Social media has become a lifeline for Dancing with the Stars in an era where traditional TV ratings are slipping. The show’s ability to captivate audiences now hinges on its relationship with Instagram, TikTok and X, formerly Twitter.
The buzz isn’t just about flashy performances and guest features — shoutout to Julianne Hough’s surprise performance — it’s about the real-time engagement that keeps viewers connected across age ranges. As the season wrapped up Tuesday night, it’s clear that social media played a key role in strengthening the parasocial dynamic between contestants and their loyal fans.
A few years ago, Dancing with the Stars seemed to be on a downward trajectory. It felt like everyone had moved on to newer, flashier shows. The familiar formula of celebrities learning to dance, dramatic eliminations and flashy performances started to feel safe.
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But social media didn’t just revive the show, it transformed how viewers engage with it. Dancing With the Stars is no longer just a Tuesday night watch, it’s become part of the social media cycle, where viewers can engage in real-time from their couches.
TikTok especially has given fans a way to interact with the show as it unfolds. Viewers can comment on performances set to trendy tracks, judges’ feedback and join in on the chatter instantly. This real-time interaction has created a community that amplifies the show’s cultural relevance.
It’s hard to watch a performance without checking my phone to see what others across the country are saying. The conversation is nonstop, where viral moments hit the timeline almost instantly. The dance floor isn’t the only place with the spotlight — even behind-the-scenes glimpses go viral within minutes.
Contestants have also evolved beyond being passive participants. They share rehearsal sneak peeks, interact with fans and engage with fan-made content to create an electrifying cycle of influence, making the show feel as though it’s happening all the time rather than once a week.
Former Dancing With the Stars professional Lindsay Arnold used her social media to rally support for her sister, Rylee Arnold, and her partner, Olympic gymnastics bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik, ahead of Tuesday’s finale.
With a strong online presence, Lindsay Arnold shares never-seen-before footage, encouraging messages and celebratory posts with hopes to boost their journey and rally votes.
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Ilona Maher is doing the same, using her TikTok to stay on top of viral trends and show her burning off and on the dance floor chemistry with partner Alan Bersten. Her lighthearted posts create a positive energy around her Dancing with the Stars run, building a loyal fan base who texts her name each week.
The organic content — memes, raw reaction videos, fan-created commentary — is the ultimate cherry on top, serving as free advertising for the show. The unintentional level of engagement has turned social media into a marketing powerhouse, keeping Dancing with the Stars in the spotlight long after the episode has aired.
It’s a flawless setup, and I can’t help but admire how seamlessly it all clicks into place.
Dancing with the Stars’ producers have definitely capitalized on this shift, casting personalities with big social media following to blend traditional TV with the digital era. It’s a move that keeps the buzz alive, not just during the show, but between episodes too.
While the dancing and celebrity performances are still the core of the show, social media is the secret sauce that’s giving it a second wind.
