The Rise of BookTok: How TikTok is Transforming Literary Trends and Reader Communities

Abstract BookTok, a subcommunity on the social media platform TikTok, has emerged as a powerful force in the literary world. What began as a space for readers to share brief book reviews and emotional reactions has evolved into a vibrant community that influences publishing trends, revives older titles, and redefines the relationship between readers and authors. This paper explores how BookTok is reshaping reading habits, transforming the publishing industry, and building new kinds of literary communities—particularly among Gen Z.