What Apps Do Actors Use? (2024 Complete List with Prices)

The average working actor has 23 apps on their phone.

After surveying 200+ professional actors, we've identified which apps actually get used versus which just take up space. Here's your complete guide to building your digital toolkit.

Finding Auditions & Jobs

Actors Access

Price: Free (limited) or $68/year for Plus
What it does: The main platform for legitimate auditions in the US
Pro: Where real casting happens
Con: Clunky interface, Plus membership basically required
Verdict: Essential. Pay for Plus.

Backstage

Price: $19.95/month or $119.95/year
What it does: Auditions plus editorial content
Pro: Great for beginners, lots of student films
Con: Lower-tier projects than Actors Access
Verdict: Good for building credits, less essential once established

Casting Networks

Price: Free to apply, various premium tiers
What it does: Major platform especially for LA market
Pro: Commercial casting lives here
Con: Confusing payment structure
Verdict: Essential for LA, optional elsewhere

Learning Lines & Rehearsing

Offbook

Price: Free trial, then subscription
What it does: AI scene partner that responds when you speak
Pro: Most natural conversation flow, works for cold reads
Con: Needs internet connection
Verdict: Best for actors who hate practicing alone

LineLearner

Price: $3.99
What it does: Records lines, plays them back
Pro: One-time purchase, works offline
Con: Interface feels dated
Verdict: Solid backup option

Rehearsal Pro

Price: $19.99
What it does: Similar to LineLearner but simpler
Pro: Very easy to use
Con: Limited features
Verdict: Good for tech-averse actors

Self-Taping

WeAudition

Price: Free with watermark, $8/month Pro
What it does: Self-tape recording and editing
Pro: Built for actors, great editing tools
Con: Another subscription
Verdict: Worth it if you self-tape frequently

Eco Cast

Price: Free
What it does: Official self-tape platform for many CDs
Pro: Direct submission to casting
Con: Can't use for other submissions
Verdict: Essential when requested, otherwise skip

Industry Research

IMDbPro

Price: $19.99/month
What it does: Contact info, production status, credits
Pro: Essential for research and networking
Con: Expensive for what it is
Verdict: Required for serious actors

Breakdown Services

Price: Via representation only
What it does: Where agents/managers find auditions
Pro: The source of all major auditions
Con: Need representation to access
Verdict: This is why you need an agent

Voice & Dialect

IPA Phonetics

Price: $4.99
What it does: International Phonetic Alphabet reference
Pro: Essential for accent work
Con: Learning curve
Verdict: Must-have for theater actors

IDEA Dialects

Price: Free (website)
What it does: Archive of real accent samples
Pro: Authentic sources
Con: Website not app
Verdict: Bookmark it

Scheduling & Organization

Actor's Diary

Price: $7.99
What it does: Tracks auditions, callbacks, bookings
Pro: Built for actor's needs
Con: Another app to maintain
Verdict: Great if you'll actually use it

Calendly

Price: Free basic
What it does: Scheduling without back-and-forth
Pro: Looks professional
Con: Another system to manage
Verdict: Useful once you're busy

The Money Apps

QuickBooks Self-Employed

Price: $15/month
What it does: Track expenses, mileage, taxes
Pro: Built for freelancers
Con: Monthly cost
Verdict: Essential once you're earning

Stride

Price: Free
What it does: Mileage tracking
Pro: Automatic tracking
Con: Battery drain
Verdict: Saves money at tax time

Social Media & Marketing

Instagram

Still the main platform for actors. Post work, not just headshots.

TikTok

Where viral moments happen. Some actors book directly from TikTok.

Actor's Access Mobile

Update your profile on the go. Casting checks these constantly.

The Minimalist Setup

If you can only afford/manage 5 apps:

1. Actors Access (for auditions)
2. Line learning apps (LineLearner, Rehearsal Pro, etc.)
3. WeAudition (for self-tapes)
4. IMDbPro (for research)
5. Instagram (for networking)

The Professional Setup

What working actors actually have:

• 2-3 audition platforms
• 1-2 line learning apps
• Self-tape setup
• IMDbPro
• Expense tracking
• Social media suite
• Scheduling tools

Free Alternatives That Actually Work

Instead of paid line apps: Voice Memos + determination
Instead of WeAudition: Your phone's camera + iMovie/Windows Video Editor
Instead of IMDbPro: Google + persistence (but IMDbPro is worth it)
Instead of expense trackers: Spreadsheet + discipline

What NOT to Waste Money On

• Casting director workshop apps (scams)
• "Get discovered" platforms (they don't work)
• Any app promising instant fame
• Expensive monologue apps (YouTube is free)

The Reality Check

Apps don't book jobs. Preparation books jobs. These tools just make preparation easier.

Start with the essentials. Add others as you need them. Delete what you don't use.

The best app is the one you'll actually use consistently.

How to choose your toolkit

1. Pick one audition platform and one backup. Add others only if you’re not seeing roles.
2. Choose one line tool you like to open. If you avoid it, pick a simpler one.
3. Schedule one weekly admin hour for submissions, app updates, and reel tasks.

Related guides: Get an Agent with No Experience and Practice Acting at Home.