How to Join in on BookTok

Whether you’ve been on TikTok for years or you’re just getting started, if you love books like us, you’ve absolutely stumbled upon the little corner of the internet called BookTok. Here all the book besties conjure with one thing in common: a love (borderline obsession) of all things literature. If you love to review books, freak out over new releases, take photos of your bookshelves, and keep track of your reading, then there is a vibrant community of avid readers waiting for you on BookTok!

In this article, we’ll guide you through the exciting world of BookTok and show you how to join in on the fun, connect with fellow bookworms, and discover your next favorite book. Whether you’re new to the platform or looking to enhance your BookTok experience, we’ve got you covered.

Make a Profile (Get Creative!)

The first thing you’ll want to do is make a profile, which is simple to do. Just like any other social channels, you’ll need an email and basic information. When thinking of a handle, try to get creative! Think of what you’d like to reflect about your personality, and how you can make a lasting impression in the literary world. Take time to brainstorm the perfect name that will attract the type of community you are seeking. Of course, you’ll have to check for availability. So be unique. Keep it concise and not overly complex, so that you’re easy to find once you start making bookish friends. Pick something book-related so it’s clear what your account caters to. Write a bio that introduces yourself as well as your reading preferences. Make a lasting impression!

One of our favorite accounts is @thebooksiveloved – and we think the name suits her account perfectly. Pauline is always rounding up the books she loved and what she loved about them.

Find your Community

Discovering your community on BookTok can be a transformative experience for any book lover. The platform’s diverse user base ensures that there’s a corner of BookTok for every literary taste and interest. Whether you’re into YA fiction, classic literature, fantasy, or non-fiction, you’ll find like-minded individuals eager to discuss and recommend books within your chosen niche. To find your desired community, start by exploring hashtags related to your favorite genres or authors. Engage with creators who resonate with your reading preferences, leave thoughtful comments, and participate in discussions.

Over time, you’ll forge connections with fellow book enthusiasts, exchange reading recommendations, and perhaps even collaborate on exciting book-related projects. BookTok isn’t just a platform for sharing your love of books; it’s a place to find your tribe of passionate readers who share your excitement for literature.

Brainstorm Ideas

As you’re exploring BookTok (be mindful, you WILL get sucked in), start considering what it is you want to share with the world. This can feel scary at first, especially with how vast TikTok is, but sharing your passions is meant to be fun, so be yourself and create what makes you happy!

Start saving sounds and trends that seem like fun, if you want. If that’s not your style, that’s cool too! Look for hashtags about the last book you read and think about how you can join the discussion. The beautiful thing about reading is that everyone takes something different from books, and BookTok allows us to connect with people we may not have the chance to normally.

Here’s a few ideas to get you started:

• Review your recent reads
• Compile a collection of books that represent your taste
• Discuss tropes you love (or hate)
• Take viewers shopping for books with you
• Do a funny skit representing a book or genre
• Read aloud some of your favorite quotes from a book you’re reading
• Show off your bookshelf

Don’t worry about a perfect video or a professionally produced one. Just start creating a variety of content and see what connects!

Be Yourself 

Something that may seem painfully obvious, but can actually take a great deal of mindfulness, always remember that it’s okay to be inspired, but that it’s never cool to steal other people’s ideas. Put your own spin on the latest trends by showcasing your personality and what makes you, YOU! Don’t be afraid to disagree with people, but don’t be a troll, either. Let your freak flag fly while also being kind, courteous, and inclusive. If you want a genuine connection with your audience, you have to be genuine. Authenticity isn’t an internet buzz word for no reason, it’s the cornerstone to any successful social media account. Your flaws, your quirks, and your relatability are what will help you find like-minded book besties.

Stay Engaged

As you start to find your stride, as well as your community, be sure to stay consistent! Keep your followers (aka your new FRIENDS) engaged by replying to comments and liking/commenting on their posts. Engage with your audience by asking questions, conducting polls, and encouraging discussions in your comments. If you are consistent with your content, you will continue to make friends and reach an audience. Remember that growth on BookTok may take time, so be patient and stay committed to your passion for books. As you continue to create engaging and authentic content, you’ll likely see your follower count and engagement grow.

Find Balance 

Finding balance within the BookTok community is paramount when you first immerse yourself in the vibrant space. While the platform offers a wealth of book-related content, it’s essential to strike a balance between consuming and creating. Spending too much time scrolling through BookTok can be exhilarating, but it might also become overwhelming. It’s crucial to allocate time for reading and engaging with books in addition to creating and enjoying content. Moreover, striking a balance between your personal reading preferences and the books that may trend on the platform ensures that your BookTok journey remains authentic and enjoyable.

Never forget that it’s supposed to be fun! Social media can be an amazing place for connection and creativity, so don’t take it too seriously. Find the balance that works for you as you dive into one of the coolest book communities out there! Just be prepared for your TBR list to grow a little.