By Dominic Mackie
BookTok has transformed the world of books for young reader Freya Osterberg.
Osterberg, 21, an occasional reader, said BookTok was the reason “I bought my books, it’s fantastic”.
The term BookTok is widely considered to have started as far back as 2019, popularised by TikTok user kathyellendavis.
But it started to gain traction following the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic when, with more people spending time indoors, they turned to books and, naturally, to social media to discuss the topic.
BookTok is often described as welcoming.
“You all like the same thing,” Osterberg said.
The community’s dedication to the world of books and reading is often shown by using the space to create and share content around the world of their favorite books.
An enquiry about using BookTok drew this response from Osterberg: “Hell yes, I have. Oh my God, that’s how I found my books.”
Her introduction to the world of BookTok came after she completed the romance fantasy novel Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and didn’t know what else to read.
“So, I went to BookTok,” she said. “They’re like, if you’ve read this, you’re going to love this and then it
just spiraled from there.”
Which led her to find the fantasy romance series A Court of Thorns and Roses created by Sarah J Maas.
This popularity has been noticed by authors, resulting in them using the platform to connect with their audience to discuss any suggestions and opinions they might have regarding their books.
They also use the platform to recommend better opinions to fit their readers’ interests, which then helps
with the buying process and the enjoyment of reading.
Freya believes BookTok is beneficial for the occasional reader: “I think it is but in moderation.”
“It can be good, but if you use it too much, you’re not enjoying the moment of reading,” she said.
Featured image: A screenshot of BookTok and (right) an iconic BookTok tome. Photos: Dominic Mackie/Wikimedia Commons