Do you see movie scenes or vivid images while reading? You’re not alone

Reading visualization is the ability to picture scenes, people, and events in the mind while reading.

It’s similar to how someone might instantly picture a friend’s face when thinking about them.

This mental process helps bring stories to life, allowing readers to see the events unfold as if they were watching a movie.

Lia Shields, a 27-year-old book lover, was shocked to learn that some people visualize scenes in their minds while reading—something she never experienced herself.

A lifelong reader, Shields finished 170 books in 2024 and enjoys immersing herself in stories. She told Newsweek that reading allows people to “live so many more lives.”

Shields, a Colorado resident, has always loved getting lost in books. Still, she recently discovered that her reading experience isn’t the same as others.

While some readers have reading visualization or can visualize scenes in their minds as if watching a movie, she realizes she doesn’t have that ability.

The revelation stunned her, making her wonder why she processes stories differently.

“I didn’t know this was a thing until I saw someone talking about the movie they see when they read,” she said. “I was like, what? Do people really do that? I had absolutely no idea people could see stuff when they read.”

Shields once thought seeing stories in the mind was uncommon. Still, now she realizes her reading experience may be the exception.

She has aphantasia, which makes it hard to visualize images while reading.

Shields said that while she sometimes gets quick flashes of a scene while reading, the images vanish almost immediately.

Instead of picturing the story, she focuses on the words and how they make her feel.

Dr. Gareth Nye, a medical science expert, told Newsweek that many with aphantasia don’t realize their experience is unusual since it’s all they’ve ever known.

However, he emphasized that aphantasia doesn’t take away from reading enjoyment—it simply means people connect with stories in their own way.

Nye explained that people with aphantasia may avoid books with elaborate world-building, like The Lord of the Rings because they have difficulty picturing the scenes described.

Instead, he recommended they explore stories focusing more on emotions and storytelling than detailed imagery.

While their reading experience may differ, he emphasized that many people with aphantasia still love books.

He encouraged them to try different genres and writing styles to find what engages them.

After realizing that others experience reading differently, Lia Shields shared her discovery on TikTok (@liareadsawholelot), where her video quickly gained attention, gathering over 200,000 views and 20,000 likes.

Curious about reading visualization, she asked her husband how he processes books. He explained that he sees images as he reads, surprising to Shields.

While he focuses on detailed descriptions to build a scene in his mind, she simply reads without picturing the setting.

Despite not forming mental images, Shields doesn’t feel like she’s missing out. As a fast reader who finishes up to 100 pages an hour, she wonders if visualization would slow her down. Still, she believes her way of reading is just as immersive.

Shields’ video sparked a lively discussion, with most commenters saying they visualize scenes as they read.

Others described their experience as more like a graphic novel than a movie, which she found fascinating.

Regardless of how people process stories, she hopes to inspire a love for reading.

She believes that even those who don’t visualize can enjoy books just as much—if not more—than those who do.

Aphantasia

Aphantasia is a condition where people cannot create mental images, including when they read, says Verywell Mind.

While many can picture scenes, objects, or faces in their minds, those with aphantasia experience reading visualization differently, relying more on words and emotions rather than mental imagery.

Aphantasia is a condition where people are unable to create mental images. Studies suggest it affects between 1% and 4% of the population.

Without a “mind’s eye,” those with aphantasia process information differently, often focusing on words and emotions rather than picturing scenes—especially regarding reading visualization.

The inability to form mental images was first documented in 1880 by scientist Francis Galton, who found that while some visualize scenes clearly, others see nothing.

Despite this early discovery, the condition has remained largely unstudied for over a century.

Research on aphantasia has been limited, mainly on small studies and personal stories.

However, interest in the condition has grown in recent years. A significant turning point came in 2015 when a study introduced the term “aphantasia” and brought renewed attention.

The research was inspired by a patient who contacted the authors after losing the ability to visualize following minor surgery.

Here’s Lia Shields’ viral TikTok video when she realized that reading visualization is common:

@liareadsawholelot My mind is blown, I can’t believe some people actually see movies when they read!!📚✨ #readerproblems #kindleunlimitedrecs #kurecs #billionaireromance #mafiaromance #enemiestolovers #grumpysunshine #whodidthistoyou #fakemarriage #smalltown #darkromancerecs #bookrecs #troperecs #booktrope #kindle #BookTok#sportsbooks #fyp #booktiktok #foryoupage #kindleunlimited #goodreads #booksof2025 #romancebooks #romancebooktok #kindlerecs #readmorebooks #librarybooks #thrillers #fantasy #romantasy ♬ original sound – ✨Lia Reads✨