How to Use Social Media to Grow as a Mangaka and Build Your Fanbase
Lets say, you’ve created an amazing manga—congrats! But now comes the tricky part: getting people to actually see it. In today’s digital age, social media is your best friend when it comes to building a fanbase and growing as a mangaka. Whether you’re posting on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, there’s a world of opportunity waiting for you.
But where do you start? And how do you stand out in a sea of talented artists? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Choose the Right Platforms
Not all social media platforms are created equal. Each one has its own vibe and audience, so it’s important to pick the ones that work best for you. Here’s a quick rundown:
Instagram: Perfect for sharing your artwork and connecting with other artists. Use hashtags like #MangaArt and #Mangaka to reach a wider audience.
TikTok: Great for short, engaging videos. Show your drawing process, share tips, or create fun manga-related content.
Twitter/X: Ideal for quick updates, WIP (work-in-progress) posts, and engaging with the manga community.
YouTube: If you’re comfortable on camera, this is a fantastic platform for tutorials, vlogs, and behind-the-scenes content. (Psst… don’t forget to check out my channel, Sketchflix, for inspiration!)
Pinterest: A hidden gem for artists. Create boards for your manga inspiration and share your work to attract fans.
Pro Tip: Start with one or two platforms and focus on building a strong presence there. You can always expand later!
Personal Anecdote: When I first started, I tried to be everywhere at once—Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, you name it. It was overwhelming, and I didn’t see much growth. Once I focused on Instagram and TikTok, my engagement skyrocketed because I could put more effort into creating quality content.
Step 2: Post Consistently (But Don’t Burn Out)
Consistency is key when it comes to social media. You don’t need to post every day, but you should aim for a regular schedule. For example:
Post 2-3 times a week on Instagram.
Share a TikTok video every weekend.
Tweet updates and WIPs a few times a week.
Actionable Tip: Use a scheduling tool like Buffer or Hootsuite to plan your posts in advance. This will save you time and help you stay consistent.
Personal Anecdote: When I first started posting on Instagram, I tried to post every single day. It was exhausting, and the quality of my work suffered. Now, I post 2-3 times a week, and my followers actually engage more because my content is better.
Step 3: Show Your Process
People love seeing how art is made. Share your process—from rough sketches to finished panels. This not only makes your content more engaging but also helps your followers feel connected to your work.
Ideas for Process Posts:
Time-lapse videos of your drawing process.
Side-by-side comparisons of your sketches and finished art.
Tips and tutorials (e.g., “How I Draw Manga Eyes”).
Pro Tip: Use apps like Procreate or Clip Studio Paint to record your drawing process. These videos are perfect for TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Actionable Tip: Create a “process series” where you show how you create a manga panel from start to finish. This can be broken into multiple posts or videos to keep your audience coming back for more.
Step 4: Engage with Your Audience
Social media isn’t just about posting—it’s about building a community. Respond to comments, answer questions, and show your followers that you appreciate their support.
Actionable Tips:
Host Q&A sessions in your Instagram Stories.
Ask your followers for feedback on your work.
Shout out your favorite fan art or comments.
Fun Fact: Many successful mangaka, like Junji Ito and Hiro Mashima, actively engage with their fans on social media. It’s a great way to build loyalty and keep your audience invested.
Personal Anecdote: One of my most memorable interactions was when a follower asked me how I draw hands. I created a quick tutorial just for them and shared it on my Stories. Not only did they appreciate it, but other followers loved it too!
Step 5: Collaborate with Other Artists
Collaboration is a powerful way to grow your audience. Team up with other artists for art challenges, joint projects, or even just shout-outs.
Ideas for Collaborations:
Participate in art challenges like #MangaMarch or #Inktober.
Create a crossover piece with another artist’s characters.
Host a live drawing session together on Instagram or YouTube.
Pro Tip: Reach out to artists whose work you admire. Most creators are happy to collaborate if you approach them respectfully.
Actionable Tip: Join online communities like Discord servers or Facebook groups for manga artists. These are great places to find collaboration opportunities.
Step 6: Use Hashtags and Trends Wisely
Hashtags and trends are your secret weapons for getting discovered. Use relevant hashtags to reach new audiences, and jump on trending topics to boost your visibility.
Popular Manga Hashtags:
#MangaArt
#Mangaka
#AnimeArt
#WIP (Work in Progress)
#ArtShare
Actionable Tip: Research trending hashtags in the art and manga community. Tools like Hashtagify can help you find the best ones to use.
Personal Anecdote: I once used a trending hashtag (#AnimeArtChallenge) and my post got featured on a popular anime fan page. It was a huge boost for my account!
Step 7: Be Authentic and Have Fun
At the end of the day, social media is about connecting with people. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and have fun with your posts. Share your struggles, your successes, and your favorite manga memes.
Personal Anecdote: One of my most popular posts was a silly TikTok video where I tried to draw with my non-dominant hand. It wasn’t perfect, but it was authentic—and my followers loved it!
Actionable Tip: Share personal stories or behind-the-scenes content. For example, talk about your journey as a mangaka or share your favorite manga inspirations.
Step 8: Promote Your Work (Without Being Spammy)
It’s okay to promote your manga, but don’t make every post a sales pitch. Instead, focus on creating value for your audience. For example:
Share sneak peeks of your upcoming chapters.
Offer exclusive content to your followers (e.g., Patreon rewards).
Host giveaways to celebrate milestones.
Pro Tip: Use the 80/20 rule—80% of your content should be fun, engaging, and valuable, while 20% can be promotional.
Actionable Tip: Create a countdown series for your manga releases. For example, post a new sketch or character reveal every day leading up to the release date.
Step 9: Analyze and Adapt
Finally, keep an eye on your analytics to see what’s working and what’s not. Most social media platforms have built-in analytics tools that show you which posts are getting the most engagement.
Actionable Tips:
Focus on creating more of what your audience loves.
Experiment with different types of content (e.g., reels, stories, polls).
Adjust your posting schedule based on when your audience is most active.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Analytics or Iconosquare to track your progress and set goals for growth.
