Education | January 30th, 2025
The Rise of #BookTok: How TikTok is Reviving Reading and Transforming the Publishing Industry
By: Jayda Nelms | Staff Writer
In a digital world dominated by short videos and endless scrolling, an unexpected trend has emerged: TikTok is getting people to pick up books.
A New Chapter for Book Lovers
In the fast-paced digital age, where attention spans are fleeting, many assumed that reading books had fallen off. However, the rise of #BookTok, a vibrant community of book lovers on TikTok, has flipped this assumption. The hashtag has not only reignited a love for reading but has also revolutionized the publishing industry, boosting book sales and catapulting lesser-known titles into the spotlight.
Quick Facts About #BookTok
- Hashtag Views: Over 150 billion as of 2025.
- Top Genres: Romance, Fantasy, and Thrillers.
- Global Reach: #BookTok fosters a worldwide book community with readers sharing stories across continents.
Ryleigh Roberts, a new reader inspired by the trend, shares how #BookTok has influenced her habits.
“It is very influential in my next reads and something that I keep on the lookout for,” Robert said.
Viral Book Recommendations and Surging Sales
Books that go viral on BookTok often see their sales skyrocket. Titles like The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller and It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover have topped bestseller lists after being spotlighted by BookTok influencers. These videos, filled with raw emotions, reviews, and recommendations, create authentic buzz, prompting readers to head straight to bookstores or add to their online carts.
Publishers are taking note. Recognizing the platform’s power, they’ve shifted marketing strategies to partner with BookTok creators, driving targeted campaigns to appeal directly to this digital book club.
Ayman Chaudhary (@aymansbooks), a prominent BookTok influencer, explained the impact of her content.
“I made a video on [The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue], and it went really viral, and the book sold out everywhere on all things like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, online,” said Chaudhary (Varsity).
A Sense of Belonging in a Digital World
What sets BookTok apart is the sense of community it fosters. Amid the isolating nature of social media, #BookTok offers a space where readers bond over shared emotions, plot twists, and favorite characters. Long-time book lover Eve Rozier highlights this sense of camaraderie.
“BookTok and TikTok was really the community that I was able to find and interact with … not even with just book recommendations but with book memes, reviews, fan art, and you just feel such a community of belonging,” said Rozier.
This community has reintroduced the joy of book discussions, reminiscent of book clubs, but on a global and instantaneous scale.
Celebrating Diverse Voices
Beyond boosting sales, #BookTok has amplified underrepresented voices in literature. Creators from diverse backgrounds spotlight books that reflect their cultures, encouraging others to explore stories outside their own experiences.
What to Read Next?
Looking for your next great read? Here are some BookTok favorites:
- The Housemaid by Freida McFadden: A fast-paced thriller that keeps readers guessing.
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: A gripping fantasy series loved by millions.
- The Magnolia Parks Series by Jessa Hastings: Romance filled with drama and heartache.
The Future of BookTok
As #BookTok continues to grow, it’s clear that it’s more than just a passing trend. It has reshaped how readers discover stories and how publishers market books. Most importantly, it has proven that even in a world dominated by screens, the joy of getting lost in a good book is timeless.
What book will you pick up next? Join the conversation on #BookTok.
