How a Dubai-based influencer “Vlada Bulhakova” is charting a path to acting through TikTok

TikTok has become an ideal stage for aspiring actresses and actors to showcase their talent, with its dynamic platform allowing users to connect and express themselves through creative videos. Aspiring stars can use this opportunity not only as a way of honing the craft, but also propelling them into serious acting roles.

Dubai-based Tiktoker and Instagrammer from Ukraine, who has always been passionate about acting, finds a scheme to create a path for her acting career through TikTok.

Drawing on a lifelong passion and enjoying every bit of being in front of cameras and crowds, 23-year-old Vlada Bulhakova strives to make her mark in the world. She began her acting career back in 2015 with theatre plays in South Africa. At the time, performing five plays with lead roles only made her crave the industry more. Currently, she is taking professional acting classes in Dubai. She believes that with hard work and persistence, she will definitely see herself on the big screen!

Why do you think TikTok is the right platform for social media influencers to transition to acting?

TikTok has become a breeding ground for acting—a platform that everyone started using when COVID unexpectedly hit and everything turned digital, including the film industry. Many directors, producers, celebrities—from micro to A list—have joined Tiktok to maintain a strong social media presence. Consequently, this has eased the process of finding new talent.

Once a content creator figures out their posting algorithm and starts posting videos that exceed 500k views each, their videos get shown pretty much in any country where TikTok operates. Now imagine being in the UAE and having your videos trending in the US.

Of course, depending on the industry you’re in, your videos have to align accordingly. If you want to join the movie industry, you have to showcase your skills to your followers—anything from creating skits or even doing a video showing your facial expressions—can help you get noticed by talent scouts.

Much of the talent we see now started on TikTok. Today, we either hear their songs on the radio or see them in our favorite TV shows. The key to success is finding your niche, keeping up with latest trends, acquiring a robust base of followers and turning them into loyal fans. By following this strategy, I have strengthened my social media presence and established a strong fan base, with 1.2 million followers on TikTok.

You are one of the lead content creators in the UAE, enabling you to receive new opportunities. How exciting or big have these opportunities been?

In December 2022, I had a huge collaboration with Messi and Pepsi. We performed a skit where Messi distracts me on the other side of the screen by throwing a Pepsi can in the air, and it’s a nutmeg! A cheeky win for him but fun to see on the “For You Page”, which refers to the page on TikTok that is filled with recommended content and videos the app thinks you’ll enjoy the most.

This is why I always refer to Tiktok as being such a helpful platform if you are really trying to grow in the film industry. Organic growth and audience are all you need in order to get noticed.

Apart from my collaboration with Messi and Pepsi, I have worked with numerous beauty brands such as Sephora, Mac, L’Oreal, Huda Beauty. Fashion opportunities have always come easy with my latest collaboration with Michael Sinco, and I look forward to working with more luxurious designer brands.

Tell us about your recent campaign with @VisitAbuDhabi

My recent project with @VisitAbuDhabi went viral all over the city. The campaign took place on TikTok itself in a series of episodes that were trending on @VisitAbuDhabi. The content highlighted some of the coolest hang out spots in Abu Dhabi, such as rock-climbing at CLYMB in Yas Island, a hidden gem for brunch lovers in W Hotel, F1 racetrack and even an EID experience for expats that have always dreamed of having an immersive local experience.

In these videos, I played the role of a granddaughter who wanted to show her grandma around Abu Dhabi, making it as memorable as possible. It was heartwarming to watch and the audience interaction was at its highest, reaching a total of 73.5 million views for five videos.

What word of advice do you have for aspiring TikTokers and actresses?

For aspiring creatives on the rise, my advice is to focus relentlessly on mastering your craft and connecting with those around you. Connections are crucial in any field; don’t be afraid to reach out for support from people who have already found success in their respective industries. Achieving one’s goals takes consistent dedication—remain focused and stay determined!