In the last few years, BookTok has emerged as one of the most powerful book-related movements on social media. What started as a small niche community of book lovers on TikTok has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, revolutionizing how people discover and enjoy books. But what makes BookTok so special? Beyond just recommendations, BookTok has created an entire culture around reading, including various rituals that its members use to enhance their reading experience. In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into some of the trending reading rituals on BookTok and explore how you can join in on the fun.
What is BookTok?
Before we dive into reading rituals, let's quickly explore what BookTok is and why it has captured the hearts of so many readers. BookTok is a subcommunity within the broader TikTok platform, where users share videos related to books, reading experiences, and literary discussions. The content is varied: from book reviews and recommendations to creative videos featuring reading challenges, cosplay, and skits inspired by book plots.
Since its rise to popularity, BookTok has influenced everything from book sales to book publishing trends. Publishers and authors now recognize the power of BookTok to boost a book's visibility. Bestsellers like "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid and "It Ends With Us" by Colleen Hoover have seen massive surges in popularity due to viral BookTok videos.
Why are Reading Rituals Important?
Reading rituals serve a much larger purpose than simply setting the mood for a book. They help you engage with your reading more deeply, create a sense of comfort, and bring enjoyment to the overall experience. Whether it’s your favorite beverage, a cozy blanket, or a specific playlist, these rituals offer readers an immersive way to enjoy their books.
BookTok has turned reading into an experience, with rituals that not only add to the atmosphere of reading but also help build a strong sense of community among its members. These rituals are more than just "nice-to-haves" – they’ve become an integral part of the BookTok culture.
Trending BookTok Reading Rituals
1. Setting the Scene: Cozy Reading Nooks
One of the most popular rituals on BookTok is creating the perfect reading environment. BookTok users love to show off their reading nooks, whether it's a cozy corner with plush pillows, a window seat flooded with natural light, or a neatly organized bookshelf. Creating a space that feels comfortable and inviting helps set the tone for reading and encourages people to get lost in a book.
How to Join: You don’t need a fancy reading nook to start. Simply find a space in your home where you feel relaxed – it could be your couch, a chair by the window, or even a cozy blanket fort on the floor. Add some comfy cushions, perhaps a warm throw, and your favorite books nearby to complete the vibe. A warm cup of tea or coffee can be the cherry on top.
2. Reading Ambiance: BookTok Playlist
Another ritual that has become incredibly popular on BookTok is setting the right musical ambiance for reading. Many BookTok users share their curated reading playlists, which are often filled with lo-fi beats, instrumental music, or soundtracks from movies and TV shows. These playlists are designed to help readers immerse themselves in their book without distractions.
How to Join: Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music are great platforms to discover reading playlists. Try searching for "BookTok reading playlists" or "reading music" to find some great options. If you’re feeling creative, you can even create your own playlist that aligns with the vibe of the book you're reading. For example, if you're reading a fantasy novel, you might want to add epic orchestral music to your playlist. If you're reading romance, something soft and melodic might be more fitting.
3. Bookstagram Inspired Setup: Aesthetic Book Photos
BookTok users love sharing aesthetically pleasing content, and a big part of that is creating beautifully styled photos of their books. This includes arranging books in neat stacks, using props like candles, flowers, and mugs, and ensuring that the lighting is just right. The idea is to make the book look as visually appealing as possible, which adds to the overall experience.
How to Join: If you’re a fan of beautiful, curated book aesthetics, this ritual is easy to join in on. Arrange your books in a visually appealing way, and don’t forget to add a few props for that perfect BookTok look. You can share your photos on BookTok, Instagram, or any other social media platform using hashtags like #Bookstagram or #BookTokAesthetic. The key is to have fun with it and make it your own!
4. Reading Challenges: Interactive Engagement
Reading challenges are another major trend that’s taken off on BookTok. These challenges encourage readers to set specific reading goals or complete fun book-related tasks. Some examples include "reading a book with a blue cover," "reading a book that was published in your birth year," or "reading a book you’ve owned but never read."
How to Join: Participating in a reading challenge is a great way to be part of the BookTok community. You can find various challenges online, such as the "Read Your Bookshelf" challenge or seasonal reading challenges like "Summer Reading Bingo." Simply pick a challenge that excites you and share your progress on TikTok, using challenge-specific hashtags to connect with other participants. It’s a fun way to engage with others while motivating yourself to read more.
5. Bookish Aesthetic Videos: ‘BookTok Duets’ and Reactions
Some BookTok users like to create videos that showcase their reactions to specific books, especially if they were emotionally impacted by the story. These videos can feature emotional readings, book reviews, and reactions to plot twists. Others even participate in “BookTok duets” where they respond to someone else’s video with their own thoughts or opinions.
How to Join: Get creative with your BookTok videos! If you love a particular book, you can make a reaction video and share your honest thoughts. Many users also do ‘book hauls’ where they show off their latest book purchases and talk about why they chose them. If you’re camera-shy, don’t worry – many BookTokers use text overlays and background music, which means you don’t even have to speak to create engaging content.
6. Comfort Beverages: Tea, Coffee, and Hot Cocoa
A ritual that is almost universally beloved among BookTok users is enjoying a comforting beverage while reading. Whether it’s a cup of herbal tea, a frothy coffee, or a warm mug of hot cocoa, the idea is to create a sensory experience that pairs well with the book you're reading. Many BookTok users have even dedicated specific drinks to certain genres, such as pairing a spooky novel with pumpkin spice lattes or a sweet romance with a caramel macchiato.
How to Join: Find a drink that feels comforting to you and pairs well with your reading ritual. Some readers enjoy seasonal drinks, like pumpkin spice lattes in the fall or iced teas in the summer, while others prefer classic choices like green tea or black coffee. Try pairing your drink with different genres of books and see what feels best!
7. BookTok’s Impact on TBR Lists: Curated Recommendations
A major part of the BookTok community revolves around sharing recommendations. Whether it’s the latest bestseller or an under-the-radar gem, BookTok has become an influential force when it comes to creating TBR (to-be-read) lists. Users share their thoughts on books they’re excited to read and create video reviews for others to follow.
How to Join: Build your own TBR list and share it with the community. You can make videos about the books you're excited to read, discuss which genres you're into, or review books you've recently finished. BookTok thrives on interaction, so engage with other readers by leaving comments or creating response videos. You might even inspire others to add books to their TBR list!
How to Join the BookTok Community
So, how can you jump on the BookTok bandwagon and start enjoying these rituals?
Create a TikTok Account: The first step is simple – sign up for TikTok if you haven't already. Make sure your account is public so others can find your book-related content.
Use Hashtags: Make your posts discoverable by using popular BookTok hashtags, such as #BookTok, #BookRecommendation, #BookReview, and #Bookstagram. These hashtags help people find content that interests them.
Engage with Others: Like, comment, and share other users’ videos. This creates a sense of community and lets others know you’re actively participating in the BookTok culture.
Be Authentic: BookTok is about genuine passion for books, so make sure to share your authentic opinions. Don’t be afraid to get emotional about a book that moved you or talk about a book you didn’t like.
Have Fun: Remember, BookTok is meant to be fun! Don’t stress about creating the perfect content. Whether it’s posting a quick review or sharing your reading setup, the goal is to enjoy and connect with fellow book lovers.
Final Thoughts
BookTok’s rise in popularity has brought a new, engaging way to celebrate reading. The rituals that have emerged around the community make reading a more immersive and social experience, enhancing the connection between readers and the books they love. Whether you’re looking for a cozy nook, a creative reading playlist, or a bookish challenge to take on, there are plenty of ways to join in the fun.
So, grab your book, set up your reading ritual, and start creating your own BookTok videos! You might just inspire someone else to pick up their next great read. Happy reading!
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