Instagram poetry across the world

What is it about?

Our article explores the rise of Instapoetry, a minimalist poetry movement that has become popular on Instagram. Instapoetry involves short, often illustrated poems that have revitalized poetry sales and drawn poets from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, making it a global and multilingual phenomenon. Despite criticism for its simplicity, Instapoetry has given a voice to marginalized groups, addressing issues like gender, race, and social justice. This style has sparked discussions on important topics and even provided a medium for immediate resistance and protest. Instapoetry has continued to grow and diversify, moving beyond its initial aesthetic to include various languages and formats. This evolution shows, we argue, that it is not a fleeting trend but a significant literary movement. The article also situates Instapoetry within the context of "platform capitalism," discussing how digital platforms like Instagram influence and limit creative work, and highlighting the complex relationship between creativity, commercialization, and digital technology. Overall, the article argues that Instapoetry is a crucial cultural phenomenon that challenges traditional definitions of poetry. It bridges digital media and literature, reflecting the interplay between creativity and commercialization in a globalized world. The special issue aims to examine Instapoetry from various cultural perspectives, showcasing its impact and evolution.

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Why is it important?

The article shows how Instapoetry on Instagram, a previously ignored form, has revitalized poetry. We highlight its global reach and diverse contributions, enriching global literary diversity, but also examine how digital platforms shape and sometimes constrain creative work, reflecting the interplay between creativity and commercialization. This is an introduction to a special issue that focuses on Instapoetry as a truly translingual and transglobal movement.

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