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Michael Adams
Ever heard of any community on TikTok for book readers? If not, it’s time to catch up. BookTok is a TikTok sub-community where book lovers share reviews, recommendations, and memes about their favorite reads. It’s where books go viral, and sales increase more than what you can expect.
According to the Berkeley Economic Review, BookTok authors sold 13 million copies in 2020, and this amount jumped to 27 million the following year. Book sales catered to both adult and young adult audiences skyrocketed in 2021 but plateaued in mid-2023. It is a modern-day version of word-of-mouth marketing but supercharged with the internet’s energy.
If your book catches fire here, the ripple effect can be massive. It can make you popular in the whole world, which will definitely increase your sales. Let’s find out more about it!
Key Takeaways
- What Is BookTok? – It’s TikTok’s book-loving community where readers share reviews, memes, and recommendations, fostering a vibrant space for book discussions and discoveries.
- Why It Matters – Viral content can catapult your book into bestseller status, significantly boosting its visibility and reader engagement.
- Content Ideas – Share book aesthetics, behind-the-scenes stories, and trending hashtags to capture the interest of the community and engage potential readers.
- Engagement Tips – Respond to fans and collaborate with influencers to amplify your reach, build relationships, and increase your book’s visibility on the platform.
- Challenges – Time commitment and the unpredictability of virality require patience and consistent effort to maintain and grow your presence on the platform.
How Does It Work?
After getting to know what is BookTok on TikTok, you must be wondering how it works. Read below to learn this process:
TikTok’s Algorithm
The TikTok algorithm is designed to prioritize engaging and relevant content. This means a well-crafted video—be it a book review, a quirky meme, or an emotional reaction—can go viral in hours. When someone watches a video to the end, likes it, or shares it, the algorithm takes notice and promotes the content to similar users.
For authors and publishers, this presents a golden opportunity. A single video on BookTok showcasing your book’s cover, a snippet of the storyline, or a heartfelt message about what inspired you to write it could be seen by thousands, even millions. As mentioned in The Conversation, the algorithm doesn’t discriminate by the size of your following; it amplifies quality content. That’s why even first-time authors with no established fanbase can grow here.
How Authors Can Use BookTok to Boost Their Sales
You can make your videos perform their best and be shown to everyone by doing the following:
Community-Driven Content
While the algorithm gets the ball rolling, it’s this community that truly powers the platform. This is not a traditional marketing space with polished ads and scripted promos. It’s authentic, raw, and often emotional. Readers share their honest takes on books, from gushing over favorite characters to shedding tears over heartbreaking endings.
Videos range from enthusiastic reviews to playful memes, such as the popular “take it to a publisher meme” trend that humorously highlights the struggles of pitching books. Others might include “shelf tours,” where creators show off their collections, or “book hauls,” where they discuss their latest purchases. This diversity in content keeps the community dynamic and engaging.
Emotional Connections Drive Engagement
Through this community, you can make emotional connections between readers and stories. Viewers often relate to the raw, unfiltered reactions of creators, whether it’s laughter, joy, or heartbreak. These genuine expressions make viewers curious about the book that caused such a reaction, often leading to purchases.
For authors, this means your story has a chance to deeply impact readers before they even buy the book. A creator sharing how your book made them feel seen or understood can spark a chain reaction, with others eager to experience the same emotions.
Creative Tools Amplify Reach
TikTok’s creative editing tools can help you to get the success of content. Catchy music, dramatic transitions, text overlays, and visual effects make videos more appealing and shareable. Pair these with trending hashtags like #TikTokBookRecommendations or niche ones like #FantasyReads, and you have got a recipe to make you viral.
For example, a short clip featuring an emotional reader hugging a book with a caption like, “This book broke me,” accompanied by a trending sound, can attract thousands of views within minutes. These tools make it easy for creators to express their passion for books in ways that resonate with a wide audience.
Look for Trends
TikTok is driven by trends and challenges. Some creators start trends like “read a book in 24 hours” or “guess the plot by the cover,” which quickly gain traction. Books featured in these challenges often see a surge in sales as viewers feel compelled to participate.
Authors can join in by creating their own challenges or participating in ongoing ones. For instance, if your book features a strong female protagonist, you could launch a trend encouraging readers to share their favorite empowering quotes. It’s an organic way to engage with the community while promoting your book.
The Use of Hashtags
Hashtags like #BookTok, #FantasyBooks, and #BooksThatMadeMeCry are not only for categorization—they’re gateways to niche audiences. When you tag your content appropriately, it reaches users who are already interested in the genre or theme of your book.
As the Sage Journal has written, using a brand new TikTok account, the top 15 videos under the BookTok hashtag and the Book Recommendations hashtag were selected for analysis. This targeted visibility increases the likelihood of your content resonating and sparking interest.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories
Talk about what inspired you to write. Share the challenges you faced, or spill the tea on characters you almost wrote differently. Readers love knowing the story behind the story. Opening up about your creative process, the ups and downs, and the changes that shaped your book can create a deeper connection with your audience.
It brings them closer to the journey of your book’s creation, and they will appreciate the effort and passion that went into it. Authenticity in sharing these moments can build a loyal readership and foster a genuine relationship with your fans.
Collaborate with TikTok Influencers for Your Book
Partnering with popular creators can make their audience your audience. Offer free copies or ARCs for them to review or showcase. Their followers trust their recommendations, making this one of the fastest ways to generate buzz. If you can’t do it all, you should hire a professional book marketing company to handle it.
Challenges Authors May Face in this Community
While it offers incredible opportunities, it’s not all sunshine and roses:
Time Commitment
Regular posting takes effort. Creating engaging content consistently can be time-consuming. To manage this, authors can batch-create content and schedule posts. This allows for a steady flow of videos without daily pressure. It’s essential to stay consistent to keep the audience engaged and maintain visibility on the platform.
Not All Trends Fit
Not every trend aligns with your book. Be selective to maintain authenticity. Jumping on every trend might dilute your brand. Focus on trends that genuinely resonate with your book’s theme and message. The best book marketing company can narrow down the trends that you must follow if you can’t do it yourself. Authenticity will help build a loyal audience and create meaningful connections with readers.
Virality Isn’t a Guarantee
Even with great content, there’s no formula for going viral. The unpredictability of virality means authors must stay persistent. While some videos may take off, others might not. The key is to keep producing quality content, engaging with the community, and learning from each post to refine your approach.
Content Saturation
TikTok is a crowded space with many creators vying for attention. Standing out can be hard. Authors need to find unique angles or niches to differentiate themselves. This might involve focusing on lesser-known genres, providing unique insights, or showcasing a distinctive voice that captivates the audience.
Handling Criticism
With the increased visibility on the platform comes the likelihood of receiving negative feedback or criticism. Authors must be prepared to handle this constructively. Engaging respectfully with critics and using feedback to improve future content can turn potential setbacks into opportunities for growth.
5 Books That Got Fame Through this Platform
BookTok has changed the literary industry by making previously underrated or forgotten books into global sensations. Here are five standout titles that gained massive fame and sales by trending on this platform:
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
This retelling of the Iliad focuses on the love story between Achilles and Patroclus, blending epic battles with heartfelt emotion. BookTok creators couldn’t stop raving about the book’s tear-jerking ending and the depth of its characters. Emotional reviews featuring creators sobbing over its pages went viral, sparking curiosity among millions. As a result, “The Song of Achilles” surged to the top of bestseller lists years after its initial release.
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover’s poignant story of love and heartbreak became a BookTok popular because of its emotional depth and relatable themes. Creators shared their reactions to the book’s twists and turns, often accompanied by captions like “This book broke me.” With its powerful message about resilience, it resonated deeply with readers, catapulting it to widespread fame and driving massive sales.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
This fantasy series gained a cult following on BookTok for its rich world-building, swoon-worthy romance, and unforgettable characters. Videos discussing the relationships, plot twists, and intense moments of the series became wildly popular. Fans even created memes and debates over their favorite characters, making it a staple recommendation for fantasy lovers.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Originally published in 2017, this YA novel saw a resurgence in popularity due to BookTok. Its heartbreaking premise and bittersweet exploration of love and loss captured the community’s attention. Creators frequently highlighted the emotional rollercoaster it delivers, often warning viewers to “prepare for tears.” The BookTok buzz led to the book reclaiming its spot on bestseller charts years after its debut.
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
This suspenseful YA novel became popular on BookTok as readers shared their shock over its jaw-dropping plot twist. Many creators posted spoiler-free reviews, urging others to read the book and experience the twist for themselves. The intrigue and mystery surrounding the story made it a viral hit, with sales skyrocketing almost overnight.
Why BookTok Is Here to Stay
You may think BookTok is just a passing trend, but it’s not. It’s a cultural shift in how books are discovered and discussed. Its blend of algorithmic power, creative tools, and authentic community makes it a unique space that’s reshaping the publishing world. For authors, using BookTok shouldn’t be an option. Rather, it should be a necessity for staying relevant in the literary landscape.
With its ability to connect readers and stories, this social platform offers endless opportunities for authors to shine. Whether you’re launching a debut novel or reigniting interest in a backlist title, this platform has the potential to make your career successful.
How Book Quill Can Help You?
As the best book marketing company, they provide strategies to help authors be found on TikTok’s community. From content creation to influencer outreach and anything else you need, we’ve got your back.
What sets them apart? They’re not just affordable but also professional. From designing campaigns to connecting with top creators, they do everything to get your books noticed. If you’re serious about boosting sales, Book Quill is the partner you need.
FAQs
How much time should an author spend on TikTok’s book community?
It depends on your schedule, but start with 1-2 hours weekly. Use this time to create engaging content, interact with followers, and explore trending hashtags. Consistency is more important than spending too much time upfront.
Can BookTok work for nonfiction authors?
Absolutely! Nonfiction authors can share snippets, helpful tips, or behind-the-scenes stories. Highlight key lessons from your book or create content that solves problems for your audience to attract readers. You can get assistance on this from top book marketing services, too.
Do you need professional editing for BookTok videos?
Not at all. Authenticity matters more than production value on BookTok. Simple, clear videos shot on the phone can be just as impactful as long as they’re engaging and on-topic.
Are there specific genres that perform best on BookTok?
Genres like romance, fantasy, and YA get more success on this platform. However, any genre can do well if presented with creativity and aligned with audience interests. Research trending themes to guide your approach.
How much does a book marketing company charge?
It can vary depending on the services provided and the scope of the campaign. Some companies offer packages starting as low as $200, while others might charge a flat fee per book or per click. It’s important to research and compare different affordable book marketing companies to find one that fits your budget and meets your marketing needs.
About Author
Hi, my name is Zachary Stone I’m a book marketing nut — or, as I like to call myself, a “Shelf Marketer.” No, I don’t sell wooden shelves; I market the books that are left forgotten on them. If you want your book to be the next bestseller, I am your go-to person. I am here to remind you that it’s not just about writing a great story — it’s about building a buzz among people with great campaigns.
