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Hey authors! Have you ever wished you could get your book in front of thousands of interested readers? Well, guess what? BookTok and Bookstagram are here to help you do just that! These awesome communities on TikTok and Instagram are changing the game for book lovers and authors alike. They’ve helped unknown writers become famous and turned hidden book gems into viral hits. Sounds pretty cool, right?
If you're ready to take your book to the next level, you're in the right place. Let's explore how you can use these fun and vibrant platforms to get your book noticed and boost your sales. Ready to jump in? Let’s get started!
Understanding BookTok and Bookstagram
BookTok is a niche community on TikTok where users share book recommendations, book reviews, and reading challenges in short, snappy videos.
Meanwhile, Bookstagram is Instagram’s literary cousin, filled with aesthetically pleasing photos of books, accompanied by reviews and discussions.
These platforms aren’t just for readers; they’re a goldmine for authors too! Did you know that in 2021 alone, BookTok helped sell around 20 million books? That’s over 2.4% of all book sales for the year and nearly half of all book purchases from social media. It’s not just the new releases getting love either. Books that have been out for years are getting a fresh start thanks to these platforms. Take Colleen Hoover’s "It Ends with Us," for example. It flew under the radar when it first came out in 2016, but thanks to BookTok, it became a bestseller in 2021. A viral video by BookTok user Eloise Hampson, where she shares her emotional reaction to the book, got nearly 2.4 million views and shot the book back onto bestseller lists!

@jennajustreads, @charleys.chapters, @kazzledazzlesteponme
Current Trends on BookTok and Bookstagram

@qilwore and @jennajustreads’s TikTok
Keeping up with trends is super important if you want to make the most of BookTok and Bookstagram. On BookTok, you’ll find popular trends like book hauls, where users show off their latest book purchases in short, exciting videos. Another hit trend is to guess the book based off on one word, where creators like @jennajustreads document their reading journey, giving viewers a peek into their daily reading habits and thoughts on the books.
Over on Bookstagram, trends like shelfies are all the rage. These are beautifully arranged bookshelf photos that showcase not just books, but also decorative items that reflect the reader's personality. An example would be a post from @foldedpagesdistillery, where the bookshelf is styled with fairy lights, candles, and plants, creating a cozy reading nook vibe.
By tapping into these trends and creating similar content, you can attract more attention to your own book and connect with the vibrant communities on these platforms!

@foldedpagesdistillery Instagram page
Identifying the Right Trends for Your Book
Not all trends will suit your book, so it’s essential to pick the right ones. Use tools like TikTok’s Discover page and Instagram’s Explore page to spot emerging trends. For instance, if your book is a fantasy novel, look for hashtags like #FantasyBooks or #FantasyBookTok to find relevant trends.
Creating Trend-Responsive Content

Once you’ve identified the trends, it’s time to create content. Keep it engaging and visually appealing. On TikTok, you can create short videos showing your book cover, sharing a dramatic reading of a key passage, or even acting out a scene. On Instagram, focus on high-quality photos with compelling captions. Remember, the first few seconds are crucial to hook your audience.
Collaborating with Influencers
Teaming up with Instagram and TikTok influencers can really boost your book’s visibility. Look for influencers who match your book’s genre and audience. Websites like Influence.co are great for finding the right people. When you find someone, send them a friendly, personalized message and suggest a collaboration that benefits both of you. It’s all about building a relationship that helps spread the word about your book in an engaging way!
Using Hashtags to Amplify Your Reach

Hashtags are your best friends on these platforms! On BookTok, go for tags like #Booktok, #BooktokRecommendations #BookRecommendations, and specific ones like #RomanceBooks. Over on Bookstagram, use #Bookstagrammer, #BookCommunity, and #Bookish. Mixing trending hashtags on TikTok and Instagram with niche ones can really broaden your reach.
Can you believe the hashtag #BookTok has over 84 billion views? That’s a huge audience just waiting to find their next favorite read. And on Instagram, #Bookstagram has millions of posts, each one a potential spotlight for your book. So, start hashtagging and get your book noticed!
Engaging with Your Audience
Engagement is key! Make sure to respond to comments, like posts that mention your book, and join in on discussions. Ask questions in your captions to spark interaction. For example, “What’s your favorite scene from my book?” or “Which character do you relate to the most?” This not only keeps your audience involved but also builds a stronger connection with them. It’s all about creating a community where your readers feel heard and valued. So, get chatting and have fun with your readers!
There you have it, authors! Leveraging BookTok and Bookstagram can be a game-changer for getting your book noticed and boosting your sales. By keeping up with current trends, creating engaging content, collaborating with influencers, using the right hashtags, and engaging with your audience, you can tap into these vibrant communities and make your book the next viral hit.
Team up with Weaver Publishers
Weaver Publishers can help you navigate the world of BookTok and Bookstagram with its Book Marketing Services. Whether you need help creating compelling content, finding the right influencers, or developing a comprehensive marketing strategy, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to take your book marketing to the next level? Reach out to us today to make your book the talk of the town!
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