When it comes to the changing trends in Indian literature and how it is consumed, it is safe to say that social media has a substantial role to play. Starting from online book clubs, Bookstagram, poetry communities, and digital publishing, social media has revolutionised literature. Platforms such as Instagram, X, YouTube have proved to be pivotal in changing the dynamics of literature. Moreover, we can also establish changing hikes in the different areas under the umbrella of literature in India. Be it writing trends, creation of possibilities for authors, generating more leads, formulating a community, or paving way for more accessibility, social media has done it all. Let’s delve more into the impact of social media on literature and know what is happening in this wonderful world: 

What are the upcoming trends in literature? 

The rise of users in Instagram and YouTube has resulted in the rise of content creators. While many content creators are divulging towards fashion and lifestyle, many are dedicating their time to literature and literary content. With Instagram and YouTube being the top social media platforms in India, Bookstagram and BookTube are specific subgenres of literary content creation. While Bookstagram is all about book reviews and its community of reviewers over Instagram, BookTube is the same, but on YouTube. These reviewers and content creators have become influential in shaping literary tastes, create engaging content, and opening a new literary world. This whole subgenre has led to the democratisation of book recommendations, divorcing from traditional critics to grassroot-level individuals.  

Moreover, keeping in mind the audience and their needs, more and more authors are tilting towards crisper plots and story lengths. Social media has given rise to short-form literature, and upcoming themes such as Y/A narratives, rom-com, coming of age, and romance. In addition, themes such as horror, thriller, supernatural elements, and crime expertise, are also on the rise. Flash fiction is one of the major byproducts of the impact of social media on literature. Moreover, social media allows writers to instantly publish their work, and fostering a dynamic literary environment.  

How has digital publishing fostered the impact of social media on Indian literature? 

Digital publishing has allowed individuals to publish their work independently. This has led to the proliferate growth of the self-published books’ market. With platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing enabling authors to publish independently, 2024 has seen tremendous progress in the market. Moreover, self-publishing has lowered the barriers to entry for aspiring writers and has fostered the overall impact of social media on literature. Self-publishing allows people to also form communities around their work, build a wider audience reach, and spread word however they like. In fact, most aspiring authors rely on social media for recognition and audience. This suggests that social media and book reviewers are an essential part of the Indian literary sector. Book reviewers and their work has paved the way for more and more rising authors to find their footing and audience. In addition, it has also helped readers find what they are looking for. 

How have authors garnered a wider audience?

 
Through the widespread impact of social media on Indian literature, authors have garnered a wider audience by catering to the needs of their readers. Most authors, these days, interact with their audience through social media tools such as livestreams, QnA sessions, and interaction through DMs and comment sections. Moreover, authors are even widening their perspectives through moderated sessions over platforms like Reddit. Be it Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, or X, every platform is creating something new for the literary sector of India. This impact of social media on literature has changed the overall literary scene in India, wherein, several changes such as writing trends, audience centric ideas, and more author-audience interactions are noted.