BookTok and the rebellion of reading: How TikTok is saving books (and our souls)
Once upon a time, in a world increasingly ruled by glowing screens and endless scrolls, I mourned the seemingly inevitable demise of physical books and the cozy sanctuaries known as bookstores. The alarming global addiction to social media and smartphones felt like a suffocating tidal wave, threatening to drown the quiet joy of flipping through paper pages.
But then, in a twist so unexpected it could only be described as magical realism, TikTok—yes, TikTok—emerged as an unlikely hero, breathing new life into the world of books.
Who could have predicted that the app of dancing teens and viral memes would become the savior of literature? Yet here we are, in the age of #BookTok, where books are not just surviving but thriving.
Let’s be honest: TikTok is a digital carnival, a kaleidoscope of 15-second dopamine hits. It’s where you can learn a dance move, watch a cat play the piano, and witness a stranger’s existential crisis—all before your morning coffee and pandesal.
But amidst this chaotic circus, a quiet rebellion has taken root. Enter #BookTok, the corner of TikTok where bibliophiles gather to gush about their favorite reads.
What began as a niche community has blossomed into a global movement, reviving bookstores, reigniting passion for reading, and even making young adult fiction cool again. (Yes, even the ones with sparkly vampires.)
@jlrobinsonxo #acotar #acomaf #sjm #booktok ♬ well this is gonna be my personality - Ted Nivison
If TikTok existed during José Rizal’s time, would #BookTok have saved Ibarra from exile, or would Capitan Tiago have banned TikTok dances at his house? One can only wonder.
The numbers are staggering. The #BookTok hashtag has racked up over 200 billion views (and counting), transforming obscure titles into overnight sensations. Books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, It Ends with Us, and We Were Liars have become cultural phenomena, thanks to passionate readers who create viral videos featuring dramatic reenactments, tearful reviews, and perfectly curated playlists.
These aren’t just book recommendations; they’re performances, love letters to literature that resonate with millions. The New York Times even declared TikTok a “best-seller machine,” and honestly, who are we to argue with the Times?
But #BookTok’s impact goes beyond sales. It’s a refreshing cultural reset, a reminder that reading is more than a pastime — it’s an act of rebellion. In a world often defined by cynicism, corruption and moral ambiguity, books are a lifeline. They awaken our consciousness, stir our social conscience, and remind us of our shared humanity.
That street kid knocking on our car window, that elderly beggar on the sidewalk, that late-night Sampaguita garland peddler? They’re no longer just background characters in our lives; they’re stories waiting to be told, lives waiting to be understood. Reading is empathy in action, and #BookTok is spreading that message like wildfire.
And let’s not forget the magic of books. Reading is alchemy, transforming ink and paper into worlds that inspire, challenge and heal. It’s a portal to other lives, other realities, other boundless possibilities.
Imagine #BookTok introducing a new generation to Noli Me Tangere or Dekada ’70—could we be witnessing a renaissance of Philippine literature, one viral video at a time?
@si_gelooo Dekada '70 and Bata...Bata Paano Ka Ginawa by Lualhati Bautista book review There's great news at the end of this video😍 #SulitSaNBS #SulitReads #LakingNational #booktok #books #bookworm #bookrecommendations ♬ original sound - I'm blue 💙📚
My late mother said those who don’t read are missing out on one of life’s greatest joys—a fact that #BookTok is helping to remedy, one viral video at a time. It’s as if TikTok has become the Oprah Winfrey of the social media age, wielding its influence to champion books and readers alike. Who needs a book club when TikTok’s turning casual readers into full-fledged librarians — minus the shushing?
Speaking of magic, The Philippine Book Festival is just around the corner, and it promises to be a celebration of all things literary.
Running from March 13 to 16 at SM Megamall, this year’s festival is “more than a marketplace,” according to the National Book Development Board. It’s a love letter to the Philippine book industry, showcasing local talent through live murals, film screenings, poetry contests, and writing workshops.
With themes inspired by Philippine fiestas—like Pahiyas for educational books and Dinagyang for children’s literature—the festival is a testament to the vibrant creativity of Filipino writers and artists. It’s a reminder that books are not just objects; they’re cultural treasures, vessels of stories that connect us to our past, present and future.
So, what’s the takeaway? In an age dominated by short-form content and instant gratification, #BookTok is proof that the written word still holds power. It’s a rebellion against the superficial, a gateway to empathy, and a source of endless inspiration.
Whether you’re a seasoned bibliophile or a casual reader, there’s never been a better time to pick up a book and join the reading revolution.
So go ahead—flip a page, open a portal, and let a book change your life. #BookTok didn’t just save books; it reminded us why we fell in love with them in the first place.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a bookstore and a #BookTok recommendation. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even film a dramatic reenactment. #SorryNotSorry.
