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

So you’re into books, and you’ve been watching BookTok creators blow up… and now you’re wondering, can I really do this too? Honestly, I had the same thought. With the hashtags, the constant posting, and all the TikTok features, it can feel like everyone else already knows the rules.

Good news: it’s not as complicated as it looks. In my experience, you don’t need fancy gear or some perfect “influencer” personality. You just need a clear vibe, a few repeatable video ideas, and the willingness to talk to people in the comments.

Here’s my 10-step playbook to help you start posting BookTok videos that actually get views—and hopefully, a real audience behind them.

Step 1: Create Your BookTok Profile

Your BookTok profile is basically your “cover page.” People decide fast if they want to follow you, so I’d set yours up like you actually care.

First, choose a username that’s easy to remember and clearly book-related. If you’re into thrillers, something like ThrillerReadsWithAmy (or even just ThrillerReadsAmy) makes it obvious what you post. If someone hears your username once, can they spell it? That’s the real test.

Next, upload a profile picture that’s bright and easy to see at small size. In my experience, a clear photo of you (or you holding a book) beats some blurry logo every time. If you don’t want to show your face, a clean shot of your reading setup can work too.

Then write a bio that’s short but specific. Mention your genres and a couple of authors you love. For example: “YA fantasy fanatic + Sarah J. Maas fan”. And yes—BookTok has helped authors explode in popularity. Sarah J. Maas’s books reportedly sold over 4.83 million copies in just six months in 2024, with BookTok influence being a big part of that momentum.

Step 2: Post Short and Engaging Videos

Let’s be real: people scroll fast. So your videos have to grab attention immediately—like within the first 1–2 seconds.

I aim for 15 to 60 seconds because that length keeps most viewers from bouncing. Quick “rapid review” videos, reading reactions, and book hauls tend to do well because they’re easy to watch. If you’re showing a book, don’t wait 10 seconds to say anything. Hold it up and tell people what it is right away.

Here are a few formats I’ve seen work (and that are easy to film):

• Rapid review: “I finished this in one weekend. Here’s why it worked/failed for me…”
• Favorite quote: show the quote on screen, then say what it meant to you.
• Emotional reaction: “No because the ending—how am I supposed to recover?”
• Book haul: 3–5 books, one sentence each about why you picked them.
• Rating + recommendation: “If you like X, you’ll probably love this.”

One example that shows how BookTok can move numbers: a TikTok user’s reaction content around Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us helped push interest from about 21,000 copies in 2016 to 450,000 sold by summer 2021. That’s not just “viral luck”—it’s the combination of emotion + clarity + repeatable reader content.

If you’re staring at your camera wondering what to film next, you can use writing prompts to generate review topics. For example, try this list of realistic fiction writing prompts for fresh story ideas and review angles: realistic fiction writing prompts.

Step 3: Use Popular BookTok Hashtags

Hashtags help TikTok understand who might care. That matters because not everyone who watches you is already following you.

You’ll see big BookTok tags like #BookTok (massive view counts), plus things like #BookRecommendations, #ReadingChallenge, and genre tags like #FantasyBooks, #ThrillerBook, and #RomanceNovels.

Here’s what I do (and what I recommend): mix 1–2 popular hashtags with 2–3 niche ones. Trending hashtags can boost reach fast, but niche ones help you land the right viewers who actually stick around.

Example: if you film a video inspired by your writing session, don’t just use generic tags. Use something that matches the vibe and topic, like #WritingCommunity or a seasonal search term like winter writing prompts. It makes it easier for people who are actively searching that theme to find you.

Also—please don’t hashtag-stuff. Keep it to 3–5 relevant hashtags per video. Cleaner captions feel more human, and your content is more likely to get read, not skipped.

Step 4: Connect With Other BookTok Users

This is one of the fastest ways to build momentum—because BookTok is community-based. But don’t make it weird.

I don’t recommend randomly spamming follows or dropping “follow me” comments. Nobody wants that. Instead, search for accounts posting books you actually read—fantasy readers if you love fantasy, thriller people if that’s your lane, and so on.

Then comment like a real person. If someone reviews a Sarah J. Maas book, don’t just say “good review.” Say what you liked: a character, a scene, a twist, a writing style thing. Even a simple “That moment when X happened? I felt the same” is enough to start a conversation.

In my experience, thoughtful comments can lead to profile visits, follows, and sometimes even collabs. It’s not instant gratification, but it’s real growth.

Step 5: Respond to Comments and Messages

If you want people to stick around, you’ve got to show up after you post.

When someone leaves a comment, reply. When someone messages you, reply. Yes, even if it’s just a quick “Thanks!” or a short answer to their question about pacing, tropes, or whether a book is “worth it.”

I’ve noticed that small back-and-forths make viewers feel seen. And that matters, because BookTok is built on interaction—people don’t just consume, they talk.

Also, TikTok tends to favor profiles that keep engagement flowing. More replies, more meaningful conversations, more time spent on your content. It’s not magic, it’s just how the platform rewards activity.

Step 6: Post Content Regularly

Consistency beats intensity. You don’t need to post every day (unless you want to, of course). But you do need a schedule you can maintain without burning out.

When I started, I aimed for 2–3 videos per week. That was enough to train my audience to expect me, without turning reading into a full-time job.

Good weekly ideas:

• A “books I read this week” roundup
• “Currently reading” progress check
• One recommendation with a clear reason (“I think you’ll like it if you enjoy…”)
• A small bookstore haul (even 2–3 books is fine)

The biggest benefit isn’t just followers—it’s trust. If people know you’ll post regularly, they’re more likely to watch your next video all the way through.

Step 7: Join BookTok Trends and Challenges

Trends move fast on TikTok. If you ignore them completely, you’ll still grow—but you’ll miss some easy visibility.

That said, you don’t have to do every trend. Pick the ones that match your vibe and reading preferences.

For example, when #BlindfoldBookChallenge went around, readers picked their next read blindly from their shelf and then shared their impressions later. It was fun, it was relatable, and it naturally encouraged comments like “Wait, what did you get?”

So ask yourself: does this trend fit your personality? If yes, hop in. If no, skip it and do something that sounds like you. That authenticity is usually what makes people follow.

Step 8: Share a Mix of Book Reviews and Recommendations

Most people land on BookTok because they want their next read. So give them what they’re looking for.

Share honest, short reviews of books you actually read. And yes, it’s okay to say you didn’t like something. I think “I loved it” gets boring fast—viewers want opinions, not corporate summaries.

Try mixing types of content so your page doesn’t feel repetitive. You can do:

• “Thriller that kept me guessing until the last page”
• “Heartwarming romance that surprised me”
• List videos like “Five mystery novels I’d recommend this year”
• “Books I stayed up too late reading”

Seasonal content helps too. Around October, for instance, you could share themed horror story plot ideas (or “best spooky reads” lists). People love searching for content that matches the mood of the month.

Step 9: Use TikTok Tools Like Stitch and Duet

If you want more interaction without constantly creating brand-new ideas, Stitch and Duet are your friends.

Stitch lets you clip someone else’s video and add your reaction or continuation. It’s perfect for responding to a hot take, adding context, or starting a mini discussion. Just make sure your response is actually thoughtful—no dunking for the sake of it.

Duet plays videos side-by-side, which is great for reactions or reading-along content.

Here’s a real example: if someone posts a polarizing review of Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends With Us”, you could duet your response—maybe “Here’s what I think they got wrong” or “I felt totally differently because…” That kind of debate can pull in viewers who like your perspective.

Bottom line: these tools encourage engagement and can help you build relationships faster because you’re showing you’re part of the conversation.

Step 10: Set Goals to Grow Your BookTok Audience

BookTok growth isn’t just “post and hope.” Even a little planning helps.

Start small. I like goals like:

• “Hit my first 1,000 followers”
• “Get 20% more comments next month”
• “Average at least 500 views per video by the end of week 4”

When you reach a goal, adjust it. Growth should feel like a series of wins, not one long grind.

You can also set content goals, like collaborating with other BookTokers, creating a monthly reading challenge, or sharing practical advice (for example, insights on becoming a children’s book author). Those “value” posts often attract followers who stick around for more than just one viral moment.

Track what matters, keep your goals realistic, and you’ll find your momentum builds.

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