How To Use BookTok: 10 Steps To Grow Your TikTok Audience

So you love books, and you’ve seen people becoming popular on BookTok—but you’re probably thinking, “Can I really do this too?” I get it, with all the challenges, hashtags, and TikTok features, it can seem intimidating to start.

Good news: it’s actually easier than you might think. Stick around, because I’m about to walk you through the exact steps you need to start making fun, engaging videos that’ll help you connect with fellow book-lovers and maybe even grow your own audience.

Ready to jump in? Here’s how you do it.

Step 1: Create Your BookTok Profile

Your first step to using BookTok is to set up your profile properly. Start by choosing a simple username that’s easy to remember and related to books or your favorite genres—it helps people find and remember you. For instance, if you’re leaning towards sharing thriller novels, maybe something like “ThrillerReadsWithAmy.”

Next, upload a photo that’s clear, bright, and reflects your personality or your bookish interests. It could be you holding your favorite book or even a nice bookshelf background. A welcoming picture encourages people to follow you.

Then write an engaging but short bio that quickly tells others what sort of books you enjoy and share. Mention specific genres or popular authors you’re into, such as “YA fantasy fanatic and huge Sarah J. Maas fan,” since her series saw a massive boost in popularity, selling over 4.83 million books in just six months in 2024, thanks to BookTok’s influence.

Step 2: Post Short and Engaging Videos

People on TikTok scroll through quickly, so your videos should be short, fun, and straight to the point. Aim to keep most videos between 15 and 60 seconds because shorter clips typically get more engagement. For example, quick videos featuring a “rapid review” or reading recommendations often catch viewers’ attention.

Try mixing things up with different types of videos to find out what your followers respond to best. You can do short summaries, favorite quotes, emotional reactions after finishing a book, or even bookstore hauls. One TikTok user gained massive traction by filming authentic reactions while reading Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us, pushing it from about 21,000 copies in 2016 to 450,000 sold by summer 2021.

If you’re stuck looking for inspiration on what to film next, you could check out this list of realistic fiction writing prompts for fresh story ideas and review topics to feature in your videos.

Step 3: Use Popular BookTok Hashtags

Hashtags are vital on TikTok, especially within BookTok communities. They help your videos reach more viewers beyond your immediate followers. Some of the most popular hashtags you’ll see regularly include #BookTok (200 billion views and counting!), #BookRecommendations, #ReadingChallenge, and specific genre tags like #FantasyBooks, #ThrillerBook, or #RomanceNovels.

Always mix super-popular hashtags with less crowded ones. While trending hashtags can get your videos noticed quickly, smaller niche hashtags help your content stand out longer in a more targeted viewer base. Let’s say you filmed a creative video inspired by a writing session—throwing in thematic hashtags tied directly to content, like #WritingCommunity or winter writing prompts, can make your clip more discoverable to people searching specific topics.

Avoid hashtag stuffing—focus on three to five relevant hashtags per video to keep your descriptions clean, relatable, and inviting.

Step 4: Connect With Other BookTok Users

One of the best ways to build a strong presence on BookTok is by directly engaging with other book lovers on the platform.

This doesn’t mean randomly spamming people’s videos asking for follows, because nobody likes that.

Instead, search for users who post stuff similar to your interests—like readers who share your love for fantasy novels or thrillers.

Genuine interactions matter most, so comment thoughtfully on videos you enjoy.

For instance, if someone is reviewing Sarah J. Maas’s latest novel, share why you loved a certain character or moment from the book.

Real conversations lead to more followers, because it shows you’re genuinely interested in connecting—not just promoting your own profile.

Step 5: Respond to Comments and Messages

Talking to your followers and responding to comments is non-negotiable if you want a thriving BookTok account.

When someone takes the time to leave a comment or send you a message, reply promptly and warmly.

Even if it’s simply thanking someone for suggesting a new read or answering a quick question about how to become a beta reader, these small interactions make followers feel valued.

Plus, the TikTok algorithm appreciates profiles with high engagement—it signals that your content is engaging enough for people to stick around and chat.

Remember, real community happens through genuine conversation.

Step 6: Post Content Regularly

Here’s the deal: TikTok rewards consistency.

You don’t need to post multiple times every single day, but decide on a realistic posting schedule that fits your daily routine.

A good starting point is uploading two to three videos per week.

You could share a weekly roundup of books you’ve read or quick updates about current reading progress, recommendations, or spontaneous bookstore hauls.

Consistency builds trust with followers—they come to expect your content at certain intervals and start looking forward to your updates.

Step 7: Join BookTok Trends and Challenges

If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, you know trends rule.

Joining popular challenges can make your profile more visible in front of the entire BookTok community.

You don’t have to jump on every single trend, just choose the ones that fit your personality and reading preferences.

For example, when #BlindfoldBookChallenge was viral, readers selected their next read blindly from their shelf and then shared their impressions later.

Participating in these fun challenges helps others discover you through hashtag searches and attracts wider audience engagement.

Keep it casual and fun to let your personality shine through.

Step 8: Share a Mix of Book Reviews and Recommendations

People usually scroll through BookTok looking for their next literary obsession.

So go ahead, share honest, short reviews and recommendations of books you’ve genuinely enjoyed (or didn’t).

Maybe discuss a thriller that kept you guessing until the last page, or recommend a heartwarming romance that surprised you with how good it was.

Mix things up with varied types of literary content, like lists such as “Five favorite mystery novels this year” or “Best books I stayed up all night reading.”

For added variety, you can sometimes include themed book lists, such as these horror story plot ideas to share around October, when people crave something creepy and suspenseful.

Step 9: Use TikTok Tools Like Stitch and Duet

If you really want to get creative and boost interaction, the tools TikTok gives you—like Stitch and Duet—make it easy.

Stitch lets you clip someone else’s video and add your own reaction or continuation, making this perfect for responding to book opinions or starting discussions about bookish controversies.

Duets run videos simultaneously side-by-side, great for real-time reactions or reading-along videos.

For example, if someone posted a polarizing review about Colleen Hoover’s popular “It Ends With Us,” you could duet your response live to start an interesting debate or conversation.

These features encourage more engagement, helping you form closer bonds within the community.

Step 10: Set Goals to Grow Your BookTok Audience

Building a BookTok profile doesn’t come without some planning and goal-setting.

Start small, like aiming for your first 1,000 followers, or aim to increase your comments by 20% next month.

Once you hit those goals, you can adjust and set bigger targets.

Measurable goals give you something concrete to work towards, helping you stay motivated while growing your profile.

You could also plan bigger content projects, like collaborating with other BookTokers or creating special content—like hosting reading challenges or even sharing practical insights about becoming a children’s book author—to attract new viewers.

Remember, setting and tracking simple goals keeps the process manageable and helps your BookTok steadily grow.

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