#BookTok: The Bookish Community on TikTok - Juliette Sauvage
TikTok is the social media platform that exploded during the pandemic. It’s a video-sharing app where users can post videos that are anywhere from a few seconds to three minutes long. BookTok is the bookish community that sits within the app – users include the hashtag #BookTok on videos to discuss, review, and share books. On BookTok, I’ve found like-minded readers and writers sharing a mutual passion for books.
As a creative writing university student, some people would be surprised when I say that often I feel isolated from the writing community. It’s not just a pandemic thing – although that certainly didn’t help – I’ve just never had a strong writing group or people that I can talk to about my love of reading and writing. In high school, I often felt like wanting to be a writer was something to hide because it wasn’t very practical and it wasn’t a particularly popular or mainstream career. Yes, it seemed like the nerdy, unattainable dream. It’s only been in the last year or so that I’ve really connected with like-minded people. I’ve never been a member of a writing organisation or group (like Queensland Writers Centre), so I had to rely on my own skill – and motivation – to find my ‘tribe’.
So when the pandemic hit and I suddenly had a lot more time to spend indoors, I joined much of the world and downloaded TikTok. Although it has the typical drawbacks and negative nellies of any platform, on the whole, it’s a positive space. I’ve been inspired by writers sharing their ideas and publishing journeys, readers recommending more books than I could possibly read in one lifetime, and publishers or bookshops sharing new releases.
A lot of users fit into the 18-25 age bracket, but not exclusively. BookTok’s most popular genres include romance, young adult, fantasy and historical fiction (among others). I spent a lot of my adolescent life thinking books weren’t ‘cool’, so it has been amazing to discover this network of people who love books as much as I do. During these uncertain times (and I’m sure we’re all sick of those words), it’s not always possible to meet up with writers groups or book clubs, so BookTok is a perfect online substitute for a social circle to discuss writing and books.
It’s also not too bad a place to be as an author – BookTok has been known to unexpectedly boost sales of previously published books based on users reviewing and then recommending the work to others on the platform. For example, Madeline Miller’s Song of Achilles was first published in 2011, but is now seeing a resurgence due to lots of videos recommending it – and sharing how beautifully heartbreaking it is. Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us is another extremely popular trending title on BookTok and sales are higher right now than when the book was released in 2016. Not to mention BookTok has helped writers go viral. Alex Aster, who had only published one book before, posted a video about her YA novel idea, Lightlark, which now has millions of views, and within a week she had just landed a six-figure book deal with Amulet Books. While there’s no guarantee of success and virality, BookTok is nonetheless a collaborative and creative space for writers and readers.
As a writer, I’ve found so much support amongst my fellow BookTokers. As a reader my bank account has certainly suffered (in the best way) from all the new authors I’ve discovered. My passion for writing is reignited and I’m loving being able to share my ideas with fellow BookTokers. While it is probably only the latest ephemeral social media trend, for now, I feel comfortable and supported within my online community. So if you’re lacking for inspiration and camaraderie from the comfort of your own home, I recommend turning to BookTok. I’m happy for now just viewing, sharing and commenting, but I’m making my way up to posting my own videos because I love the idea of being able to actively participate in this vibrant online community. What’s even better is you don’t need to download the app if you don’t want to, or create an account. Just jump onto Google or whatever browser you use, go to the TikTok website, search #booktok, and start scrolling! If you want some ideas of which accounts to start with, here are some examples.
BookTok user @moongirlreads_ posts funny, relatable videos but also gives great recommendations for Young Adult novels and authors. Another BookTok, @bookedj, makes her videos with her beautiful bookshelves as a backdrop, including young adult, fantasy, romance and all sorts of genres in her recommendations. Janessa, @meemoreads, is my go-to for funny videos recommending fantasy and romance novels. Check out @thrillerbooklover for twisty, psychological suspense and spooky recommendations. Some great writing accounts include @literallyjohngreen, @thechloegong, @victoriaaveyard, @ @runwithskizzers and many more. And it’s not just writers and readers. My favourite account for writing tips and advice is @michael.bjork, and the topics range from dialogue to worldbuilding to characterisation, and more. The Penguin Teen account, @penguin_teen, gives great recommendations based on books you’ve already read, daily book content and upcoming releases.
There’s an account out there for everyone, so jump onto your phone or your computer and check it out!
Juliette Sauvage - QUT Creative Writing Intern