How to Get Scouted as a Model: 10 Steps to Building an Instagram Portfolio

Do you want to be scouted as a model but don't know where to start? In reality, tens of thousands of new faces are discovered by modeling agencies each year through social media and online platforms. No industry connections needed, no runway experience required from the outset — what users are searching for most is how to get discovered by an agency, how to create a proper modeling portfolio, and how to impress an agency.

This article will quickly help you understand the real path to being scouted as a model, how to effectively use social media, identify your unique "essence," and avoid common mistakes. If you are serious about pursuing this path, this is a concise, easy-to-understand, and clearly-guided resource to help you start correctly today.

How to Get Noticed by a Modeling Agency

1. Make a good impression in person

• Maintain a natural, neat appearance, aligning with agencies' model search criteria.

• Choose simple yet flattering clothing: a well-fitting t-shirt, tank top, fitted jeans, clean shoes.

• Avoid heavy makeup or elaborate accessories; agencies often prioritize a natural, versatile look.

• Always maintain a confident, relaxed demeanor in public, at events, or in shopping centers.

2. Increase your chances of being scouted on social media

• Post many clear headshots and full-body photos from different angles (front, side, full-body).

• Prioritize natural light, clear photos, and avoid excessive filters to meet agency model standards.

• Showcase your personality and positive energy through expressions, lifestyle, and daily activities.

• Tag relevant modeling agencies, agencies, and fashion brands to increase your chances of being discovered.

• Keep your personal page clean and maintain a consistent image if you want to pursue a professional modeling career.

3. Understand what agencies are looking for

• Agencies don't just look for good looks; they also look for long-term development potential.

• Naturalness, personal discipline, and the ability to collaborate are factors that help you be sustainably scouted as a model.

Part 1: How to Get Discovered as a Model in Real Life

Step 1: Increase your chances of agency attention at busy fashion stores

1. Regularly appear in busy shopping areas

• If you're looking for how to get scouted as a model, spend time in places agencies frequent.

• Modeling agencies often scout directly in central, high-traffic shopping districts.

• These locations attract many young people with style, appearance, and energy suitable for fashion.

2. Prioritize stores in "prime" locations

• In large cities, agencies are almost always present at large fashion stores in central areas.

• High foot traffic helps agencies reach many potential faces in a short time.

• You don't need to shop constantly; window-shopping is enough to get noticed.

3. Be proactive about appearing as much as possible

• Go shopping when you have free time, especially on weekends or during peak hours.

• Dress neatly and naturally, in the spirit of how agencies find models in real life.

• Always maintain a relaxed, confident attitude – this often makes a stronger impression than expensive clothes.

4. Examples of places agencies frequent

• In London, you can visit Topshop Oxford Circus, a shopping area always bustling with people and very "fashionable."

• In New York, agencies often appear at H&M Herald Square or Zara Bryant Park, where many young people with striking styles gather.

Step 2: Attend concerts and music festivals to get noticed by agencies

1. Choose the right events popular with young people

• Concerts by artists popular with youth, such as Ariana Grande, often attract many young, stylish, and prominent faces.

• Large music festivals are also places where the target audience modeling agencies are looking for gathers.

2. Why modeling agencies often appear at concerts and festivals

• Agencies know that these events gather many confident young people with personality and attractive looks.

• The relaxed, natural atmosphere helps agencies easily observe the demeanor and everyday style of potential models.

• This is a "real-life" environment, aligning with the criteria for being scouted as a model outside of the runway.

3. How to seize opportunities when attending concerts

• Dress simply but with a personal touch, suitable for your individual style.

• Wear light makeup, prioritizing a natural look to make a good impression.

• Always maintain a cheerful, energetic attitude, immersing yourself in the event's atmosphere.

4. The more you go, the greater the opportunities

• If you are serious about pursuing a modeling career, attend concerts and music festivals whenever possible.

• Regularly appearing in places agencies frequent will significantly increase your chances of being discovered.

Step 3: Actively appear in public to increase agency opportunities

1. Go out as much as possible

• If you want to be scouted as a model, staying home too much will reduce your chances of being seen.

• Modeling agencies can appear anywhere, so make it a habit to frequently appear in public places.

• Always maintain a neat, natural image because you might be discovered at the most unexpected times.

2. Agencies can find models in very "ordinary" places

• Many famous models were discovered at:

  • Airports

  • Supermarkets

  • On the street while walking

• This shows that agencies don't just look on runways or at fashion events, but also pay attention to natural beauty in everyday life.

3. Don't underestimate ordinary locations

• An agent from a large agency once shared that they often look for new faces at McDonald's in busy tourist areas.

• The reason is that these places attract:

  • International visitors

  • Young people from various regions

  • New faces, not yet "defined" by the modeling industry

• This helps agencies easily find distinctive beauty or untapped potential.

4. Always be ready

• Dress simply, neatly, in the spirit of how agencies find models in real life.

• Maintain a confident, relaxed, polite attitude towards everyone around you.

• Don't limit your thinking that opportunities only exist in luxurious places — even a fast-food restaurant can be a starting point.

Step 4: Dress simply for agencies to easily assess your physique

1. Prioritize basic clothing when going out

• When pursuing the goal of being scouted as a model, clothing should not be too elaborate.

• Agencies need to clearly see your body proportions, figure, and overall physique, not complex fashion styles.

• Frilly clothes can obscure your figure, making it difficult for agencies to imagine you fitting various concepts.

2. Choose simple yet flattering clothes

• Plain t-shirts, well-fitting to the body.

• Jeans or simple trousers, neat fit.

• Avoid large patterns, thick layers, or accessories that distract attention.

• The goal is for agencies to see your true self and your potential as a model.

3. The time of year is also very important

• In places with seasonal weather, summer is a time when agencies are more likely to notice you than winter.

• Winter clothes are often thick, loose, and cover the body, making it difficult for agencies to assess your physique.

• Light summer clothing helps reveal your lines, proportions, and natural demeanor.

4. Understand what agencies care about

• Agencies aren't looking for the "prettiest outfit," but for someone with a good figure and potential for growth.

• Dressing simply helps you increase your chances of being noticed without trying too hard.

Step 5: Keep hair and makeup minimal to get agency attention

1. Prioritize natural beauty

• Modeling agencies often look for raw beauty that can develop long-term, not perfect makeup.

• Avoid heavy makeup that obscures your bone structure and facial features.

• Hairstyles should be neat, simple, and not too elaborate so as not to distract attention.

2. Light makeup or almost none

• Clean, fresh skin is highly valued by agencies looking for models in person.

• You can use very little makeup: light concealer, natural lipstick.

• Don't worry too much about being "perfectly beautiful" — agencies are interested in real potential, not edited images.

3. Don't try to hide unique features

• Some characteristics you might consider flaws, such as:

  • Slightly crooked teeth

  • Slightly asymmetrical face

  • Unusual features that don't fit conventional standards

• These very details can make you stand out and be memorable to agencies.

4. Understand what agencies are truly looking for

• Agencies don't look for clones; they look for individuality and unique qualities.

• A natural appearance helps agencies easily envision you fitting various styles, markets, and campaigns.

• This is a crucial factor if you want to be scouted as a professional model, not just in the short term.

Step 6: Always verify the agency's identity before collaborating

1. Verify agency information from the start

• When an agency approaches you, don't immediately trust them, even if they speak very professionally.

• Ask for full details: name, title, modeling agency name, website, or work email.

• Then, go home and Google the agency to verify their legitimacy.

• This is an important step if you are serious about pursuing a safe and long-term career as a sought-after model.

2. Research the agency independently

• Check their official website, social media, and current models.

• Look for reviews and feedback from industry insiders or the modeling community.

• If you can't find clear information, consider it a red flag.

3. Recognize fake agency tactics

• Fake agencies often:

  • Invite you to a private studio for photoshoots

  • Demand high fees for photoshoots, portfolio, or training

• These are common signs of scams in the modeling industry.

4. Remember an important principle

• A real agent or agency will never ask you to pay money.

• Reputable agencies earn money by signing contracts and receiving commissions from clients, not by charging new models.

• If there are any financial demands upfront, you should refuse and stop communicating.

5. Your safety is the top priority

• The modeling industry offers many opportunities but also carries risks.

• Thoroughly checking an agency's identity helps you avoid losing money, time, and personal risk.

• Caution is an essential part of the journey to becoming a sought-after professional model.

Part 2: How to build an Instagram profile that attracts scouting

Step 1: Set your Instagram account to public mode

1. Why Instagram is very important for models

• Currently, many modeling agencies and companies actively scout new faces on Instagram.

• This is a channel that helps agencies quickly assess a model's appearance, charisma, style, and market suitability.

• If your account is private, agencies will not be able to see you, no matter how much potential you have.

2. Always keep your profile in public mode

• Instagram accounts are public by default when created.

• If you previously switched to private mode, adjust it so that:

  • Anyone can view your photos, videos, and basic information

  • Agencies can easily assess and contact you when needed

• This is a very basic step that many people overlook when looking for ways to be scouted as a model.

3. How to check and adjust your account

• Go to your profile → Settings

• Turn off the Private account option

• After switching to public, your profile will be visible to everyone, not just followers

4. Tips for a more professional profile

• Clear profile picture, good lighting

• Clean profile, minimal negative content

• Photos posted should clearly show your face, body, and natural style

• Concise and serious bio if you want to pursue a professional modeling career

5. Understand the role of social media correctly

• Instagram doesn't replace an agency, but it's the first door for agencies to see you.

• Many models get signed just because an agency happened to stumble upon their public profile at the right time.

Step 2: Keep your Instagram account professional and safe

1. Build a serious image from the start

• When you make your account public, view Instagram as a visual CV.

• Only post content you are willing for agencies, future agencies, or clients to see.

• Avoid offensive, controversial, or negative content — these factors can make you lose the opportunity to be scouted as a model.

2. Clear and easily contactable bio information

• Your bio should include:

  • Your current city of residence

  • A professional contact email (no joke names or unprofessional nicknames)

• This helps agencies contact you quickly if they are interested, rather than having to message back and forth.

3. Content should focus on modeling goals

• Prioritize clear face shots, full-body shots, half-body shots, front-facing, and angled shots, with good lighting.

• Showcase your personal style while maintaining a professional demeanor.

• Consistency in your image helps agencies assess long-term potential, not just a fleeting impression.

4. Protect your personal safety

• Absolutely do not post your home address, exact location, or sensitive private information.

• Keeping just enough information helps you:

  • Be safer with a public account

  • Still ensure agencies can contact you when needed

5. Understand agency expectations correctly

• Agencies don't look for "online rebels"; they look for reliable individuals who can work long-term.

• A clean, clear, and goal-oriented Instagram account is a great advantage in the journey to getting noticed by agencies and signed as a model.

Step 3: Post various types of photos to show diversity

1. Showcase your face and physique from multiple angles

• Post clear headshots, full-body shots, half-body shots, front-facing, and angled shots.

• Vary your poses so agencies can see your body proportions and posing abilities.

• This helps agencies assess your suitability for various modeling styles.

2. Take photos in various settings

• Don't just take photos in one fixed space.

• Photos should be taken outdoors, in cafes, on the street, at work, or in daily life activities.

• Diverse settings help agencies visualize how you appear in real-world environments.

3. Show your daily life naturally

• Everyday photos help agencies understand:

  • Your natural demeanor

  • What you look like without excessive posing

• These can be taken while hanging out, studying, working, or participating in daily activities.

• Authenticity is highly valued when agencies scout models on social media.

4. Avoid excessive editing and filters

• Avoid posting photos that are:

  • Heavily edited

  • Overly retouched skin

  • Using many filters that distort your face

• Over-edited photos make it difficult for agencies to assess your true appearance and reduce credibility.

5. Use selfies appropriately

• Selfies can help highlight:

  • Facial bone structure

  • Unique facial features

• However:

  • You shouldn't only post selfies

  • Avoid selfies in bathrooms or unprofessional settings

• Selfies should only be a small part of your overall image profile.

6. Maintain a balanced and trustworthy profile

• When building your Instagram profile, let agencies see:

  • Your true appearance

  • Your personality

  • Your versatility in front of the camera

Step 4: Show your true personality for agencies to remember you

1. Show agencies who you are beyond your appearance

• Agencies don't just look for beautiful and unique faces; they want to know what kind of person you are.

• A successful model needs to be:

  • Easy to work with

  • Have positive energy

  • Communicate well

  • Make collaborations comfortable

• A clear personality helps you be sought after as a model long-term, not just once.

2. Use everyday photos to show approachability

• Post natural photos, not overly posed ones.

• These can be:

  • Laughing photos

  • Silly, playful face photos

  • Relaxed everyday moments

• These images show agencies that you have emotions, depth, and are not just a "posing doll."

3. Express personal opinions and voice

• Use Instagram to share:

  • Positive life views

  • Support for social, community, and charitable activities

• A model with clear opinions, knowledge, and values is often:

  • Easily trusted by brands

  • Suitable for long-term campaigns

4. Personality helps you stand out from the crowd

• Good looks can be similar, but personality is not.

• Humor, sincerity, intelligence, or social awareness are all big pluses.

• Agencies often remember faces with clear personalities and positive energy for a very long time.

5. Understand what agencies are looking for

• Agencies don't just sign contracts with "pretty faces"; they sign with people who can represent a brand's image.

• When your personality is clear on social media, agencies will:

  • Easily envision which clients you're suitable for

  • Be more likely to contact you

Step 5: Use hashtags correctly to get noticed by agencies

1. Understand the role of hashtags when agencies look for models

• On Instagram, agencies and brands often search directly via hashtags.

• When you use the right hashtags, your photos can appear directly before agencies, even if they've never heard of you.

• This is a simple but very effective way to increase your chances of being scouted as a model.

2. Use popular modeling-related hashtags

• Place a # before a word or phrase in your photo caption.

• Prioritize hashtags with high search volume, for example:

  • #agencyme

  • #getagencyed

  • #modelswanted

  • #newface

• You can use multiple hashtags in a single post to increase reach.

3. Tag specific agency hashtags

• Many large modeling agencies have their own hashtags to find new faces.

• For example:

  • Elite Model Management uses the hashtag #MakeMeElite

  • Wilhelmina Models uses the hashtag #Willyagencys

• Agencies regularly monitor these hashtags to filter potential candidates.

4. Actively tag agencies

• Besides hashtags, you can directly tag agencies in your posts or on photos.

• This helps:

  • Agencies see you more easily

  • Increase the likelihood of photos being manually reviewed

• This should be applied when photos clearly show your face, physique, and embody the model aesthetic.

5. Find suitable hashtags yourself

• Visit each agency's Instagram page and see:

  • Which hashtags they commonly use

  • Which hashtags appear frequently in their scouting posts

• This method helps you use the right hashtags for the right audience, instead of just tagging indiscriminately.

Step 6: Tag brands to increase visibility

1. Why you should tag the brands you're wearing

• When you tag brands in your photos, brand representatives can see your posts.

• If they like your style and image, they might:

  • Share your photo on their page

  • Follow you

  • Remember you for future campaigns

• This helps you increase your image's reach and gain practical experience, which is very beneficial if you want to be scouted as a model.

2. Choose appropriate photos before tagging

• Prioritize photos that are:

  • Clearly showing the brand's clothing

  • Well-lit, with a clean composition

  • Stylistically aligned with the brand's image

• Only tag if the brand is clearly visible in the photo to avoid being off-putting.

3. How to tag brands on Instagram

• After selecting and editing your photos, go to the sharing screen on Instagram.

• Select the Tag people option.

• Tap the appropriate spot on the photo and type the brand's account name.

• When the name appears, select the correct official account.

• After posting, the brand will receive a notification and can view your photo.

4. Long-term benefits of proper tagging

• Helps brands easily recognize you among many users.

• Increases the likelihood of your photos being reshared, which in turn:

  • More people will discover you

  • Agencies will notice you more easily

• This is a simple way to build an image of a proactive and professional model.

5. Notes to avoid being counterproductive

• Do not tag too many brands in one photo.

• Do not tag brands unrelated to your outfit.

• Prioritize image quality and relevance over the number of tags.

Step 7: Participate in model casting campaigns on Instagram

1. Understand social media casting methods

• Many modeling agencies organize online casting campaigns to find new faces.

• They often ask participants to post photos with specific hashtags for agencies to easily find and filter.

• This is a popular, transparent, and very suitable method if you are looking for how to get scouted as a model in the digital age.

2. Follow agencies regularly

• Follow the official accounts of agencies on Instagram.

• Check posts, stories, or the bio section to see:

  • If there's an ongoing model casting campaign

  • What hashtags are required

  • Are there any specific conditions or guidelines

• Regularly following them helps you not miss short-term opportunities.

3. Famous casting campaign example

• IMG Models is one of the largest agencies in the world, representing many top models.

• IMG once launched a very successful campaign called @WeLoveYourGenes.

• Potential models were asked to post photos and use the hashtag #WLYG.

• Many new faces were discovered thanks to this campaign.

4. How to participate to increase your chances of being noticed

• Choose clear photos of your face, figure, with good lighting, and minimal editing.

• Ensure your account is public.

• Use the correct hashtags as required; do not add random ones.

• Keep captions concise and in line with the campaign's spirit.

5. Why you should participate in these campaigns

• Agencies actively search, so you don't need to know anyone in the industry.

• Opportunity to connect with real agencies, reducing the risk of scams.

• Suitable for beginners who want to get noticed by agencies through legitimate channels.

Step 8: Increase your follower count to attract agencies and brands

1. Why follower count matters

• Brands and modeling agencies increasingly prioritize models who can reach an audience.

• An account with many followers helps to:

  • Increase commercial cooperation value

  • Be more easily chosen for promotional campaigns

• Therefore, you will be more attractive to agencies with a stable and growing follower count.

2. Understanding "influencer" correctly in the modeling industry

• You don't need to be famous from the start.

• What's important is:

  • Consistent content

  • Clear, credible imagery

  • A group of genuinely interested followers

• Many models are signed because their profile has growth potential, not just because of their appearance.

3. Ways to increase followers and get noticed by agencies

• Apply the basic principles on Instagram:

  • Keep your account public

  • Post diverse, quality content

  • Showcase your personality and real life

  • Use popular hashtags related to modeling and agencies

• These factors both help you get seen by agencies and increase followers naturally.

4. Quality is more important than artificial quantity

• Avoid buying followers or using deceptive tactics.

• Agencies can easily spot:

  • Accounts with many followers but low engagement

• A slow-growing but genuine account will be more highly valued.

5. Build long-term for an advantage

• Followers are not just numbers, but personal media assets.

• When you consistently build your image, content, and personality:

  • Followers will gradually increase

  • Cooperation opportunities will also expand

Step 9: Regularly check Instagram Direct Messages

1. How agencies typically contact via DM

• When a modeling agency notices you and likes your images, they might send a direct message (DM) to introduce themselves and propose a meeting.

• This method, often called "contacting via DM," is very common today.

• If you don't check your messages regularly, you might miss out on a real opportunity.

2. Make checking DMs a regular habit

• On Instagram, you can access your inbox by tapping the paper airplane icon in the upper corner of the screen.

• DMs are private, visible only to you and the sender, unlike public comments.

• You should check:

  • Your main inbox

  • Message requests

3. Always verify the contact person

• If you receive a DM, don't reply hastily.

• Check:

  • If the account is the official agency page

  • If there's a clear website and professional email

  • If the contact person's name appears on the agency's website

• This is a mandatory step to avoid scams in the modeling industry.

4. Signs of a trustworthy DM

• The agency's account has a clear activity history.

• Messages are polite and professional.

• They do not ask for money, paid photo shoots, or to meet in a private location immediately.

5. How to respond safely

• Reply concisely and politely.

• You can ask them to send more information via their professional email.

• Always maintain initiative and protect your personal information.

Step 10: Proactively message modeling agencies

1. When to proactively send DMs

• If you don't want to wait for agencies to find you, you can absolutely proactively contact agencies.

• Many modeling agencies clearly state in their Instagram bios that they accept DMs from new models.

• This is a legitimate, common, and practical way to increase your chances of being scouted as a model.

2. How to send a direct message correctly

• Open the DM inbox on Instagram.

• Tap the "+" icon in the top corner to compose a new message.

• Select the correct official account of the agency you wish to contact.

3. Write concise, professional content

• The message should:

  • Briefly introduce yourself (name, age, city)

  • Clearly express your interest in the agency and desire to be considered

• Avoid being verbose, emotional, or overly informal.

• Maintain a polite, serious tone as if applying for a job.

4. Send appropriate representative photos

• Attach 2 small, clear photos:

  • 1 close-up photo, natural light

  • 1 full-body photo, simple attire

• Do not send too many photos or heavily edited photos.

• The goal is for the agency to quickly view and assess initial potential.

5. Important notes

• Only message reputable agencies with a website and clear information.

• Do not send bulk DMs with the same content.

• If you don't hear back, be patient — silence doesn't mean you're not a good fit.

References

1. https://fashionista.com/2013/07/hitting-the-streets-with-a-top-model-agency-a-firsthand-look-at-how-new-talent-is-spotted
2. https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/fashion-news/what-model-agencys-look-for-89318
3. https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/06/24/how-to-get-model-agencyed-storm-models-london-agency_n_7652552.html
4. https://www.forbes.com/sites/natalierobehmed/2015/09/17/how-to-get-agencyed-by-a-modeling-agency/#15620ef021a6
5. https://www.elle.com/beauty/news/a36677/instagram-model-casting-glossier/

Translation: Sidney Bailey Hoang.