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By World-Today-News.com Expert Literary Team | Published March 21, 2025
From the hallowed halls of academia to the fleeting glimpses on our phone screens, poetry is undergoing a seismic shift in the United States. New technologies, especially social media platforms, are not just changing how we consume poetry, but also how it’s created and shared. This change, frequently enough dubbed “Instapoetry,” is both celebrated and scrutinized, but its impact on the American literary landscape is undeniable.
In 2023, French writer Marion Fritsch began sharing short texts on instagram, never imagining they would be considered poetry. “When I chose my status for my Instagram account, I hesitated between ‘writer’ and ‘artist.’ I put ‘poet’ just for fun.what started out as a joke has become serious,” she told Euronews Culture [[1]]. This sentiment echoes the experiences of many contemporary poets who have found their voice and audience online.
Fritsch, now known as an Instapoet with nearly 450,000 followers on Instagram (@unlivre_unehistoire_), represents a new wave of literary talent thriving on social media [[1]].While poetry has always held a place in American culture, the internet and social media have revolutionized its accessibility and reach.
The Rise of Instapoetry in the U.S.
Instagram’s visual nature, initially designed for image sharing, ironically became a haven for 21st-century poets.Millions of posts tagged with #instapoetry and #instapoets demonstrate the platform’s importance in the poetry world [[1]].
Camilla Holm Soelseth, a Norwegian researcher specializing in Scandinavian Instapoetry, notes the pivotal role of Rupi Kaur, a Canadian poet, in popularizing the genre. “When we talk about instapoetry specifically, it’s very hard not to mention Rupi Kaur from Canada.Her rise to fame drew a lot of attention to other names,” Soelseth explains [[1]].
kaur, who began performing spoken word poetry in 2009, gained widespread recognition after publishing her first book, “milk and honey,” in 2014. Her consistent style—short, lowercase texts on a white background, frequently enough accompanied by simple drawings—has resonated with millions, earning her 4.3 million Instagram followers [[1]].
Kaur’s influence extends to poets like Marion Fritsch, who recognized the need for brevity and fragmentation to succeed on social media. “I understood that for [my writing] to match with social media, it had to be fragmented, shorter formats,” Fritsch admits [[1]].
Publishing poetry on Instagram is more than just writing; it’s a multimedia experience. “On social media, ther’s a communication, a visual, an aesthetic and an audio aspect. Of course you must have a way with words,but you also need a good artistic direction,” Fritsch elaborates [[1]]. Fritsch’s own posts, designed to resemble handwritten notes on aged paper, exemplify this artistic approach.
The “People’s Poet” and the Community Dynamic
Social media has transformed poets into multifaceted figures, blending the roles of writer, marketer, and influencer. Holm Soelseth emphasizes the importance of audience engagement: “To be an instapoet, it’s not enough to just post something online. You also have to be engaged with the audience” and become a sort of “people’s poet” [[1]].
Social media platforms serve as both distribution channels and marketplaces, where readers comment, share, and draw inspiration from each other’s work. This community-driven aspect, tho, can create pressure for poets to cater to their followers’ expectations [[1]].
Historically, poets have frequently enough been societal critics and advocates, from victor Hugo to Maya Angelou. Angelou, an American icon, used her poetry to champion civil rights, leaving an indelible mark on American literature and social justice [[1]]. This tradition raises a crucial question: “Then we get into this very long debate: aren’t you a slave to the people if you’re just writing what they want?” asks Holm Soelseth [[1]].
Marion Fritsch navigates this tension by differentiating between her online and offline performances.On stage, she explores longer formats and themes beyond the love and self-help topics that dominate her social media presence. She acknowledges that Instapoetry has “guidelines ‘that I sometimes want to break free from’,” but also recognizes its potential for inspiration and experimentation: “Simultaneously occurring, it can inspire and challenge me, as restrictions also help us to experiment with our writing” [[1]].
TikTok Takes Center Stage
While Instagram remains a popular platform for online poetry, TikTok is rapidly gaining traction. American poet Whitney Hanson, known for reciting her verses over soft music, has garnered over 78 million likes on her TikTok videos [[1]].
Other creators, like Ellen Everett, produce stylized, hybrid content that blends performance and vlogging. These trends mark a significant departure from traditional poetry collections [[1]].
Holm Soelseth sees this evolution as a positive development: “There’s a lot of good coming out of poetry as an art form becoming closer to song lyrics and music because it helps it flow towards the public. People want to experience poems” [[1]].
Addressing the Critics and the AI Challenge
Critics frequently enough dismiss online poetry as simplistic or cliché, fueled by fears that AI could replace human creativity. A 2024 study revealed that readers struggle to distinguish between human-written and AI-generated poems, and may even prefer the latter [[1]].
Fritsch believes open discussion is key to addressing these concerns. “The best way not to make it a taboo is to talk about it freely. I think it’s great when writers mention that AI has been used in their work” [[1]].
From Digital to Print: The Ultimate Validation
Despite the digital revolution, publishing a book remains a significant milestone for online poets. Whitney Hanson’s TikTok success led to a publishing deal with penguin Random House, a landmark achievement. Marion Fritsch released her first book,”Les fragments du coeur” (fragments of the Heart),in 2024 [[1]].
Rupi Kaur’s poetry collections have sold over 12 million copies and been translated into over 40 languages. She even released a 10th-anniversary collector’s edition of “milk and honey,” her best-selling book [[1]].
The accessibility of online poetry has also attracted younger audiences to books. In 2023, the UK experienced record-high poetry sales, a trend that is mirrored in the U.S., suggesting a resurgence of interest in the genre [[1]].
Fritsch concludes, “It is indeed thanks to people like me that poetry is moving forward today. If we want to be clever and see the place of poetry in our society grow, we have to include people like me” [[1]].
The Future of Poetry in America
Instapoetry’s impact on American literature is multifaceted. It has democratized access to poetry, allowing emerging voices to bypass traditional gatekeepers. It has also fostered a sense of community among poets and readers, creating spaces for dialog and collaboration. However,it also raises important questions about artistic integrity,the role of social media in shaping creative expression,and the potential for AI to influence the future of poetry.
As Instapoetry continues to evolve, it will be crucial for educators, critics, and readers to engage with this phenomenon critically and thoughtfully.By embracing new forms of poetic expression while upholding the values of creativity, authenticity, and intellectual rigor, we can ensure that poetry remains a vibrant and relevant art form in the digital age.
By Senior Editor, World-Today-news.com | Interview with Dr. Eleanor Vance, Literary Sociologist
Interview: Dr.Eleanor Vance on the Rise of Instapoetry
Senior editor: dr. Vance, your work has deeply explored the intersection of literature and digital culture. considering the meteoric rise of Instapoetry,are we witnessing a genuine literary revolution,or just a fleeting internet trend?
Dr. vance: Excellent question.I believe we’re observing a true literary revolution, not just a fleeting trend. The very definition of poetry is being reshaped before our eyes. Historically, poetry has been confined to physical books, journals, and spoken-word events. Instapoetry, however, has democratized the genre, allowing poets to share their work immediately and directly with a global audience. While some critics initially dismissed it as simplistic or cliché, we are now seeing how it’s evolved into a significant literary force, and this impacts American literature.
Senior Editor: Rupi Kaur is frequently enough cited as a pivotal figure in the Instapoetry movement. What made her work so influential,and how did she shape the genre?
Dr. Vance: rupi Kaur’s rise to prominence was transformative. Her poems, characterized by their brevity, raw emotion, and accessible format – short verses paired with simple drawings on a white background – resonated deeply with a wide audience. Her work tapped into a desire for authenticity and emotional connection, which is a hallmark of the instapoetry style. Importantly, Kaur leveraged the visual nature of Instagram to enhance her message. Her influence extended to several emerging poets. By prioritizing the visual medium to enhance the poetic experience, she set a new precedent for how poetry could be consumed and shared.
Senior Editor: Beyond Rupi Kaur, what other factors have fueled the growth of Instapoetry in the U.S.?
Dr. Vance: A convergence of several factors has fueled Instapoetry’s popularity.
- The Accessibility of Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok provide unprecedented access to potential readers and immediate feedback.
- The Preference for Brevity: Our attention spans are shortening. Instapoetry’s short, digestible format aligns perfectly with modern consumption habits.
- The Power of Community: Social media fosters a sense of community where poets and readers can connect, share, and support each other.
These factors together have created fertile ground for a new generation of poets to thrive.
senior Editor: Social media platforms emphasize not only writing, but also the aesthetics and visual aspects. How has this multimedia approach affected the craft and what is its impact on the literary process?
Dr. Vance: The multimedia nature of social media is considerably impacting the craft of poetry. Instapoets need to be skilled writers, visual artists, and marketers.This requires a different skillset, incorporating visual elements, aesthetic sensibilities, and a strategic approach to audience engagement. For example,poets like Marion Fritsch are carefully curating their images to complement their verses. This process moves beyond merely writing a poem; it’s about crafting a complete artistic vision for the social media age.
Senior Editor: The role of the “people’s poet” and community engagement also seems crucial. How does the need to engage with and cater to an audience affect the artistic integrity of the poets?
Dr. Vance: This is the central tension within Instapoetry: how do poets balance their creative vision with the expectations of an audience? there’s an inherent pressure to cater to followers’ desires, to write in a way that resonates with their followers: to become the ‘people’s poet.’ This can lead to a dilution of artistic risk-taking or experimentation. Though, I’ve seen many Instapoets successfully navigate this tension.
Some, like Fritsch differentiate between online content and live performances, to offer a more experimental voice, while online they use the constraints of social media as a starting point for creativity. They maintain artistic integrity by using the platform’s constraints to their advantage—using restrictions to propel their creative imagination.
Senior Editor: TikTok is quickly becoming a prominent platform for poetry.how does it differ from Instagram, and what opportunities and challenges does it bring?
Dr. Vance: TikTok represents a engaging evolution. Instagram is still a preferred option, but TikTok is increasing in use. TikTok’s emphasis on video and audio creates even more opportunities for poets to experiment with performance, voice, and music. this shift has been accompanied by new trends, such as poets reciting their verses over gentle music or creating hybrid content that blends performance with vlogging. The challenges include:
- shorter attention spans on TikTok may lead to even more emphasis on brevity and visual impact.
- The algorithmic nature of TikTok could lead to a focus on content that is guaranteed to trend, and potentially impacting artistic range.
Yet,the potential for reach and collaboration is immense. I see this as another exciting stage in the evolution of poetry.
Senior Editor: one concern surrounding Instapoetry is its perceived simplicity and the potential influence of AI. How should the literary world address these challenges?
Dr. Vance: Open discussion is crucial. We mustn’t shy away from the complex conversation surrounding AI and human creative output. The fact that AI can generate poems that readers struggle to distinguish from human-written work is a significant issue. Acknowledging and discussing the use of AI in creative processes is also vital to ensure fairness and avoid a taboo.
Senior Editor: Despite the digital nature of Instapoetry, we see many poets publishing books. What is the significance of publishing for instapoets, and what does it mean for the future of poetry?
Dr. Vance: Publishing a book remains a powerful sign of validation. It elevates the poet’s work beyond the ephemeral nature of social media. This, for Instapoets, acknowledges their artistic growth, their connection with the world, and their lasting relevance.The sales figures in the last couple of years indicate a renewed interest in poetry, a shift that is connected to the accessibility of Instapoetry. Furthermore, it shows how digital platforms are feeding the more traditional forms of the art form. Though, we shouldn’t assume that the trend will not move back to the digital space, as digital has opened many doors and opportunities that we may continue experimenting with in the future.
Senior Editor: As a final point, Dr. Vance, what is your overall assessment of the future of poetry in America?
Dr.Vance: The future of poetry in America is vibrant and,despite what the critics may express,full of exciting possibilities. Instapoetry has fundamentally changed the landscape, democratizing access, fostering community, and challenging conventional notions of form and style. However, it also requires us to engage with these shifts thoughtfully, critically, and without dismissing new techniques and forms. Embrace the innovative potential of combining social media with traditional forms of art; if we do so, American poetry will continue to thrive in the digital age.
Senior Editor: Dr. Vance, thank you for providing such insightful perspectives.
Key Takeaways:
- Instapoetry is a genuine literary revolution, not a fleeting trend.
- Rupi Kaur’s influence has been pivotal.
- Social media has democratized poetry and fostered community.
- The multimedia aspect requires new skills for poets.
- Addressing the critiques and embracing AI is crucial.
What are your thoughts on the rise of Instapoetry? Share your opinion in the comments below or on social media!
