Social media has often been criticized for its negative effects, but one positive aspect is its ability to introduce readers to exceptional books. The annual TikTok Book Awards recently took place in London, where Fourth Wing, a fantasy novel by U.S. author Rebecca Yarros, was named the international book of the year. The book gained incredible popularity on TikTok, ultimately reaching the No. 1 spot on The New York Times bestseller list. Yarros expressed her gratitude for the TikTok community in a video message, emphasizing the vital role of the platform in the book’s success.
Readers on TikTok actively seek recommendations and engage in discussions about trending books. Lisa Jewell’s None of This Is True was honored as the book of the year at the awards ceremony. This thrilling novel follows the story of two young women whose casual encounter at a local pub leads to dark consequences. Jewell was ecstatic about the recognition, acknowledging the buzz surrounding her book on TikTok. She admitted to being surprised by the overwhelming positive response from the community.
Interestingly, some authors found that their most unconventional and daring works resonated the most with TikTok users. Stories that were initially perceived as “weird”, “sinister”, or “creepy” became popular favorites on the platform. This phenomenon highlights the diverse tastes and openness of the #BookTok community. The selection process at the TikTok Book Awards involves a panel of experts from the literary and media fields creating a shortlist. However, the final winners are determined through online voting by the community, demonstrating the democratic nature of the awards.
TikTok reports that over 35 million videos have been created using the hashtag “BookTok”, showcasing the enthusiastic engagement of readers with literature on the platform. The massive reach and influence of the #BookTok community have made it one of the most significant sub-communities on TikTok. The platform has become a powerful tool for book recommendations, amplifying the visibility of unique and compelling stories to a global audience. Social media, particularly TikTok, has revolutionized the way readers discover and share their love for books, creating a vibrant and inclusive literary community online.