The science of popularity in Derek Thompson’s Hit Makers

💡 Ever wondered why some brands become household names while others fade into obscurity? In 2017’s Hit Makers: The Science of Popularity in an Age of Distraction, Atlantic’s Derek Thompson draws on centuries of popular culture, media trends, and landmark products to unpack the deceptively simple forces behind commercial success. Whether through natural trajectories, favorable timing, or sheer luck, Thompson explores how hits are made, leaving very little in popular culture unexplored.

What to expect: Across roughly 300 pages and a series of carefully structured chapters, Thompson dives into the stories behind ubiquitous songs, world-famous paintings, and the architects of some of history’s most influential visual brands, uncovering the lesser-known paths that led these works to lasting popularity — some propelled by coincidences, others by curated marketing campaigns, and many by simply being in the right place at the right time. The book transforms thorough research into vivid, absorbing narratives that reveal the mechanics of popularity: exposure, familiarity, ever-shifting tastes, and more.

What we liked: Thompson doesn’t simply detail the stories behind today’s hits — he paints a bigger picture that interweaves history, psychology, sociology, and economics into a wide-ranging and deeply human exploration of why we like what we like. Drawing on quotes and insights from a diverse range of thinkers, he adds unexpected depth to his investigation of popularity. Throughout, Thompson makes it clear that popularity is ultimately human-made and human-centered. As a result, Hit Makers reveals just as much about both the enduring and evolving parts of human nature as it does about the capitalist forces that run modern culture.

The verdict: Hit Makers covers an impressively wide range of ground, yet Thompson excels at simplifying his ideas into clear-cut, distinctly framed explanations. The book’s steady stream of examples, case studies, and compelling stories makes for a difficult-to-put-down read, one that will leave your mind buzzing with curiosity, inspiration, and eye-opening insights. For marketers, it’s a must-read; for sociology and psychology enthusiasts, it’s an endless source of food for thought.

WHERE TO GET IT- You can find the eBook version on Amazon and Kobo.