their field from 2020 to 2030.
Related Careers
A list of links to articles about different careers that may also appeal to those interested in social media producing is provided here. These careers share similar duties to those of social media producers, such as working in social or online media and communicating with the public, and they also require a bachelor's degree.
