Cast Introduction / Update (pending)

Platform: All platforms Type: Cast Introduction, Cast Update

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Where this format overrides General Guidelines: This format covers two subtypes—Cast Update and Cast Introduction—with separate headline formulas. The focus keyphrase structure departs from General Guidelines’ [Person/Topic] [Does/Is] [Thing] format. The tone is more specific than universal General Guidelines guidance. This format introduces requirements with no brand-level equivalent: a word count range (400–500 words—a notably tight target), and a UsW-specific option to present content in gallery format or as H2-structured sections. Text in red throughout this page marks anything that overrides or goes beyond the General Guidelines.

Purpose

Cast Introduction and Cast Update articles inform fans about who is appearing in a show or film—whether for the first time or following changes. Cast news is consistently high-interest for entertainment audiences.

Headline (H1)

(REQUIRED)

Cast Update formula: [Show/Movie Name] Cast Update: Who's In and Who's Out
Cast Introduction formula (UsW alternate): Meet the Cast of [Show/Movie Title]: [Name], [Name] and More

Optimize before publishing. Cast news—especially departures or new additions—spikes in search around announcements and premiere dates. Get the H1 and SEO title right before hitting publish.

SEO Title

(REQUIRED)

Dek

(REQUIRED)

Meta Description

(REQUIRED)

Focus Keyphrase

(REQUIRED)

Subtype Primary Secondary (if applicable)
Cast Update "[Show/Movie Name] cast" "[Actor Name] leaving [Show/Movie Name]"
Cast Introduction "[Show/Movie Name] cast" "[Show/Movie Name] season [X] cast"

</span>

Tone

(REQUIRED)

Informative and straightforward. Readers want the facts quickly—who is in, who is out, and why. Conversational and human—never stiff or institutional. Do not editorialize on casting decisions beyond what has been publicly stated.

Word Count

(REQUIRED)

Target: 400–500 words. This is a tight target—stay focused. Cover who, what, and why clearly. Do not pad.

Article Structure

(REQUIRED)

The following structure is mandatory for this format. General Guidelines do not prescribe article structure.

Cast Update:

[AI DISCLAIMER—CUE sites only]
"This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI."

[LEDE / INTRO]
- State the most significant cast change upfront
- Identify the show/movie and the context (season, upcoming release, etc.)

[CAST CHANGES—H2 format or gallery (UsW: either is permitted)]
For each change:
  - Clearly state who is joining or leaving and in what role
  - Provide context: storyline reasons, actor's decision, official statements
  - Note any replacement casting if applicable

[INTERNAL LINKS—embedded throughout]
- 3–5 contextual internal links

Cast Introduction:

[AI DISCLAIMER—CUE sites only]
"This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI."

[LEDE / INTRO]
- Introduce the show/movie and the significance of the cast
- Tease notable names and what makes this ensemble worth paying attention to

[CAST MEMBERS—H2 format or gallery (UsW: either is permitted)]
For each cast member:
  - Name and role they play
  - Brief background (known for, relevant credits)
  - Any details about their character or the production

[INTERNAL LINKS—embedded throughout]
- 3–5 contextual internal links

Formatting Rules

(REQUIRED)

(REQUIRED)

3–5 contextual internal links per article. See General Guidelines §1.4 for full anchor text rules.

Link to:

Hero Image

(REQUIRED)

General Guidelines do not specify image requirements. The following specs are mandatory for this format.

Spec Requirement
Minimum width 1200px (1600px+ preferred)
Aspect ratio 16:9
Resolution 300K+ pixels
Subject A promotional or production image from the show/film, or a key cast member(s)
Logos NOT permitted
Text overlays NOT permitted
Generic stock NOT permitted

</span>

URL Structure

(REQUIRED)

General Guidelines do not prescribe URL patterns. The following is mandatory for this format.

Tags

(REQUIRED)

General Guidelines do not specify tags. The following are mandatory for this format.

What to Avoid

Prohibited Reason
Leaving cast change status ambiguous (joining vs. leaving vs. role change) Format requirement—each change must be clearly labeled
Cast changes without context Format requirement—explain why the change occurred where information is available
Editorializing on casting decisions beyond what has been publicly stated Tone requirement—informative and straightforward
Padding to hit word count in a 400–500 word target Tight format—cover the facts efficiently
NSFW in any metadata field Suppresses article in feeds—see General Guidelines §1.3
Clickbait or misleading headlines Helpful Content algorithm penalty risk—see General Guidelines §1.2
Generic stock images Format image spec—hero must be a production or cast image
Affiliate links (unlabeled) Google penalty risk—see General Guidelines §1.4
“Click here” or “read more” as anchor text Poor UX and SEO signal—see General Guidelines §1.4
Publishing without human review Universal compliance rule—see General Guidelines §1.8

Pre-Publish Checklist