TikTok, a famous social media app used to create and share short videos through mobile or webcam. It was a major rage, especially during Covid times. We have seen some very creative to hilarious videos. TikTok was banned in India over national security concern in June 2020. I very recently read about something called BookTok. The word book always gets me curious, hence I dug into it.
Apparently BookTok is a sub-community of users on TikTok, focusing on books, everything thing that has to do with books. This community of book lovers is huge and has an effect on world of books.
One would wonder, when there are enough and more websites that give out information and review regarding books and authors, then why be a part of the BookTok community. What happens is that the community puts up videos about a book, which eventually starts trending and gaining popularity on the app. This garners a lot publicity for the book as well as the author. It is now a known fact that the hashtag BookTok not only has millions of views but has also helped boost book sales. Here, not only readers but authors can also promote their work and appeal to the audience in a very untraditional manner.
How do we get started on BookTok as an author?
• Download the app
• Create an account
• Optimise your account by filling in important information: a profile picture, your genre of writing, link to your website or your other social media profiles, also add awards (if you have won any)
• Add in information regarding your interests
• Follow other users, especially using the hashtag BookTok and the genre of your interest
• Start posting, get as creative as you can
• Engage with users you are following or the other way round
The main reason for people to be on TikTok is to be entertained, so keep in mind to create genuinely and good content, only then will you be able to catch the attention of the audience. If you are on the app just as a book lover, then it’s a great platform to root for your favourite author or book.