According to a recent report from The Sun, the producers of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) Season 35 made TikTok participation mandatory for this season's celebrity contestants. This new requirement has caused some potential cast members to walk away from the show.

A DWTS source told the outlet that producers are placing more emphasis on social media than ever before after last season saw a massive increase in voting and record-breaking numbers. "Following last year's uptick in votes and all the records broken from the amount of votes that came in, the producers are emphasizing social media more this season than any other year," the source claimed.

Prospective contestants were reportedly told that social media would be a "larger. and now mandatory" part of the casting process. In other words, becoming a TikTok influencer is no longer optional; it's a requirement for making it onto the show. And if you're wondering how important social media presence is to the producers, consider this: a contestant's online engagement can directly impact their chances of winning the Mirrorball Trophy.

It appears that some stars were unwilling to take on the added responsibility of creating and sharing TikTok content. Multiple sources claim that several potential cast members walked away from the show due to the increased demand for social media participation. Unfortunately, the identities of these celebrities remain unknown.

For those who did make the cut, participating in TikTok content promoting the show and encouraging fans to vote is now a non-negotiable part of the experience. As one insider explained, a contestant's social media performance has become crucial because it can lead to more votes and viewers. It seems the ballroom dance floor is not the only competition anymore – the ability to attract attention on social media is also a key aspect of success in the world of DWTS.

The Season 35 cast's TikTok activity is already generating buzz ahead of the premiere. For example, Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas have been spotted showcasing their rockin' glam on the platform.

As we await the return of Dancing With the Stars on September 15 and 16 on ABC and Disney+, which stars will thrive under the added pressure of a mandatory TikTok requirement. One thing is certain, however: social media has officially become an essential component of the DWTS experience.