The Rise of BookTok: How TikTok Transformed Reading

By: Samantha Kabiling, Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

Prologue

Whether you’re active on social media or a frequent patron of bookstores, chances are you’ve heard of #BookTok. This trendy TikTok community, popular among teens and young adults, brings together bookworms from all walks of life to share their love or critiques of books they’ve read. 

So, how did a community that discusses paperbacks and hardcovers rise into the digital spotlight? With BookTok, there is so much more than meets the eye. Read on to learn what BookTok is, know red flags to watch out for, and maybe even find your next read!

What is BookTok?

BookTok rose in popularity around 2020-2021, at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. With limited options for entertainment, many people sought out new hobbies, such as cooking, gardening, and reading.

BookTok was a source of connection for readers in the face of isolation. BookTok inspired less avid readers to pick up a new hobby, while helping former bookworms to fall back in love with reading. Several lesser-known authors got their big break thanks to BookTok. 

Even bookstores are capitalizing on the popularity of BookTok. If you stop by a Barnes & Noble, you’ll most likely see a table display dedicated to books trending within the community. 

The Barnes & Noble website showcases popular selections from BookTok.

Today, BookTok continues to serve as a fun and engaging community for readers to share their love of books, writers, and the literary world. 

The Good

BookTok encourages social media users to pick up books they would not have otherwise considered. Seeing a well-known influencer praise a certain novel, or even an author making attention-grabbing videos about their own books, can be a huge motivator. Examples of books made popular by BookTok include A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. 

Since BookTok blew up in 2020, the industry has seen a 14% increase in book sales. If you walk into a Barnes & Noble now, you’ll notice many more customers than there were before the pandemic. 

BookTok is also an excellent marketing tool, allowing authors to conveniently promote their books to specific audiences. For example, if a reader is interested in a “romantasy” (fantasy romance) book with an enemies-to-lovers plot, an author who has written such a book can tag their videos accordingly. Content creators and authors can promote their own or recommend others’ books on TikTok.

Screenshots of BookTok videos.

The Bad

Despite the many opportunities BookTok presents, there are certain issues that users should be wary of, especially children and preteens.

Some of BookTok’s recommendations are safe for younger audiences. However, many popular books are considered “spicy,” meaning they have R-rated content. Educators have noticed young children reading adult books recommended on TikTok, like the Twisted Series by Ana Huang, Icebreaker by Hannah Grace, or Haunting Adeline by H. D. Carlton.

This issue has sparked discussion within the community about the exposure of adult books to children. To combat this, it is crucial for parents to assess the books their children pick to ensure they are age-appropriate. If you are unsure, don’t be afraid to ask the bookseller.

Another issue affecting the BookTok community is the misconception that BookTokers only read “spicy” books. This is a common generalization from those who have not actively engaged with the community. BookTokers read and recommend books of all genres — there’s a little of something for everyone. TikTok uses an algorithm, so if you see a video on your For You Page (FYP) promoting a genre you don’t enjoy, avoid interacting with it; tapping the “not interested” button will help ensure you see less of that content. Ultimately, the purpose of BookTok is sharing one’s favorite books and authors.

Epilogue

As always, safety should be your biggest priority when browsing or taking recommendations from social media. Before your child purchases a book they saw on TikTok, make sure it is age-appropriate for them to read.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that the majority of BookTok content is subjective. If you do not like the book a creator recommends, don’t harass them for having different opinions. On the flip side, don’t be discouraged if a creator speaks negatively about a book that interests you. Remember, everyone has their own preferences.

Don’t forget to show love to content creators and authors, and have fun reading!

Want more advice on navigating the trendiest TikTok communities? Visit our website, Instagram, and TikTok!