Books have always had the power to connect readers to the story worlds created by simple words. Fantasies, romances and mysteries remained well-known genres within the readers’ bubble. However, especially after the pandemic, the rise of the TikTok app made books even more popular outside the reading community.
BookTok, a popular term among Gen Z and TikTok users, became a section of the app where readers recorded 60-second videos on their accounts, sharing book recommendations and reviews of the stories they read. Since the videos were public, the curiosity of those unfamiliar with reading sparked interest in the unique stories shared on the app.
Paige Galvin, sophomore English major, shared her opinion on why TikTok popularized the habit of reading, especially for those unfamiliar with it.
“TikTok amplified reading because it shed light on a different genre that is appealing to even entry-level readers—stories that are easy to read and binge. When you see other people recommending books, plus the fan art, it draws you in,” Galvin said. “However, I believe in the importance of critical thinking and the value of books outside of entertainment, which can be found in more challenging classics and fictional novels. I don’t believe TikTok has promoted this as much, and these readers often stick to the same genre.”
TikTok and social media’s effect on the reading community expanded further than many imagined. Still, people wonder whether books’ popularity would have taken a different direction without these apps.
Madison Sharp, junior English major, shared her thoughts on whether entry-level readers would be less interested in books if these apps didn’t exist.
“I’m sure that would be the case for some people. The butterfly effect works in crazy ways, but you could say that for anything. Just because someone found their love of reading through TikTok doesn’t mean they would not have found it in a different way,” Sharp said. “God finds any way to introduce passions, whether they exist or not.”
TikTok also brought recognition not only to books but to bookstores. Seeking a full reading experience, Gen Z publicized bookstores through viral short videos. With the perfect book and a coffee in hand, young adults found a new place of comfort among words and imagination.
While sharing her opinion about this new era in literature, Jessica Slinker, adjunct professor of English, explained why bookstores gained more recognition after the rise of books on social media.
“I do think that these platforms gave bookstores more recognition because they make them more visible, like Barnes & Noble making a comeback. All those bookstores—even the local ones—are getting more recognition because of the visibility of reading on social media,” Slinker said. “The fact that we see more people talking about their favorite books or posting a vlog of them going to their local bookstore, getting coffee, and reading a book definitely made people pay more attention to bookstores.”
TikTok’s impact on literature marked the beginning of a new era. Despite its benefits to the reading community, it also brought consequences. Slinker explained the impact social media had on literature—and the positives and negatives that came with it.
“I think that, especially for Gen Z, social media has helped to increase and encourage young adults to want to read. I can see that because of my little sister.” Slinker said. “Even though I’m an English [professor], I can accept that there are classical and popular literature. In terms of attention span, that is my one hold-up. I think that sometimes, because of social media, attention span has decreased to the point where it is hard to focus on reading for a long period of time. But in total, I don’t think it’s been more harmful—these apps can be used to make literature more well-known.”
By amplifying access to new stories and introducing people to a new hobby, TikTok reminded readers that social media can bring good when used well. Opening doors to a new age of literature, social media introduced a world of expanding creativity and imagination.
