A Gen Z Perspective on Social Media with Nia Sioux

and Sophia Pelosi

Nia Sioux, who is repped by Fullscreen, is sashaying her way onto our Instagram live to dish on her latest projects, how she’s holding up during quarantine, and how she continues to build her social media empire. Read on for a candid Q&A, and a Gen Z’s perspective on your favorite social platforms!

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What is the last thing you bought because of social media (eg. because you saw a cute something on someone’s Instagram page or while scrolling)?

Oh wow! I see things all of the time as I am scrolling through social media. I get a lot of inspiration from other accounts but ultimately it has to fit my lifestyle and comfort. I am really into shoes right now and I have developed a passion for sneakers I have my eye on a new pair of Jordans – but I will buy a beauty product in a heartbeat if I see something cool online.

If you could only use one social media platform for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Oh this is hard. I am a creative so I love to create new content. There are so many apps that allow me to create different types of projects – some take longer to create than others. I would say Instagram would probably serve the bulk of my creative purposes. I can use photos or videos. You can see my serious side on my feed and my playful side with my IGTV videos. I also have the greatest reach on IG so I can really use my platform in a powerful and purposeful way especially with my posts on my IG stories.

Walk us through your video process – is it pretty low-lift or are there specific apps/software you swear by?

I take my time trying to find spots that are good for filming or photos. Lighting is most important to me with finding the right angle at a close second. My brother does all of my video editing for YouTube so I can rely on him to find the best apps. I know he loves using Final Cut for editing.

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What’s your advice for people your age who want to build their confidence when sharing photos of themselves on their social media accounts?

I created my social media accounts when I was really young. It was a way for me to stay connected with family and friends because I traveled so much because of Dance Moms. We did not create social media accounts to get famous or to establish a brand, it was just for fun. I really try to keep this as the focus of my accounts. I post things that are important to me or that bring me joy. My accounts are a reflection of me and my personality so it is so important for me to be authentic. I would encourage people to be comfortable posting what makes them happy. It makes you a little vulnerable but as an artist or creative I think we always take risks like that anyway. Stay true to yourself. Don’t post just to get a lot of followers.

who inspires you to do the same?

I love following Tabria Majors. She is a model and I love her work. I also love to follow my mentors, Chloe and Maude Arnold from the tap dancing group, the Syncopated Ladies. I get my inspiration from women who are positive, creative, and who are comfortable in their own skin.

Tell us some of the specific ways social media has helped further your education as it relates to equity and liberation for black people (accounts/people you follow, how you decide to share content, etc.)

Social Media has made the world smaller. In some ways I felt very isolated before but after the momentum of the BLM movement I now have a greater connection to other Black creators. I have found and followed new accounts that I had not heard of before. I have felt more empowered to share my voice without worrying about backlash or my aesthetic. I have always tried to use my platform to raise awareness or give voice to topics or people who may not have the platform but I now make it a daily mission to educate and share topics related to equity, justice, and civil rights. I want to do more but I am proud of what impact I am making now.

We’re so grateful to Nia for joining us and sharing her perspective, insight, and know-how with our community! If you don’t already, be sure to follow her on Instagram.

about nia sioux

Nia Sioux has wowed audiences as a dancer, singer and actor on the small screen and in live performances, proving to be one of today’s hottest triple threats. Known for her breakout role in Lifetime’s hit series, Dance Moms, Nia has since leaped out of the reality world and starred as a series regular on CBS’s Award Winning, The Bold and The Beautiful, and starred in her own Nickelodeon digital series called “Nia Sioux’s Slumber Party,” and Brat’s “Sunnyside Up.”

Audiences have seen Nia take on the world of music as she released her first single “Star In Your Own Life” which has over 11 million views on YouTube. Nia has continued to release music and hit #1 on the iTunes Music Video pop charts for “You Don’t Really Wanna.” Her multi-hyphenate skills were put to use when she was a featured performer in the Off-Broadway musical ‘Trip Of Love.’ Shortly after, Nia went on to star in her first film, “Running From My Roots,” and since has starred in two more films: The Code and The Lies I Tell Myself. Nia was chosen to host the 2018 Winter Olympics as an NBC Correspondent, and has furthered those skills by hosting multiple red carpets. Nia’s talents were recently recognized when she was named “Favorite Dancer 17 & Under” at the IDA Awards, and was nominated for Tiger Beat’s 19 Under 19.

Being a good role model is important to Nia, and she speaks to kids about how they can “star” in their own lives, a message dear to her. Nia started a weekly #RoleModelMonday tribute on her social media to recognize those that are making a change. She is passionate about raising awareness for reflex neurovascular dystrophy (RND), anti-bullying, anti-body shaming, and animal rights.