At its core, BookTok is all about bringing book lovers together. It’s a vibrant corner of TikTok, the wildly popular app known for its fun and creative vibe.
On BookTok, users create short, engaging videos about books—pairing book-related images with catchy soundtracks, reimagining scenes, or just sharing their love for reading. These videos are usually under a minute long, but they pack a punch. The people behind these videos? They’re called BookTokers, and they’re making waves.
Take, for example, a 10-second clip by Australian BookToker @londonapples. In her video titled “YA Whoops,” she’s reading a book when something interrupts her. Her reaction? A mix of surprise and playful embarrassment. It’s short, relatable, and totally captures the essence of BookTok.
What’s TikTok and BookTok all about?
By now, TikTok hardly needs an introduction. It’s the go-to app for teens, filled with music, dance, and endless creativity. In 2020, 38% of Australian teens aged 12 to 17 were already hooked on TikTok. Fast forward to last year, and that number jumped by 40%, with teens spending an average of 23.4 hours a month on the app.
Enter BookTok. It’s a community within TikTok where book enthusiasts share their favourite reads, discuss plots, and gush over characters. The hashtag #BookTok has exploded, racking up a staggering 46 billion views worldwide. Yes, billion.
Who’s watching and creating BookTok videos?
A survey by The Conversation dug into how Australian teens use social media for books and who’s behind the trend. Turns out, while over half of Australian teens are on TikTok, only a small fraction are actively involved in BookTok—about 16%. These are the teens who live and breathe books, and they’re making a big impact.
Despite their small numbers, BookTokers are inspiring their peers to pick up books. Mireille Lee, a passionate BookToker, shared, “After discovering BookTok, I started reading again after six years.” That’s the kind of influence we’re talking about.
Booksellers are noticing the trend too. Many say teens are buying more books thanks to BookTok. Some stores have even set up “#BookTok tables” or display “Trending on BookTok” lists to cater to the growing demand.
The magic of BookTok: 5 reasons it works
So, what makes BookTok so special? Here are five key ingredients that make it a hit:
- It’s fun and creative
TikTok is all about creativity, and BookTok is no exception. Users can mix music, images, and text to create something entirely new. Features like “Stitch” let users add their own twist to someone else’s video, while “Duet” allows for side-by-side collaborations. It’s a playground for book lovers to express themselves.
- The algorithm works in your favor
Unlike other apps, TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t just show you content from people you follow. It recommends posts based on what’s trending, what’s getting likes, and what’s sparking conversations. This means you’re constantly discovering new books and creators you might not have found otherwise.
- It’s about the posts, not the person
On TikTok, it’s the content that shines, not necessarily the creator. For instance, @hibas.library, an Australian BookToker, usually gets a few thousand views per post. But one video titled “The Biggest Book on Animal Urine” blew up with 150,000 views. Meanwhile, @kelibrary, whose account was less than two weeks old, had a book post that hit 393,000 views. It’s proof that anyone can go viral.
- It’s a global book club
BookTok connects book lovers from all over the world. As @kelibrary puts it, “I created my book account because I wanted to connect with like-minded people.” It’s a space where readers can share recommendations, discuss different cultures, and dive into diverse stories.
- Emotion drives it all
TikTok thrives on emotion, and BookTok is no different. Many videos show readers laughing, crying, or reacting passionately to books. It’s this raw, emotional connection that makes BookTok so relatable and engaging.
How BookTok is changing reading habits
One of the most surprising effects of BookTok is how it’s breathing new life into older books. Titles like “It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover (2016), “They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera (2017), and “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) are getting a second wave of popularity thanks to BookTokers.
That said, BookTok isn’t without its critics. Some argue it focuses too much on books by white authors, leaving diverse voices underrepresented. Still, many young readers are actively seeking out more inclusive reads, pushing for greater diversity in the trending lists.
Booksellers are catching on too. They’re using BookTok to connect with customers, recommending trending books and even creating dedicated sections in their stores.
A digital space for teen readers
BookTok is more than just a trend—it’s a digital space where teens can share their thoughts, feelings, and love for books in a way that feels authentic and fun. It’s not just about reading; it’s about building a community. And in the process, it’s inspiring a whole new generation to fall in love with books all over again.