Kyle DeGuzman

San Diego

Writer at Freelance

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Articles

7 TikTok Alternatives for Content Creators

1 week ago | backstage.com | Kyle DeGuzman

TikTok’s rise as the trailblazer of short-form video has reshaped the social media landscape—but with another potential TikTok ban looming, many are left wondering what’s next for their content and careers. In the spirit of staying ahead of the curve, here are the top alternative platforms for short-form creators. Perhaps the biggest competition TikTok has at the moment is Instagram Reels.
8 Top Travel Influencers + Their Off-the-Beaten-Path Routes to Success

2 weeks ago | backstage.com | Kyle DeGuzman

While most aspiring travel influencers chase growth with sunset drone shots and bucket-list b-roll, the best and brightest of the wanderlust niche build followings by mastering skills, telling sharper stories, or going way off route. The top travel influencers we’ve rounded up here have dialed in their craft to showcase the perspective, beauty, culture, and stories that make travel worth sharing. 1.
Vertical Video Explained: What You Need to Know About the Format

Mar 7, 2025 | backstage.com | Kyle DeGuzman

Whether it’s a serialized drama like ReelShort’s “Fated to My Forbidden Alpha,” a viral advertisement like Duolingo’s “Living With Lily,” or simply the latest post by your favorite TikToker, vertical videos have brought the world of entertainment into our pockets. Let’s take a look at the benefits these videos have on engagement and what you can do to create the best vertical shots possible. Vertical videos are presented in portrait orientation, typically with a 9:16 aspect ratio.
11 Famous YouTubers and What They Can Teach You About Being Seen

Feb 28, 2025 | backstage.com | Kyle DeGuzman

The most popular YouTubers, such as MrBeast, Lilly Singh, or Markiplier, didn’t just get lucky—they cracked the code on what makes content go viral. From mastering the algorithm to building loyal fan bases, creators like the 11 on this list have fine-tuned their approach to maximize visibility. 1. MrBeast If there’s one YouTuber who can teach you how to crack the YouTube algorithm, it’s MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson). As of 2025, he has over 365 million subscribers—the most on the platform.
12 Popular Instagram Models + How They Cracked the Creator Code

Feb 26, 2025 | backstage.com | Kyle DeGuzman

From body-positivity advocates like Winnie Harlow to fitness influencers like David Laid, the most successful Instagram models showcase their authenticity as they collaborate with major brands, crossover into mainstream media and business ventures, and encourage meaningful interactions with their audience. Here are 12 models who have mastered Instagram and what they can teach you about building a following. Rock is far more than a beauty influencer—he’s also an LGBTQ+ advocate and cultural icon.
Dramatic, Situational, Verbal: What You Should Know About 3 Types of Irony

Feb 10, 2025 | backstage.com | Kyle DeGuzman

From William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” to Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” to Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s “The Book of Mormon,” the power of irony transcends genres and styles of storytelling. Let’s explore the three main types of irony, the ways they differ, and how they’re used to tell great stories. Irony occurs when there’s a contrast between appearance and reality, between what we expect and what actually happens.
From Minimum Wage to Millions: The Cold, Hard (Cash) Truth Behind Actor Salaries

Feb 10, 2025 | backstage.com | Kyle DeGuzman

It’s no secret that certain actors earn staggering paychecks. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reportedly earned $50 million for his role in “Red Notice,” and Margot Robbie allegedly earned the same amount as both star and producer for “Barbie.” Meanwhile, countless hardworking actors don’t know if they’ll ever cash in on their craft (while also juggling survival jobs to make ends meet).
The 10 Most Successful Actors in Their 50s

Feb 7, 2025 | backstage.com | Kyle DeGuzman

Whether they’re transforming their bodies like the shapeshifter Christian Bale, commanding the screen like the quietly powerful Viola Davis, or casually creating entire cultural movements like the “McConaissance,” the best actors in their 50s prove that it might just be the decade to absolutely own your craft. Here are some of the most successful quinquagenarians (say that word five times fast!) whose performances and accolades have left a lasting mark in the entertainment realm.
Getting Dramatic: Your Guide to the Drama Genre

Dec 3, 2024 | backstage.com | Kyle DeGuzman

From the cutthroat halls of “The West Wing” to the boozy nightclubs of “Casablanca,” drama has the power to transport us into a different place, time, and perspective (if only for a little while). But how has drama evolved from the days of Greek mythology and ritual to modern cinema? Here’s how storytellers have made the most of the genre over time—and how you can, too. For film, TV, and theater, drama is a genre of storytelling that is more serious (rather than humorous) in tone.
5 Ways Understanding Story Arcs Can Help You Perform

Dec 2, 2024 | backstage.com | Kyle DeGuzman

Whether it’s Joaquin Phoenix transforming his Joker from awkward party clown into highly disturbing villain, or Margot Robbie’s Barbie growing more complex and cognizant with every new challenge (not least of all, setting boundaries with Ken), the best performances are delivered by actors who understand their characters’ story arcs. For writers and filmmakers, narrative arcs are fundamental; for actors, they help transform a good performance into an incredible one.