How TikTok’s #BookTok Revolution Is Transforming Reading Habits Across North America
TikTok’s literary corner, widely known as #BookTok, has exploded in popularity, reshaping how people engage with books across the United States and Canada. In the past 90 days alone, #BookTok content has generated over one million posts and amassed an astonishing six billion views globally. This vibrant online community is fueling a wave of renewed enthusiasm for reading, confirmed by more than 20,000 monthly Google searches in North America for ‘BookTok’ and related recommendations.
This article uncovers the findings of a comprehensive survey of 10,000 TikTok users, designed to quantify the extent and nature of BookTok’s impact on reading habits throughout these two countries.
The Reading Renaissance Sparked by BookTok
Despite periodic controversy, TikTok’s influence on reading culture is undeniable. Influencers and everyday users alike are driving a dramatic change in how—and how much—people read. According to a Forbes report published in 2022, print book sales surged by 9%, with much of this growth attributed to viral BookTok trends and creators.
Our survey mirrored these shifts, revealing that nearly half of all TikTok users surveyed in the U.S. (48%) are reading more books thanks to BookTok recommendations. In Canada, this effect is even stronger, with 53% of users reporting increased reading. On average, Americans have boosted their reading volume by 60% after discovering BookTok, translating a typical yearly pace of 12 books into roughly 19 books post-BookTok. Canadian readers increased their annual reading by 58%, seeing similar jumps.
Regional Insights: Where BookTok’s Impact Is Strongest
To better understand the geographic spread of BookTok’s influence, survey data was analyzed region by region, pinpointing states and provinces where readers have changed their habits most dramatically.
The uptick in reading is not isolated—every surveyed state and province saw notable increases. States such as Maine, Nebraska, Idaho, Utah, and Kentucky stood out, with over 60% of TikTok users there reporting heightened interest in books. Major states like California, Texas, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Illinois also recorded strong boosts, with over half of their respondents increasing their reading.
Canadian provinces followed this trend closely. Saskatchewan led with 63% of TikTok users reading more since engaging with BookTok, while Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta each saw over 57% of users citing BookTok as their reason for picking up extra books.
Key Findings: BookTok’s Measurable Effects
Summarizing the research, several significant patterns emerge:
– In the United States, 48% of TikTok participants credited BookTok with encouraging them to read more, with those readers increasing their book consumption by an average of 60%.
– Among Canadian TikTok users, 53% read more books due to BookTok’s influence, reporting a 58% jump in reading volume.
– An impressive 65% of TikTok users across both countries have picked up at least one book solely because it was recommended by the BookTok community.
How This BookTok Study Was Conducted
This analysis stems from a survey carried out in May 2023, targeting 10,000 TikTok users aged 18 to 45 in the U.S. and Canada. Participants were asked if their reading habits had changed due to BookTok and, if so, by how much. All respondents were also surveyed about whether they’d selected a book after seeing it recommended on BookTok. Location data provided additional insight into regional trends, giving a comprehensive view of BookTok’s spread and impact.
Conclusion: BookTok’s Growing Role in Modern Reading Culture
BookTok has established itself as a powerful force, reinvigorating reading and driving book sales for a new generation of North American readers. As the numbers show, communities online now play a pivotal role in what people read and how often they do so, uniting readers across regions and fueling a modern reading revival.
