August 25, 2023

Social media is igniting students’ passion for reading through #BookTok

Where are students going for book reviews or recommendations? Just like they are turning to TikTok as their search engine, students are turning to a TikTok community to learn about new or popular books. #BookTok is a community of people who are passionate about book series, authors, or even book genres. Even popular bookstores such as Barnes and Noble or Books-A-Million are actively keeping up-to-date with the books that are trending on #BookTok with dedicated store categories labeled “#BookTok Recommendations.” 

In fact, a recent poll found that 59% of 2,000 16- to 25-year-olds said that #BookTok had helped them discover a passion for reading. This means that many of your students are likely seeing or actively seeking #BookTok videos to watch on their feeds’. Dive in to learn more!

What is BookTok?

#BookTok caters to students (and adults!) passionate about authors, series, and genres. #BookTok first took off during the pandemic when thousands of people began sharing their book recommendations and thoughts on different books in TikTok videos. Since then, #BookTok has received more than 167.3 billion views. 

A classic #BookTok video shows someone holding a book while they share why it’s “the best book they’ve ever read.” Another popular video type that falls in the social media corner of #BookTok is when someone creates niche memes about a favorite book character or shares fan art they have created about their favorite books. 

#BookTok is particularly popular amongst teenage girls, many of whom are sharing that #BookTok inspired them to get back into reading. For example, 15-year-old #BookTok influencer Mireille Lee (@alifeofliterature) shared that she “started reading again after six years when I came across #BookTok for the first time last October.” Like Lee, #BookTok could be what inspires your students to get back into reading or to read more in general!

#BookTok’s influence on students and authors 

Similar to how in-person book clubs provide students with a place to connect over their passion for reading, #BookTok has become that same social place for students. As social media is how students are social these days, it makes sense that they are turning to TikTok for book recommendations. In fact, 55% of 16- to 25-year-olds say they turn to the platform for book recommendations.

This new viral form of students using their voices to support authors and books they love is even impacting the publishing industry. A sales assistant at a #BookTok festival said “I can’t stress how much #BookTok sells books. It’s driven huge sales of YA (young adult) and romance books.” Once a book goes viral on #BookTok, authors are cashing in on higher sales and a quick publicity turnaround. But some controversy does surround #BookTok because it’s proven to predominately highlight the works of white authors

In an era dominated by social media and online platforms, the content we consume significantly shapes our perspectives, beliefs, and understanding of the world. Empowering students to curate their digital spaces and ensure a diverse range of content is one way we can foster student growth and well-rounded citizens.

TSI’s Take

The people, accounts, or trends that students follow or subscribe to on social media have a big impact on students’ interests or views. With #BookTok taking students’ TikTok feeds by storm, it’s important that we set them up for success when it comes to how they’re letting #BookTok influence what to buy and read. 

#BookTok is a chance to open students’ minds to diverse books or content they may not have heard about elsewhere, especially if we empower them to actively seek out books that are written by diverse authors.

Here are three tips to share with your students about how to navigate #BookTok positively: 

📚 Empower with Critical Engagement: Dive into #BookTok with a purpose. Encourage students to go beyond the trends and engage critically with the content they encounter. Pose thoughtful questions, share personal insights, and spark conversations that delve deeper into the themes and messages of the books. By fostering meaningful discussions, students can enhance their understanding and contribute positively to the community.

🌟 Spread Positivity and Kindness: In the world of #BookTok, kindness is key. Encourage students to share genuine compliments, constructive feedback, and heartfelt support for creators and fellow book enthusiasts. Small acts of kindness can go a long way in making #BookTok a welcoming space.

🤝 Cultivate Inclusivity and Diverse Perspectives: Challenge students to explore a diverse range of books and creators on #BookTok. Encourage them to seek out stories from different cultures, backgrounds, and genres. By embracing diversity in reading choices and celebrating a variety of voices, students can contribute to a richer and more inclusive community on #BookTok that reflects the world’s beautiful tapestry.

There is a place for everyone on #BookTok. From mystery lovers and non-fiction fans to students who love the classics, any type of student interested in reading can find a community of like-minded people on #BookTok. While #BookTok is relatively new, social media’s influence on students’ purchase decisions is not. Our blog on the pressure to purchase highlights more ways to empower students to handle the pressures of social media influences in positive ways.

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The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.