The BookTok Effect: How Social Media Is Changing What We Read

By Anna Noia

Photo by Miah Lessner

From emotional reactions to aesthetic edits, BookTok has transformed the way readers discover new books. What once relied on reviews or word of mouth is now driven by short videos that can turn a title into an overnight success. For many, scrolling through their For You page has become the starting point of their reading journey. But as certain books dominate the platform, questions begin to emerge about influence, visibility, and the power behind viral trends. Is BookTok simply reflecting readers’ tastes, or actively shaping them? And what does this mean for the future of reading and publishing?

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