On Friday, Madrid became the literary epicenter as a result of the start of the book Fair. Beyond established authors and renowned publishers, this year the “bookstagrammers” stand out, influencers who are transforming the way we read and share literature throught social media. We spoke to six of these book lovers to explore how they are renewing literature and what role social media plays in this process. Their answers offer us a fresh and dynamic look at the future of reading in the digital age.
To delve into this fascinating topic, we ask them a series of questions that help us better understand their vision and their influence on the current literary world. Jen Bernal, known as @devoralibrosyt, highlights the importance of social networks in literature: «I think they are very important because in the end we all use mobile phones every day. Nowadays you can see that there are countless topics, from entertainment to education, and this has made people buy more books. It’s wonderful, because before TikTok was only for dances, but now they also talk about books and more. Anna Holland (@hollandandbooks) also highlights the positive impact of social networks: “They have turned reading into a much bigger hobby. I no longer limit myself to reading alone in my roombut I can share everything I feel on networks and find people who feel the same as me with a book or a trope.
When literature does not expire
For his part, Manu (@manu.balfour), who has also recently published the book “Aquello que perseguimos” in Ediciones Martínez Roca, adds that “thanks to social networks you can find people who share your literary tastes and discover new titles and authors that, otherwise, would be complicated. There is much talk about the transition from youth literature to adult literature, but they consider that it is not a linear or obligatory process. Jen Bernal believes that this step should not be forced: «The transition from more youthful to adult literature does not have to be taken at a specific time. There are teenagers who read more adult things and adults who read youth. “Each person takes it at their own pace and incorporates their readings.”
Anna shares a similar view: “There is no need to take any ‘leaps’ at all. Literature is stories, and although they may be cataloged for an age, they do not “expire.” I enjoy both youth literature and the classics. There is no need to stop reading youth just because you are over 30 years old.». Manu highlights that each person has their own path: «There will be people who do not get tired of youth literature and continue enjoying it even as the years go by and there will be other people who want to explore new territories and genres. Both things are fine depending on what you are looking for in your readings. And Iván adds: «From my point of view there is no such marked jump, there are different paths to follow. I know people who only consume ”adult” literature and others who continue to consume youth literature even though they are not the main target of this type of book. Laura observes that fantasy often blurs these lines: “Dividing by age may be fine when it comes to children’s books, but in the case of fantasy, YA and adult become intertwined. “The transition from youth literature to adult literature is difficult to calculate and unexpected.”
In fact, in recent years “bookstagrammers” have taken on a crucial role in promoting youth literature. Iván highlights the fundamental role of these influencers: «I believe that we are a fundamental part in promoting reading among young people. Many publishers collaborate with us to show and advertise their news. Anna adds that content creators can become important references: “Bookish” content creators on Instagram or TikTok can become a very important part of your life. They recommend new books to you and can become virtual friends». Likewise, Jen Bernal emphasizes the impact of recommendations on networks: «There are times when we have talked about a specific book and you can’t imagine the number of messages we have received about it. “People buy books because they see them recommended on TikTok or Instagram.” The myth that young people do not read is another section widely debunked by our interviewees. Jen Bernal demolishes it with data that she herself has been able to collect giving talks in schools: «85% of young people read. I find it incredible. It is a myth that they do not do it, they do read, and a lot».
For his part, Manu also believes that young people are reading more and more, but some adults do not see it that way: “Of course young people read. What happens is that there are still adults who believe they have the power to decide what is or is not literature.». Laura agrees: «I think it is a myth because any reading can contribute something. “We should stop judging content by its knowledge value and more by what it makes you feel.” Laura, for her part, agrees: “I think it is a myth because any reading can contribute something. We should stop judging content by its knowledge value and more by what it makes you feel.” Marcos adds that young people read more outside the school environment: “There is a lot more reading among young people. In my time I don’t remember that it was read so much. They don’t read what many schools want them to read because it is not up to date, but other than that they read a lot.”
Refuge in youth literature
The audiovisual format has revolutionized the promotion and sale of books for young people. Bernal highlights the impact of short videos: «Having short videos helps because you see a nice phrase and want to buy the book. That phrase was in a five-second video. “It has a brutal impact.” Manu agrees that the visual is key: «Nowadays generations seek more immediacy, the visual. Books are spreading more thanks to audiovisuals and the attraction that this offers». Iván mentions the use of trailers by publishers: «Publishers have begun to publish trailers for books as if they were movies. These techniques are usually very effective. Marcos observes that audiovisual adaptations also influence: «When a series is inspired by a book, the sale of that book skyrockets. “Audiovisual productions have an enormous impact.” Young adult literature has captured the imagination of readers of all ages due to its ability to reflect universal experiences in an accessible and exciting way. Anna sees youth literature as a refuge, “as a comfortable and safe place. It reflects problems and thoughts that we have all had. “Reading about those experiences can connect more than reading about a time you haven’t experienced.”
Compared to traditional literary criticism, “bookstagrammers” have managed to connect with a wide audience of young and adult readers in a unique and effective way. Jen Bernal points out that “most people don’t read the newspaper, they don’t read opinion articles, they don’t read literature critics, things have changed and now these are the ‘bookstagrammers’.” Marcos emphasizes that “traditional literary criticism can seem outdated compared to the fast, spontaneous and dynamic content offered by bookstagrammers, which is much more attractive to today’s audience.” Iván highlights that «Our difference from literary critics is humanity; “The young people who follow me know who I am, my literary tastes and how I react to each book.” Anna adds that “bookstagrammers” are more approachable and natural, which contrasts with literary criticism, which can seem colder and more technical. Manu mentions that “people look for someone they can relate to, someone who lives it and shares it in a way that makes books palatable.”
Laura also highlights this closeness and adds that a recommendation is more folksy and leaves the door more open to the reader’s subjectivity. In this digitalized world, the love of books remains a powerful force that unites people around the world in their passion for reading. Social media has transformed the way we interact with literature, democratizing access to stories and providing a space for the reading community. Literary influencers play a crucial role in this ecosystem by recommending books, sharing experiences and promoting reading among new generations.
