Tips on How to Become a BookTok Influencer

If you’re an author or publisher seeking fresh ways to promote your books and attract new readers, you should definitely consider BookTok.

In case you’re wondering, I’m Francesca, a book reviewer and blogger with 55k followers on TikTok.

So, what is BookTok? It’s the cosy corner of TikTok where book enthusiasts share their love for reading through bite-sized videos. You’ll find everything from book reviews, recommendations, book hauls to unboxings, challenges, trends, and skits. YA, fantasy, romance, and thrillers are currently some of the most popular genres on BookTok has become the ‘it’ platform for book promos and reaching new audiences, especially the younger crowd who are invested in a digital lifestyle.

A 2021 report by NPD BookScan and NPD Social Media Analytics showed TikTok as the fastest-growing social platform for book discovery and sales in the US, even outperforming Instagram and YouTube!

One of the coolest things about BookTok is how it’s all about genuine, word-of-mouth engagement. BookTok creators are passionate readers who really wanna share their favourite reads and opinions with others.

Videos on BookTok can often go viral, racking up millions of views, likes, comments, and shares, which can skyrocket a book’s popularity. Plus, BookTok helps authors and publishers reach a huge and diverse group of potential readers who might slip through the cracks of traditional channels.

TikTok’s algorithm serves up content tailored to users’ interests, helping them find new books they might not have discovered otherwise. However, being successful on BookTok is not a walk in the park.

Authors and publishers need to understand the platform and figure out what kind of content is popular with users. Connecting with BookTok influencers (like yours truly) who have big, loyal followings and can sway their audience’s book choices is key.

And remember, your content should be creative and fun without feeling too pushy or salesy.

So, is BookTok just a passing fad? Nope! It’s a whole new world of book marketing that gives authors and publishers a chance to bond with new readers and boost sales in a super competitive market. But you have to be ready to tweak your strategies to fit TikTok’s unique vibe and culture.

Tips to become a BookTok influencer and be a viral sensation on the platform..

Social media is ever-evolving and internet savvy Gen Y and Gen Z are looking to stand out, be creative and have their content reach millions of viewers. As the latest trends on social media, BookTok is is one of the most active on TikTok and it currently has more than 3 billion views on the platform.

BookTok is essentially a combination of books and TikTok, where people who are passionate about books create engaging and informative videos to express their opinions on books and interact with other people who are a part of the book community.

It is the most popular platform to share your love for books and gain recognition as an influencer.

1. Have a Theme

The key to success on BookTok is creating content that is unique and catchy. Having a central theme or angle to your content will help keep viewers engaged and make it easier for them to find your videos.

You can opt for topics like book reviews, book recaps, book covers, bookism (discussing books and authors), focusing solely on Young Adult (YA), romance, or contemporary fiction, and take part in book tag video challenges.

2. Stay Consistent

Once you have established your theme, make sure you stay consistent with your content to keep your audience engaged. As with any form of content creation, it is always better to plan your content in advance so that you can stay on track. You can also share other user’s content along with your own to keep the momentum going.

3. Use the Right Hashtags

Hashtags are always an important aspect of content creation and they can be extremely effective when used correctly. Using popular and relevant hashtags will help make your content easier to discover and will also increase the visibility of your videos.

Additionally, you can also create your own hashtag to make it easier for others to find your content.

4. Engage with Others

The beauty of BookTok lies in the fact that it is an interactive platform. Hence, it is essential that you engage with other users and build relationships on the platform. You can do this by replying to comments, likes and shares and discussing the books you read with other members of the community.

5. Promote your Content

Once you have created content, promoting it is essential. You can use other social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter to promote your videos and connect to a wider audience. Taking advantage of influencer marketing would also be beneficial for gaining more visibility for your content.

These are some of the tips to help you become a successful BookTok influencer on TikTok. BookTok is a great way to express your love for books and gain recognition as an influencer.

So, don’t wait any longer, get creative and get started with your very own BookTok journey.

Written by Francesca Pavis (@pavisfrancesca)

‘Francesca is an established book reviewer and booktokker with over 50k followers. Her favourite genres are thriller fiction and contemporary romance.’