By Harry Pape
In an era where social media dictates trends in fashion, music, and lifestyle, it was only a matter of time before it reshaped the literary world. Enter BookTok, a corner of TikTok where passionate readers share reviews, recommendations, and emotional reactions to their latest literary obsessions. What started as a niche community has now transformed into a powerhouse capable of reviving backlist titles, skyrocketing debut novels, and influencing the reading habits of students across the globe. But how exactly has BookTok impacted student readers, and is its influence a blessing or a burden?
The Rise of BookTok: A Digital Literary Revolution
BookTok emerged organically as users began posting videos of themselves gushing over their favourite books. With its algorithm favouring engagement-heavy content, videos featuring tearful reactions to heartbreaking endings or aesthetic bookshelf tours quickly went viral. Unlike traditional book clubs or literary circles, BookTok offers instant recommendations tailored to individual tastes, making it easy for students to discover their next read with a simple scroll.
Publishers and authors quickly recognised its potential, with major publishing houses now actively collaborating with influencers to market books directly to a younger, digital-savvy audience. The effect? Older books like “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller and “They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera climbed bestseller lists years after their initial release. Meanwhile, debut authors found overnight success through organic hype, with books like “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover dominating bookstore displays thanks to BookTok.
For university students, BookTok serves as both a discovery tool and a community space. Unlike assigned academic reading, which often feels obligatory, BookTok recommendations reignite the joy of reading by promoting books that are engaging, fast-paced, and emotionally resonant.
Many students admit that the transition from childhood reading habits to university workloads caused them to stop reading for pleasure. BookTok, with its engaging recommendations and relatable discussions, has helped reignite that passion. Instead of seeing books as mere study tools, students are rediscovering them as a source of escape and entertainment.
The books that trend on BookTok often fall into categories that evoke strong emotional responses. Whether it’s the heart-wrenching romance of “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara or the thrilling twists of “Verity” by Colleen Hoover, students are drawn to books that promise an emotional rollercoaster. This shift means that deep, character-driven narratives often take precedence over plot-heavy or traditionally “literary” works
BookTok has also widened the scope of popular genres among students. While young adult (YA) fiction and romance remain dominant, the platform has encouraged students to explore fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and even translated literature. Books like “Babel” by R.F. Kuang and “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune have gained traction due to BookTok’s push toward more inclusive and diverse storytelling
With the pressure to keep up with trending books, many students find themselves reading at a faster pace to stay in the loop. The fear of missing out (FOMO) drives readers to devour books quickly so they can participate in discussions before the next viral recommendation takes over. This rapid consumption has both positive and negative effects—while it increases engagement, it can sometimes lead to burnout or surface-level reading rather than deep literary appreciation.
BookTok has revitalized reading culture, making book recommendations more accessible, fostering community engagement, and encouraging students to read more. It has also amplified diverse voices, introducing readers to new perspectives. However, the platform’s influence has drawbacks—overhyped books can disappoint, trending titles often overshadow classics, and the pressure to keep up can make reading feel like a chore. Additionally, the rise of sponsored content raises concerns about the authenticity of recommendations.
BookTok’s influence on student reading habits is undeniable. It has reinvigorated interest in literature, introduced diverse storytelling, and created a digital community where reading feels exciting again. However, like any trend-driven space, it comes with its pitfalls—namely, the potential for overhyped books and the pressure to consume literature at an unrealistic pace.
Ultimately, the key to making the most of BookTok’s influence is balance. Students should embrace the platform’s recommendations but also explore beyond viral titles, diving into lesser-known works and classic literature. Whether BookTok is a fleeting trend or a lasting literary movement remains to be seen, but for now, it’s safe to say it has rewritten the narrative of student reading in the digital age. So, will your next read come from a university reading list or a viral BookTok recommendation? Either way, literature’s presence in student life has never been more dynamic.
Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash
