By Tiana Pringley
All it takes is one viral video to make an unknown novel into a global bestseller overnight.
Social media platforms like BookTok are reshaping the way readers discover their next novel, shifting from reading blurbs and shopping at bookstores to online comments and trends.
With over 370 billion views, BookTok has become a powerful driver in the publishing world, especially for Gen Z readers who make up a large portion of the platform’s audience.
University student Matthew Gregory said social media has played a big part in his reading habits by the media drawing him in with engaging descriptions.
“Yes I have, typically because the way people have described the book makes it sound appealing to the genre I like to read or find entertaining,” Gregory said.
While online hype can spark people’s interest, he said he prefers the simple presentation of the book itself before making any final decision.
“I’ll often check the blurb first to see if the book seems interesting for me to read and if I’m having trouble deciding I’ll check some reviews.”
The blend of traditional and digital influences shows a shift in how readers evaluate books before purchasing them.
Gregory said social media does not always accurately represent a book and what it is about.
“I’ve found that sometimes the media might represent a book as one thing when in reality that may only be a couple of chapters,” he said.
Online trends will continue to shape readers’ choices; this can often cause readers to have a sense of missing out.
“I believe online trends have a massive impact on what kinds of books people read.”
Professionals say that hype can preside other readers into titles and explore new genres.
“I think the online hype can make people read something they aren’t used to, but that can be a good thing,” Gregory said.
As social media evolves it is clear that people will no longer be confined to the shelves but they will be shaped by the swipe of a screen.
Featured image: Reading may be analogue but the digital world is dictating our choices. Photo: Tiana Pringley