Social media has transformed the way we do almost everything—from how we shop to how we connect with others. Gone are the days when people relied solely on word-of-mouth or book blogs for recommendations. Now, platforms like TikTok have become the go-to hub for discovering new passions, including books. Enter BookTok, a vibrant community where readers, authors, and book lovers unite to share their favorite reads, reactions, and recommendations.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to navigate this literary phenomenon and uncover the best books on BookTok for every genre. Get ready to expand your reading list with stories that are making waves—and maybe even discover your next favorite book.
What is BookTok, and How Do I Get it?
Before we start pointing out the best ways to find the best books on BookTok, let’s discuss what it is first. Before TikTok, book lovers used to rely on blogs and online forums for recommendations. But now with social Media being your average person’s favorite hangout spot it’s also serving as a place to get great recommendation from like minded people.
Now, a single TikTok video can turn an unknown book into a global bestseller in days. Readers don’t just post reviews; they post reactions. You’ll see people crying, laughing, or completely losing it over a book they just finished. That kind of raw, unfiltered enthusiasm makes people curious. It makes them want to read the book for themselves. And once they do, they post their own reaction, and the cycle continues.
It’s not just about bestsellers, either. Books that were published years ago are being rediscovered. Niche genres are blowing up. Authors who struggled to sell their books are now getting movie deals. All because someone on TikTok decided to talk about their book in a way that connected with people.
BookTok – What Book Blogs Became After Social Media
BookTok isn’t a separate platform but rather a subcommunity on TikTok where readers, authors, and casual book enthusiasts come together to share their popular recommendations, reviews, and reactions to books that shook them to their core.
The magic of BookTok comes from the fact that readers don’t just post reviews; they post reactions. Studies on the effect of electronic word-of-mouth praise on sales confirm that praising on the internet leaves behind a positive impression on customers. Seeing that BookTok allows people to be real and share their raw emotions over a book they just finished. That kind of raw, unfiltered enthusiasm makes people curious. It makes them want to read the book for themselves. And once they do, they post their own reaction; it just feeds the cycle, allowing it to grow.
And it’s not just that the community focuses on new genres and titles. It can turn any book into a bestseller overnight. Even older titles that had quietly gathered dust on bookstore shelves have found a second life, all because a passionate reader decided to scream about them on TikTok.
But BookTok isn’t just about hyped-up bestsellers. It’s a space where niche genres, hidden gems, and deeply personal reading experiences thrive. Whether you’re hunting for trending books from genres that aren’t well-known, you can find something to tingle your tastebuds. From obscure indie titles to dark academia recommendations, the community serves up an endless supply of content tailored to your taste—if you know how to unlock it.
BookTok Isn’t Something You Get but Rather Earn
The word BookTok often misguides people a lot, especially Millennials and those who are further back. It isn’t something you “download” or “sign up for.” It’s something you cultivate. TikTok’s algorithm works like an incredibly well-read bookseller—it watches what you interact with, listens to what you like, and then delivers more of what you enjoy. But for that to happen, you have to train it. The next section will help you do just that.
How to Find the Best Books on BookTok
To get the best books on BookTok, you must first learn how to set it up. By now, you know that BookTok isn’t something you just stumble upon—it’s something you work your way into. But once you’re in, how do you actually find the books that are worth reading? With so many recommendations flying around, you need a strategy. Otherwise, you’ll end up buried under a mountain of overhyped books that may or may not be your thing. Here’s how you find the best books on BookTok without wasting time on ones that don’t fit your taste.
Step 1: Choose Your Genre
Not every viral book on TikTok is going to be a good fit for you. Before diving in, get clear on what you like. Do you prefer fantasy, romance, horror, or thrillers? Maybe you’re into niche genres like dark academia or cozy mysteries. Either way, knowing what you want makes searching for BookTok’s best recommendations a whole lot easier.
And if you’re open to something new, BookTok is one of the best places to discover genres you never thought you’d enjoy. Many readers who swore they’d never read romance are now hooked because BookTok introduced them to authors who do it differently.
Step 2: Search With Keyword Queries Related to Your Genre
Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start searching. TikTok’s search bar is your best friend. Just typing in “best books on BookTok” will give you hundreds of results, but if you want recommendations that actually match your taste, you need to be more specific.
Try searches like:
- “Fantasy books on BookTok that aren’t overhyped”
- “Psychological thrillers BookTok won’t shut up about”
- “Underrated romance books BookTok loves.”
These kinds of searches pull up videos from real readers who are already filtering out the best picks for you. The best part is that you can go even deeper, which is the next step.
Step 3: Be More Specific for Better Results
The more specific you get, the better your recommendations will be. Let’s say you love dark fantasy but don’t want predictable plots—search for “dark fantasy books with morally gray characters” instead of just “fantasy books.” Looking for a romance that isn’t just about fake dating? Search for “romance books with deep emotional plotlines.”
TikTok is loaded with popular BookTok recommendations, but not every book will match your style. The more refined your search, the better your results.
Step 4: Let the Algorithm Grow
Once you start searching and interacting with BookTok posts, TikTok’s algorithm will catch on. It’ll start filling your For You Page (FYP) with creators who have similar tastes, making it even easier to find trending BookTok books that fit your interests. By the time you reach this step, you’ve formed the perfect BookTok Algorithm.
But here’s the key: don’t just scroll past videos—engage with them. Like, comment, follow the creators whose recommendations actually sound good to you. The more you do this, the better TikTok gets at serving up books you’ll actually enjoy. Sounds like a lot of effort, but the results are all the more satisfying.
Step 5: Never Miss Out on Comments and What Others Have to Say
Most people don’t know this, but you should definitely check out the comments on BookTok videos you found interesting. That’s where people share their real opinions—whether a book lives up to the hype or if it was a complete waste of time.
If you’re unsure about a book, read through the comments. You’ll get unfiltered reviews, alternate recommendations, and even warnings about books that aren’t worth your money. This is also where you find the books that haven’t gone viral yet but probably should.
Where Else to Get Book Recommendations?
TikTok is great, but it’s not the only place to find books worth reading. Relying solely on the best books on BookTok can sometimes mean you’re only seeing the same handful of trending BookTok books over and over. If you want variety—or just don’t feel like scrolling through an endless stream of videos—there are other places to look.
1. Google Is Your Best Friend
If you’re not using Google to find book recommendations, you’re making things harder than they need to be. Type in “best books on BookTok,” and you’ll instantly get lists from major bookstores, book review sites, and personal blogs breaking down which books are actually worth reading.
But don’t stop at general searches. Be specific. Looking for something similar to a book you just finished? Search for “books like [title]” and let Google do the work. Need a recommendation for a particular mood? “Books with heartbreaking endings” or “fast-paced thrillers that aren’t predictable” will get you better results.
And if you’re ever unsure whether a book is worth your time, add ‘Reddit’ to your search query. It’ll pull up real discussions from readers who don’t sugarcoat their opinions.
2. Bookstagram Isn’t Far Behind
Instagram’s book-loving community, Bookstagram, is basically BookTok but in photo form. If you prefer reading detailed captions over watching short videos, this is where you should be.
Unlike TikTok, where videos move fast, Bookstagram posts often take their time breaking down what makes a book good (or bad). You’ll find popular BookTok recommendations here too, but the posts usually go deeper, explaining why a book is worth reading instead of just saying that it is.
The best way to start? Follow hashtags like #Bookstagram, #BookRecommendations, and #[YourGenre]Books. This will instantly connect you with readers who share your taste.
3. Reddit Has Some Serious Book Communities
If you want brutally honest book reviews and discussions that go beyond surface-level hype, Reddit is where you need to be. Communities like r/books, r/Fantasy, and r/suggestmeabook are filled with readers who take their recommendations seriously.
The biggest advantage? You can ask for exactly what you want. If you’re in the mood for a romance novel with zero miscommunication tropes or a thriller that doesn’t rely on cheap twists, you’ll get tailored recommendations from people who know their books. Just know that there’s always someone on Reddit who has already asked and answered your query.
And if you’re looking for viral books on TikTok but want to know if they live up to the hype before buying, Reddit’s search bar will pull up plenty of discussions breaking them down.
4. Book Blogs Are Still a Thing
They might not be as trendy as BookTok, but book blogs haven’t gone anywhere. In fact, they’re still some of the best places to find well-thought-out recommendations.
Most book blogs focus on specific genres, meaning you won’t just get a generic “top 10” list—you’ll find curated lists that actually match what you like to read. Many bloggers also include comparisons, like “If you liked this book, you’ll love this one,” making it easier to find new reads based on what you already enjoy.
Not sure where to start? Major sites like Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, and independent book bloggers all have constantly updated lists based on what’s trending.
Final Note
Finding the best books on BookTok doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right approach—like refining your searches, engaging with the algorithm, and exploring comments—you can uncover hidden gems and trending titles that align with your tastes. BookTok isn’t just a trend; it’s a powerful tool for connecting readers with stories that move them, challenge them, and stay with them long after the last page.
FAQs
What is BookTok?
BookTok is a subcommunity on TikTok where readers and book lovers share recommendations, reviews, and reactions to books. It’s known for turning obscure titles into bestsellers and creating a space for niche genres to thrive.
How do I find the best books on BookTok?
Start by searching for specific genres or themes (e.g., “best fantasy books on BookTok”). Engage with videos by liking, commenting, and following creators whose recommendations you enjoy. Over time, TikTok’s algorithm will curate your For You Page (FYP) with tailored book suggestions.
Are all viral books on BookTok worth reading?
Not necessarily. While many viral books are popular for a reason, they might not suit everyone’s taste. Always read comments and reviews to gauge whether a book aligns with your preferences before diving in.
Can I find niche genres on BookTok?
Absolutely! BookTok is a treasure trove for niche genres like dark academia, cozy mysteries, and LGBTQ+ romance. Use specific search terms to uncover books that cater to your unique interests.
How do I train the BookTok algorithm to show me better recommendations?
Engage with content that matches your interests—like, comment, and follow creators who share books you love. The more you interact, the better TikTok becomes at suggesting books tailored to your taste.
