Amy Pugsley 
Was it memorizing Shakespearean sonnets or the mindnumbing task of remembering the difference between a simile and a metaphor that made the average person hate poetry? Well, Millenials are taking poetry back and creating their own version of the classic literary form with what is being dubbed as Instapoetry. Instapoetry is poetry that is published on the social media platform Instagram where creatives can showcase their work with fans around the globe. Without MFA degrees or having studied classical poetry Instapoets are breaking down the barriers of what was once an exclusive club. The poems that are popping up on your Instagram feed are not the words of Dickenson, Frost, or Poe but poets who want to connect and share words with their fans instantly. The poetic form is causing a stir in the literary world but the research has shown that sales of poetry books have increased by 20%. If you are new to Instapoetry these are 5 of the most influential poets to follow now!
“I think it is a mistake to generalize all poetry posted on Instagram as ‘Instagram poetry’. This tends to unfairly group ground-breaking, powerful poetry, with memes and self-help quotes. There is so much disinformation online, and I believe both traditional and modern poets have a responsibility to put aside their differences and bring truth and honesty to the conversation. I am passionate about promoting literacy and reading to the younger generation, and this is where my focus remains.”
Lang Leav
Instagram Handle: @langleav
Lang Leav is a poet, novelist, and artist who has more published books of poetry than many of her peers. The poet knows about adversity, being born in a Thai refugee camp and spending the majority of her life in Australia; Leav now channels these experiences in her work. Her poems about love, loss, and female empowerment have received acclaim and a massive social media following.
“It is a shame that Insta-poets are so heavily criticized today. It seems to me that it is the literary world that is most strongly opposed to this ‘novel’ approach, but I believe that the poetry that comes from social media platforms is the purest out there. It hasn’t been edited, or corrected by anyone; it is raw and honest. I think it is brave and genuine, and I think that is why [poetry] resonates so much more now. We spend endless hours scrolling; living in this virtual world of hedonism and vanity, which rarely adds anything to our lives. I think poetry is a light in what can be a dark place. When readers comment to say they can relate to a feeling or share a poem, that is the best feeling in the world.”
Leticia Sala
Instagram Handle: @leti.sala
Barcelona native Leticia Sala is a poet whose writing is often featured in big-name magazines like Vogue Spain and Vogue Italy. The poet is a true Instapoet phenomenon using the social media platform to gain notoriety. Fully embracing the platform for self-publication, soon after she began publishing her poems online she received an offer from a publisher. Her first book, Scrolling after Sex is a creative collection of poetry, photos, stories, and drawings.
“It’s interesting to watch the internet evolve as a landscape. When I first started putting my name to my work, it was primarily because I realised a lot of my work was just floating around in various realms of the internet – and it didn’t even have my name on it.”
Nikita Gill
Instagram Handle: @nikita_gill
At the age of 12, a creative writing teacher encouraged Nikita Gill to never stop writing and that is exactly what happened. Now, Gill is an incredibly popular poet who is known for building a successful career through the internet. Her work which centers on the themes of loss, displacement, migration, trauma, and suffering has been seen across Tumblr, Instagram, and Facebook. The British- Indian poet wasn’t an overnight success and was rejected 137 times by publishers before having Wild Embers and Your Soul is a River become international successes.
“These young women readers who are using poetry to articulate their experiences should be applauded. They’re using a medium to discuss topics that have been so taboo through much of their lives: like domestic abuse, sexual violence, female pleasure, and so on. Their right to articulate their experiences in ways they see fit matters much more.”
Rupi Kaur
Instagram Handle: @rupikaur_
Maybe the most famous Instapoet of them all is the Indian-Canadian Rupi Kaur. Kaur is a sensation and her force cannot be denied. She has written and illustrated two books that have reached international acclaim and has performed her work around the world to sold-out audiences. Rupi writes poems from the heart that are short, direct, and moving writing about topics like immigration, trauma, femininity, and beauty.
“Love yourself enough to walk into only the rooms and situations that show care and love for you. Love yourself enough to walk out of the rooms that harm you in any way. Love yourself enough to hold the people who harm you accountable for their words and actions. Love yourself enough to express your wants, your needs, and your desires. Love yourself enough to tell the truth. Love yourself enough to keep yourself safe. Love yourself enough to say enough is enough when enough has become enough.”
Cleo Wade
Instagram Handle @cleowade
The American artist, poet, and motivational speaker has been labeled as “everybody’s best friend” and won over fans in her native New York and around the world. The 30-year old writes about social justice, feminism, and self-acceptance and her positive messages have been embraced on social media and in print. With over 500,000 Instagram followers she has created a following of people that are addicted to her messages of positivity and self-love.
