How Social Media Platforms Like TikTok Are Shaping the Literary World

Social media platforms have often been criticized for their negative impacts on society, but one positive aspect that has emerged is their ability to introduce readers to new and noteworthy books. The annual TikTok Book Awards recently took place in London, shining a spotlight on Fourth Wing, a fantasy novel by U.S. author Rebecca Yarros, which was crowned as the international book of the year. Thanks to its success on TikTok, the book skyrocketed to the top of The New York Times bestseller list, a feat that Yarros credited to the platform in a heartfelt video message.

The rise of TikTok’s #BookTok community has created a space where readers can seek recommendations, share their opinions, and celebrate trending books. Among the winners at the TikTok Book Awards was Lisa Jewell’s None of This Is True, a gripping thriller that explores the dark consequences of a chance meeting between two young women at a local pub. Jewell expressed her surprise at winning book of the year, attributing the success of her novel to the buzz and conversations surrounding it on TikTok.

Empowering Unconventional Voices: Redefining Literary Success

A noteworthy observation made by authors like Jewell is the unexpected popularity of books that they initially viewed as too weird, sinister, or unconventional for mainstream success. This highlights the power of TikTok in amplifying diverse voices and challenging traditional notions of what constitutes a bestselling book. The TikTok Book Awards feature a diverse selection of nominees chosen by a panel of literary and media experts, with the final winners determined by the votes of the #BookTok community.

TikTok reports that the #BookTok hashtag has sparked the creation of over 35 million videos, solidifying its position as one of the largest sub-communities on the platform. The community-driven nature of #BookTok underscores the collaborative spirit of social media platforms in championing reading, creativity, and diverse storytelling. As more authors and readers alike embrace the power of platforms like TikTok, the literary world is witnessing a transformative shift towards inclusivity and innovation.