So, you've made/bought/are ready to debut a new cosplay, but with the way social media algorithms work, you worry your new costume will be relevant for a maximum of 2-3 posts before it becomes "old news." The social media cycle wants us to always be constantly making and putting out higher and higher quality content, but unless you're doing this full time it's sometimes just too damn hard to keep up!
However, that doesn't mean your newest work doesn't deserve to be celebrated. There are so many different ways to share the same costume to keep it feeling new and fresh while also giving you the proper chance to show off all the hard work you put into it.
Here's a few ideas and tips I've implemented that I hope help you too!
1. Post photoshoot pics
This one is a no-brainer and usually what folks first post. Whether that's photos you took yourself or by someone else, these usually are your most "glamourous" shots and the ones to often get shared first.
2. Post selfies
Folks often think selfies aren't "professional enough" or are "too vain" to post on their feeds, but don't be afraid of a good old traditional selfie! Selfies can be fun and silly and show a different side of both you and the character. Don't forget a good mirror selfie too, especially at conventions in that glorious hotel room lighting!
3. Cosplay side-by-side
Is your costume particularly screen accurate or did you recreate a pose or scene that your character is known for? throw those photos side by side in a collage! It's an easy way to "re-use" content from your past photoshoots, while still showing off the costume in a new and fresh way!
For example, below I compared my Meg Giry cosplay to the costume's original design sketch and in the caption, I discussed how I honoured that original design while still making the costume my own.
4. In-and-out-of-cosplay
Same as above, but show people the real you behind all that shapeshifting magic! It can be easy to get lost in the escapism of cosplay, and it's good to pull back that curtain every once and a while and appreciate the amazing person you are.
5. Work In Progress
Was your costume a challenging one? Did you use new to you or unique methods of construction? Or maybe you just want to show off the progress of how a pile of fabric and a sheet of Worbla turned into a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Either way, work in progress posts are a great way to give yourself an excuse to talk about craftsmanship, which sometimes can be overlooked for the more glamourous looks at the finished product. Damnit, you worked hard and you deserve to show off the blood sweat and tears it took to get there!
While not the most groundbreaking, throwing it back to a past costume is a great way to bring it back up. In the world of social media your older work can often go forgotten, or you feel you can't reshare it, but I assure you it's the absolute opposite! Your newer followers may not have even known you cosplayed that character.
Think of milestones for the costume such as "its been X years since I wore Y cosplay!" or "Happy birthday X character!" if #TBT posts aren't your thing.
8. Show Those Details
I looooove me a good detail shot of a cosplay, and often in portrait or fullbody photos those little details can get lost. Sometimes there are details that nobody but you may notice, and this is your chance to show them off. If you can, put your costume on a mannequin or dress form and take some photos of those details. This also works for props, wigs, shoes, or any other cosplay piece you feel could use some close up love.
I kept my "Arkham Knight Harley Quinn" cosplay fresh by taking detailed photos of the prop I made! I spent a lot of time making it as accurate to the game model as possible, but in regular photos, those details got lost. It was also a great way to promote my shop, as I recently put the model of this prop up for sale. A two-in-one post, if you will.
9. Short Videos
They're all the rage these days with Tiktok, Instagram Reels, and now Youtube Shorts. However, if lipsyncing to popular songs or audios isn't your thing, there are so many other ways to make videos. For example, look back at this list and pretty much any of these could work for a video. Detail shots, In-and-out-of-cosplay transformations, photoshoot behind the scenes, work in progress, and so much more! Video can tell much more of a story than photos can, so get creative!
As you can see, your cosplay sharing doesn't just have to end once you're done posting photoshoot photos. Social media algorithms may prioritize new content, but don't forget your work and you are worth so much more than likes, comments, shares, and followers. It can be easy to get caught up in the social media whirlwind, but at the end of the day remember you cosplay for fun and for you. Don't be afraid to share your new cosplay as many times as you want, you did that and you deserve to show it off.
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