BookTok: How to use TikTok trends to find your next read
If you've been on TikTok in the last few years, you've probably seen videos with the hashtag #BookTok. This community of readers has revolutionized the publishing industry, turning books into viral bestsellers and creating new ways to discover reading. But what exactly is BookTok and how can you use it to find your next favorite book?
In this complete guide, we explain everything about BookTok: what it is, how it works, the most popular books on BookTok in 2025, and how to combine these social trends with personalized recommendations to find exactly what you're looking for.
What is BookTok?
BookTok is a community within TikTok where users share, recommend and discuss books. It is not a standard list of books, but a dynamic social trend that is constantly changing. Content creators post short videos where:
- They recommend books that they liked
- They make emotional and sincere reviews
- Share their reactions while reading
- They create thematic lists (books that will make you cry, romance books, thrillers, etc.)
- They discuss theories and spoilers for popular sagas
The impact of BookTok has been enormous: it has boosted book sales by more than 700% in some cases, and many titles that were out of print have returned to print thanks to the popularity on this platform.
Most popular books on BookTok in 2025
Although BookTok trends are constantly changing, these are some of the most popular and talked about books on the platform during 2025. These titles have generated millions of views, reviews and recommendations:
1. Cuarta ala (Fourth Wing)
This phenomenon of romantasy (romance + fantasy) has been one of the most viral books on BookTok. It combines dragons, a dangerous military academy, intense romance and a strong protagonist. If you like epic sagas with romantic chemistry, this is your book. The second part, "Iron Force", has also been a massive success.
2. Romper el círculo (It Ends With Us)
Colleen Hoover is probably the most mentioned author on BookTok, and "Breaking the Circle" is her most viral work. This contemporary romance novel addresses deep themes such as domestic abuse, love, and self-improvement. It is an emotionally intense read that has made millions of readers cry.
3. Una corte de rosas y espinas (A Court of Thorns and Roses)
This romantic fantasy saga has been described as a mix between "Beauty and the Beast" and "Game of Thrones." With over 5 books in the series, it has generated a massive community of fans on BookTok who discuss theories, ships (favorite couples), and analyze every detail of the plot.
4. Los siete maridos de Evelyn Hugo
This historical fiction novel has been one of the most recommended books on BookTok. It tells the story of a Hollywood movie star who decides to tell his life story to an unknown journalist. With intrigue, glamour, secrets, and significant LGBTQ+ representation, it has captured the attention of millions of readers.
5. Érase una vez un corazón roto (Once Upon a Broken Heart)
If you liked "Caraval", you will love this spin-off. A modern fairy tale full of magic, romance and complex characters. The trilogy has been extremely popular on BookTok, especially among readers looking for fantasy with fairy tale elements.
6. La canción de Aquiles
This retelling of "The Iliad" from Patroclus' perspective has resurfaced massively on BookTok. A story of love, war and Greek mythology that has made millions cry. Although it was published in 2011, BookTok has made it a bestseller again.
7. La Asistenta
This psychological thriller has been a massive hit on BookTok, especially among lovers of the genre. With more than 14,500 reviews on Amazon and an average rating of 4.3, it has been one of the most recommended thrillers of 2025.
8. La biblioteca de medianoche
A contemporary fiction novel that invites reflection on life's decisions and the infinite possibilities that arise. It has been especially popular with readers looking for stories with deep messages about life and purpose.
Limitations of only following BookTok trends
Although BookTok is great for discovering new books, it has some important limitations:
- Trends are constantly changing: What's popular today may not be popular tomorrow, and it can be hard to keep up.
- Not all popular books are for everyone: A viral book may not match your personal tastes, current mood, or reading preferences.
- It can be overwhelming: With thousands of recommendations daily, it can be hard to know where to start or what book you'll really like.
- Lack of customization: BookTok recommendations are general, not tailored to your specific situation, reading goals, or unique preferences.
- It can create social pressure: Feeling that you "should" read certain books because they are trending can take the pleasure out of reading.
How to combine BookTok with personalized recommendations
The best strategy is to use BookTok as a starting point for discovering books, and then complement it with a personalized book recommender like Hikari Books. Here we explain how:
1. Use BookTok to discover genres and styles
BookTok is excellent for discovering new genres or styles that you didn't know about. For example, if you watch a lot of videos about "romantasy" and are interested, you can use our recommender to find more books in that genre tailored to your specific preferences.
2. Find books similar to those on BookTok
If you liked a BookTok book, you can use our recommender to find similar books. For example, if you loved "Fourth Wing," you can ask the recommender, "I want books similar to Fourth Wing: fantasy with dragons, intense romance, and strong protagonist." The recommender will give you personalized options based on your specific preferences.
3. Combine trends with your current needs
While BookTok shows you what's popular, a personalized recommender can help you find books that fit your current mood, reading goals, or personal circumstances. For example, you can search for "personal development books similar to BookTok but more focused on productivity."
4. Avoid the pressure of trends
Don't feel like you have to read all the trending books. Use BookTok for inspiration, but rely on a personalized recommender to find books you'll really enjoy, regardless of whether they're popular or not.
Advantages of personalized recommendations vs trends
Although BookTok is great, personalized recommendations have unique advantages:
- Adapted to you: They consider your specific tastes, your current mood, and your reading goals.
- No social pressure: There is no pressure to follow trends; only books that really interest you.
- Discovery of hidden gems: You can find incredible books that are not trending but are perfect for you.
- Flexibility: You can refine your searches and obtain increasingly precise recommendations.
- Variety: You are not limited to what is popular; you can explore any genre, theme or style.
Conclusion: BookTok as inspiration, personalization as solution
BookTok is an amazing tool to discover books and connect with a community of passionate readers. Popular books on BookTok can be great starting points, but remember that the best reads are those that resonate with you personally, not just those that are trending.
The perfect combination is to use BookTok for inspiration and discovery, and then use a personalized recommender like Hikari Books to find books tailored specifically to you. This way you get the best of both worlds: the excitement of social trends and the precision of personalized recommendations.
If you want to explore more about how to find your next read, you can read our guide on how to use a book recommender or see other articles on personal development books.
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