While only 15 years old, he was first discovered by French actor director Gaël Morel. Morel gave him his first role in a feature film, À Toute Vitesse (Full Speed), released in 1996. Since then, Kéchiouche has acted in most of Morel's works including Premières Neiges in 1999, Le Clan (Three Dancing Slaves) in 2004 and Après Lui (2007). While working with Gaël Morel Kéchiouche developed his passion for acting, which he decided to make his career. He entered acting school and graduated in 2002.

Salim Kechiouche now lives in Paris, dividing his time between cinema and the stage.