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In recent years, TikTok has emerged as a powerful force influencing reading habits, with many people discovering new books through viral recommendations on the platform rather than traditional bestseller lists or bookstore displays. The hashtag #BookTok has amassed over 77 million posts, featuring creators who share quick reviews and passionate reactions, shaping what audiences choose to read at a remarkable scale. This trend has now been recognized officially with the introduction of the United Kingdom’s first dedicated #BookTok bestseller chart.
This innovative chart is created through a collaboration between Media Control and NielsenIQ BookData, the same organizations responsible for established lists like the Sunday Times bestseller chart. The new ranking blends conventional UK book sales figures with an analysis of engagement under the #BookTok hashtag, producing a unique combination that reflects both commercial success and social media buzz. The inaugural top 20 is notable for being exclusively authored by women, with Irish writer Chloe Walsh standing out prominently due to the presence of all six books from her Boys of Tommen series on the list. These novels explore themes of youth, love, friendship, and trauma within the setting of a private school.
The BookTok chart also highlights how the platform can revive interest in older works, as exemplified by Donna Tartt’s 1992 novel, The Secret History, which has attracted a fresh readership following its viral popularity on TikTok. Additionally, many of the books featured are tied to screen adaptations—such as Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us and Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing—illustrating the crossover between social media-fuelled book sales and multimedia projects. The chart is largely shaped by the genre known as “romantasy,” a blend of romance and fantasy, with authors like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros frequently appearing. Influencers Kris and Mads explain that romantasy’s dominance reflects the genre’s accessibility and the highly engaged fan communities who actively share their enthusiasm and theories, maintaining reader interest over time.
Industry insiders and readers alike confirm the changing landscape of book discovery. According to Lucy Stewart of Hodder & Stoughton, TikTok has boosted the visibility and respect for often overlooked genres such as romance, allowing for “more accessible celebrations of reading and book-buying.” For everyday readers like Amy from Hampshire, TikTok serves as a dynamic platform for exploring new genres and overcoming reading slumps through its engaging community recommendations. While traditional bestseller charts remain relevant, the rise of BookTok signals a meaningful shift, with NielsenIQ BookData attributing around 11 million book sales in the UK during 2025 to BookTok’s influence, representing approximately 6% of the total market. Publishers and marketers recognize TikTok’s role as a trend spotter that can spark rapid sales, though they also emphasize the ongoing importance of conventional marketing and review channels to reach diverse audiences and sustain momentum across the book industry
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