Recently, I’ve gone down a rabbit hole of watching video essays on YouTube. Usually focused on contemporary literature or hot takes on certain celebrities, I must admit that I watch them religiously. So, I thought nothing of it when I sat down for my typical routine and came across a video of Gabriel García Márquez’s son talking about his father, the renowned Latin American writer.
After some quick searching, I realized the channel I had stumbled upon was none other than Dua Lipa’s. A new obsession had bloomed! Naturally, I began watching all her videos.
Her channel, Service95, is an editorial platform founded by the singer herself—with its own website and newsletter—that posts articles and podcasts on all things culture, travel, fashion, and, my personal favorite, books. I must admit, however, I was pretty hesitant about it at first.
Having consumed so many video essays and countless SubStack articles discussing the recent wave of celebrity “hobbies,” I wasn’t sure whether Service95 was just another superficial publicity stunt.
As of late, there has been a surge of celebrities launching their own book clubs—from Reese Witherspoon to, surprisingly, even the Kardashians. But is it authentic or just another grab for publicity? As cynical as it sounds, can you really blame me for being skeptical every time a celebrity suddenly develops a literary interest? Considering some are even hiring book stylists, I think it’s fair to say I won’t let just any book club or podcast slide.
With that, it’s rare to find celebrities who pursue hobbies based purely on personal interest rather than financial or public gain, so I was understandably skeptical when I saw Dua Lipa’s channel filled with interviews featuring some of my favorite writers.
Service95, however, truly exemplifies how modern media platforms can merge influence with substance. Its commitment to authenticity, cultural literacy, and global perspective makes it more than just a digital brand—it genuinely stems from Dua Lipa’s curiosity and love for literature and culture.
“Consider us your cultural concierge: serving up insider recommendations and global stories featuring some of the world’s most compelling voices,” reads the website.
In the YouTube series Dua Lipa In Conversation, Dua Lipa seamlessly interviews a range of incredible creators. The featured authors span from niche writers to big names—I love how inclusive it is, and her interviewing skills are phenomenal.
It doesn’t feel like a staged interview, where the questions are awkward or the chemistry feels forced. Instead, she transforms the exchange into a natural conversation, with questions that flow organically and keep the viewer engaged for so long that you don’t even realize 45 minutes have flown by. I have to admit, it’s happened to me more than once since coming across the channel.
Another reason I genuinely adore Dua Lipa and this precious hobby she’s curated is that now more than ever, it’s so important to engage with the world around us—especially since the purview we’re living in is so culturally diverse.
Our contemporary society has failed to even read for classes, let alone for leisure.
But when your favorite international pop star invites an array of authors to have a small chat, purely out of her own interest, it can truly impact the way younger generations think about reading. At the very least, it engages people with authors, whether they’ve read the book or not. At most, it gives the literary-oriented something to watch or a new book to read. It’s a great space for every book lover to indulge in all things literature.
But it doesn’t stop with literary lovers—Service95 is for everyone. The platform has its niches, but it also curates its content to the general public. Dua Lipa actually engages with her audience.
Parts of the newsletter, website, and YouTube channel include articles, videos, and podcasts ranging from style and fashion to activism, often highlighting marginalized voices and humanitarian crises. It truly has something for everyone.
“This is a space where you can delve into the world of creatives while also picking up wellbeing tips,” the website reads. “Where you can find out more about the lives of people across the globe and get advice on how to advocate for social change.”
Of course, the book club component is my personal favorite. The monthly book club newsletter invites you to see what Dua Lipa is reading, but the interview segment will always take the cake.
“Where you can read deep-dives on identity or dating and discover the books you never knew you needed to read,” the website reads. “This is the world, curated for you.”
Basically, Dua Lipa is one of the best interviewers I’ve come across. Beyond genuinely enjoying her music, I love seeing celebrities be human and engage with expansive and inclusive content across different sectors. It’s refreshing to know that not all celebrities are confined to the secluded bubble many assume they live in.
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