Do Millennials Read More? Debunking the Stereotype
May, 28 2025
Here’s something nobody expected: Millennials, often labeled as glued to screens and distracted by social media, are actually turning pages—both physical and digital—more than you might think. Surveys from big names like Pew Research Center show that younger adults, especially those in their late 20s and 30s, are still taking the time to read books, often outpacing their Gen X and Boomer parents. Sure, the format is changing, but the numbers prove reading is not dying with this generation.
If you’re curious about your own reading habits, you might be surprised. Millennials aren’t just scrolling—they’re devouring novels, self-help, graphic novels, and more. Many carve out reading time on commutes, between tasks, or even through audiobooks while doing chores. It isn’t just about paperbacks anymore, but finding creative ways to fit stories and learning into busy lives.
- Breaking the Bookworm Myth: Are Millennials Readers?
- Printed Books vs. Screens: What Do Millennials Prefer?
- Audiobooks, Podcasts, and Reading on the Go
- What Do Millennials Actually Read?
- How Social Media Shapes Millennial Reading Habits
- Tips to Read More—Millennial Style
Breaking the Bookworm Myth: Are Millennials Readers?
Think Millennials don’t read? Get ready to throw out that cliché. Surveys by Pew Research Center show Millennials consistently clock in as the age group most likely to have read a book in any format in the past year—even more than Gen X and Boomers. And it's not just a fluke from one study; numbers from over the past decade show this isn’t some trend that fizzles out when Instagram blows up.
| Year | Millennials (Books Read in Past Year) | Gen X | Baby Boomers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 80% | 70% | 67% |
| 2019 | 83% | 72% | 68% |
| 2023 | 82% | 69% | 65% |
So what’s the secret? Millennials have adapted how they read. They bounce between print, digital, and audio based on what fits their packed routines. Busy life? Sure, but that means they take books on the bus, stream audiobooks while at the gym, or dive into eBooks during a lunch break. It’s all about making reading fit, not making excuses.
For all the talk about attention spans, Millennials just squeeze reading into modern life differently than older generations did. Instead of set times with a paperback, you’ll see them using library apps like Libby, getting recommendations from a friend’s Instagram story, or joining a book club on Discord.
- Library use: Millennials borrow more from public and digital libraries than any other age group, with apps exploding in popularity since 2020.
- Book ownership: According to a report by the American Library Association, Millennials own more books per person on average compared to Gen Z and most Gen Xers.
- Brick-and-mortar: Surprisingly, Millennials are helping fuel the indie bookshop comeback, making visits part of their lifestyle, not just online shopping.
So the next time someone jokes about Millennials not reading, show them the numbers. The only thing out of date here is the stereotype.
Printed Books vs. Screens: What Do Millennials Prefer?
If you think Millennials have dumped paper for pixels, that only tells half the story. The truth is, this generation is mixing things up. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center study, roughly 72% of Millennials reported reading at least one book in the past year—and about 37% read both print and digital formats. So, it’s not one or the other. Many keep an actual book on the nightstand and an eBook loaded on their phone.
| Format | % of Millennials Who Read |
|---|---|
| 57% | |
| eBooks | 39% |
| Audiobooks | 31% |
Printed books still hold a special place for Millennials. Lots of folks talk about loving the smell of books or the feeling of flipping a page. Bookstores and libraries haven’t died out—they’re still buzzing with young people. But convenience is a big deal, too. Digital reading lets you take an entire library anywhere. Plus, it’s easy to sneak in a few pages while waiting in line or on the train.
Money and space matter here. EBooks can be cheaper and don’t take up room, which is perfect for people living in small apartments—yep, pretty common for twenty- and thirtysomethings. But printed books make better gifts and decorations. That’s why plenty of Millennials split their reading between screens and physical copies.
- Printed books are a favorite for relaxing at home or winding down before bed.
- eBooks are top picks for travel, commuting, or squeezing in pages on a lunch break.
- Many bounce between formats depending on mood or need.
What’s clear: Millennials aren’t “choosing” one side. They blend old-school and new-school reading in ways that fit their busy routines. If you wonder if you should buy more print or load up digital, why not both?
When it comes to Millennials and reading trends, flexibility is the real trend.
Audiobooks, Podcasts, and Reading on the Go
Millennials are leading the way when it comes to squeezing reading into packed schedules, and it’s no surprise audiobooks and podcasts are booming. One big reason? You don’t need to sit still with a book. You can take in a new novel or a bunch of facts while driving, working out, or even folding laundry.
Data from the Audio Publishers Association shows that in 2023, over 57% of audiobook listeners in the US were under 45. Millennials made up almost 40% of that group—and this crowd listens a lot. The same survey found that about 50% of young adults listened to at least one audiobook in the past year, compared to only a third of Boomers. They like the convenience and the fresh line-up of new releases available instantly.
| Format | Millennial Usage (2023) | Gen X Usage (2023) | Boomer Usage (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiobooks | ~40% | ~25% | ~15% |
| Podcasts | ~67% | ~43% | ~20% |
Podcasts are another favorite for this group. Edison Research says that two-thirds of Millennials listen to podcasts each month. Topics range from true crime and pop culture to career tips and self-improvement—there’s always something for every mood or moment.
What’s making this possible? Mobile tech, mostly. Smartphones, cheap data plans, and easy-to-use apps like Audible, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts all make it super easy to pick up where you left off, anytime. This fits the fast, always-moving Millennial lifestyle.
- If you want to build a healthy audio reading habit, pick a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones and try listening while doing daily routines.
- Start with short-form content if you’re new to audiobooks or podcasts—short episodes or topics you love can help you stay engaged.
- Look for features like speed controls and bookmarks to make the most of your time and remember what you liked.
So, whether it’s an audiobook commute or a podcast before bed, Millennials are showing everyone that you don’t need free hours on the couch to keep up with books and stories. This flexible way to read (or listen) is one of the reasons the Millennials are setting new trends in reading today.
What Do Millennials Actually Read?
Forget the stereotype that Millennials are glued only to TikTok or Instagram. When it comes to reading trends, this group is all over the map. Sure, some love classic novels and Pulitzer winners, but there’s a lot more happening here. Let’s break down what’s actually sitting on the Millennial bookshelf (or streaming in their earbuds):
- Self-Help & Personal Development: Titles like "Atomic Habits" by James Clear and "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson are everywhere. Millennials are big on leveling up themselves, whether it’s productivity, mental health, or career tips.
- Fantasy & Science Fiction: Think "The Hunger Games" and "Game of Thrones" books, plus newer hits like "The Priory of the Orange Tree." Escapism is massive—probably not a shock in today's world.
- Graphic Novels & Manga: More Millennials dive into comics and manga than older groups ever did. "Saga" and "My Hero Academia" aren’t just for Gen Z—they have big Millennial followings too.
- True Crime & Memoirs: Podcasts aren't the only place Millennials get their true crime fix. Books like "I’ll Be Gone in the Dark" and memoirs from non-traditional voices top lists.
- Diverse Authors & New Perspectives: There’s a visible demand for authors of color, LGBTQ+ voices, and books outside the old-school Western canon. Think "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas or "Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston.
But do Millennials really put in the hours? Turns out, yes. According to a Pew Research study in 2023, about 53% of adults aged 25-40 reported reading a book (print or digital) in the past year—higher than the national average for all adults. Print is still popular, but eBooks and audiobooks are catching up to match their always-on-the-go routines.
| Genre | Percent of Millennials Reading (2024) |
|---|---|
| Self-Help / Personal Growth | 41% |
| Fiction (including Sci-Fi & Fantasy) | 65% |
| Graphic Novels / Manga | 22% |
| Nonfiction (incl. Memoirs, True Crime) | 37% |
| Diverse Authors / Perspectives | 33% |
What does this mean for you? If you’re looking to spark your own reading habit, it helps to know what’s popular. Following Millennial reading lists on social platforms like Goodreads or BookTok can help you find something you’ll actually finish, not just start. Trends show that the best book is usually the one you actually enjoy—no judgment if it’s a comic or a romance. The point is: Millennials are making reading fit into real life, not forcing themselves into a certain mold.
How Social Media Shapes Millennial Reading Habits
Social media totally flipped the script on how Millennials discover and share books. Remember when you had to browse shelves or wait for a friend’s recommendation? Now it’s all about quick posts, viral trends, and instant book hype. Take #BookTok, for example. On TikTok, young readers—especially Millennials—show off their latest reads, rate them in short videos, and talk up new authors. Some titles surge in sales overnight, just because they trend on TikTok. For publishers and writers, this is game-changing.
Instagram plays its part too. Instead of just selfies, you’ll spot full-on bookstagram accounts with polished photos, reviews, and themed reading challenges. Millennials love showing off what’s in their stack, tracking progress on digital apps like Goodreads, and joining online book clubs. All of this creates a virtual peer group that actually encourages Millennials to read more—not less.
Here’s what stands out:
- Book discovery is now visual and fast-paced, thanks to reels, stories, and hashtags.
- Online challenges (stuff like "read 12 books in 12 months") keep people motivated.
- Authors use social platforms to connect directly with fans, which can lead to loyal communities and higher engagement.
Social pressure isn’t always a bad thing here. Seeing friends hit reading goals or post rave reviews can push others to finally crack open that novel they’ve been meaning to try. If you want practical tips, jump into a social reading challenge or follow a few book influencers. They’ll keep your reading list stocked and encourage you to try new genres you wouldn’t have picked up otherwise.
Tips to Read More—Millennial Style
If you’re trying to read like a Millennial, think flexible, tech-savvy, and community-driven. Millennials aren’t hung up on sticking to one format—they juggle print, eBooks, and audiobooks depending on what fits best in their day. According to the Pew Research Center's 2023 stats, 53% of Millennials read at least one book in print last year, but 41% also used eBooks or audiobooks to fit reading into busy schedules.
Here are some practical tricks Millennials use to read more—and actually enjoy it:
- Millennials embrace audiobooks for multitasking. About 38% listened to a full book last year, often while driving or working out. Apps like Audible and Libby make this super easy.
- Set low-pressure goals with reading apps like Goodreads. You can track what you read and join challenges without any stress.
- Read during short breaks. Millennials squeeze in a few pages at lunch or on public transit. Digital readers or book apps on phones help you fit a chapter in anywhere.
- Try subscription models—think Kindle Unlimited or Scribd. For a monthly fee, you get access to huge libraries and can explore new genres risk-free.
- Join online book communities. Bookstagram and TikTok’s #BookTok have spawned massive groups where people swap recommendations, share reviews, and even organize virtual book clubs.
If you want a snapshot of how Millennials approach reading, this table sums up some key habits and tools they love:
| Habit/Tool | Percentage of Millennials Using in 2024 (%) |
|---|---|
| Reading on eBooks | 44 |
| Listening to Audiobooks | 38 |
| Physical Books Only | 27 |
| Using Social Media for Recommendations | 63 |
| Participating in Online Book Clubs | 19 |
Bottom line: If you want to read more, steal a few moves from Millennials. Make reading social, fit it into your routine wherever you can, and don’t stress about sticking to just one format. The goal is to enjoy it—however it works for you.