BookTok: The rise of the community
TikTok: @onthesamepage0
If you’re like me and one of your new year's resolutions was to get back into reading, then this article is for you! Let me introduce you to ‘BookTok.’ A place where books aren’t just read – they’re celebrated, screamed about and vibed with.
So, if you’re a beginner bookworm hop onto TikTok and get ready for a follow spree, because you won’t want to miss this one!
What is Booktok?
It all started back in 2020, when TikTok creators began to post reviews on their favourite bookish finds under the hashtag #BookTok and has snowballed from there into a large, welcoming community with over 44.2M videos under the hashtag at present.
Booktok has helped to skyrocket sales and turned authors such as Sarah J Mass and Coleen Hoover into overnight sensations! If your local bookshops are anything like mine, then they will have a full display dedicated to the phenomenon where the hottest books going viral will be lining the shelves. It has introduced a whole new generation to the world of reading and made being a bookworm cooler than ever.
Meet the Booktok queens
Personally, I can admit that my reading habits have been heavily influenced by popular Booktok creators such as, @abibliophile, @thebookishbabe, @bookswithchloe, and many others!
You can always rely on these girls to bring you wholesome recommendations, honest reviews, fun challenges, and gorgeous visuals, all wrapped up in one short video! What’s not to love? Whether you are looking for romance, fantasy, or a thriller, the Booktok community is sure to give you some ‘TBR’ Inso.
Worldwide bookclub
Booktok isn’t just about books; it’s about finding your people. Many viewers have spoken out about how the community has helped them form amazing friendships by allowing them to bond with others who share mutual interests.
It has never been so easy to create your own cozy virtual bookclub within a videos comment section. From quirky book recs to heart-to-heart discussions, it’s like having a group chat full of bookish besties!
Other apps have taken inspiration from this and have created spaces to share your current reads, join bookclubs and review other novels. Try Goodreads or Fable to explore communities outside of TikTok.
Here to stay?
Like every community, BookTok has its own dramas and controversies which has led to some people questioning its future. Is Booktok going to be the next trend to take a flop in 2025? (Spoiler alert: I don’t think so).
While BookTok may not be everyone’s cup of tea, with some viewers finding it cringey or just outright bashing creators’ opinions and recommendations, the love and support from others by far outranks the haters.
BookTok has evolved into something huge within the reading community and will more than likely continue to flourish in 2025. So, whether you want to find something similar to your all time favourite or you simply want to dive headfirst into a new genre, you’ll always find something to love over on Booktok!
Written by Amy Nolan
Edited by Isabel Butler