By Sarah McMinn, Contributing Writer
At Saint Leo University, the rise of BookTok is not just reshaping reading habits but revolutionizing the literary landscape itself.
Emma Garret, a sophomore student majoring in English, is the founder of the campus’s student book club, “A Novel Idea”. The club is at the forefront of this trend, highlighting how the TikTok community’s vibrant recommendations are encouraging students to explore new genres and authors, all while transforming the way books are marketed and discovered.
BookTok, a sub-community on TikTok focused on book recommendations and literary discussions, has gained significant traction in recent years.
Emma Garret has witnessed firsthand the transformative influence of BookTok on reading habits.
Garret said, “I first discovered BookTok when Chloe Gang gained popularity. I came across an article that highlighted the differences between various social media platforms and the impact it had with book reviews, I know TikTok’s is more fluid to the user.”
TikTok’s algorithm is designed to present users with content that aligns with their preferences, which is achieved through a sophisticated recommendation system. This system tracks user interactions—such as the videos they like, share, and comment on—to curate a personalized feed.
As a result, users frequently encounter recurring themes and topics that resonate with their individual tastes. This personalized content delivery has proven particularly influential in the realm of literature, where BookTok has emerged as a powerful force in shaping reading habits.
“The platform has definitely influenced my reading choices in a positive way. I was recommended The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, I might not have picked up otherwise. Seeing the strong emotional connections that others had with the book caught my interest” said Garret.
This sentiment is echoed by many users who have found themselves exploring genres and authors they might not have otherwise considered, thanks to the engaging and enthusiastic recommendations shared on BookTok.
The visibility afforded to books through BookTok reviews and recommendations can greatly enhance an author’s chance of reaching a wider audience.
Garret commented, “The increased exposure provided by BookTok creates new opportunities for authors. The platform’s ability to rapidly disseminate book recommendations means that more authors have a chance to gain traction.”
This dynamic has led to a noticeable shift in how books are marketed and discovered. Authors and publishers are increasingly recognizing the value of engaging with the BookTok community.
BookTok’s influence has led to a surge in the popularity of books that might have otherwise gone unnoticed in traditional marketing channels. This phenomenon highlights the growing role of social media in influencing literary trends and reader preferences.
BookTok’s rise underscores the evolving landscape of literature and social media. By offering a platform where readers can share their recommendations and experiences, BookTok has become a significant force in shaping reading habits and promoting literary works.
Its impact on both readers and authors illustrates the broader implications of social media’s role in modern culture.
To share some of your reading insights, the student run book club “A Novel Idea” meets the first Monday of every month in the Daniel A. Cannon Memorial Library at 5 p.m.
