Tiktok for authors has launched many books into the limelight – so what happens when the TikTok ban takes effect?
Will authors still be able to use the platform? If not, what should they use for their online book marketing?
Authors are scrambling to figure out what is next with the upcoming demise of BookTok.
But what is BookTok, why is the ban happening, and what are the best TikTok alternatives? Read on to get all those answers and more.
What is booktok?
BookTok is TikTok for authors and readers alike. It is a TikTok subcommunity where users share content related to books. It’s known for its short, engaging videos that feature book recommendations, reviews, discussions, and trends.
The BookTok hashtag (#BookTok) became incredibly popular, and it’s become a major force in influencing book sales and trends, particularly among younger readers.
Many BookTokers give honest, enthusiastic (or sometimes critical) reviews of books they’ve read, making it a great place for readers to discover new titles. Users often post videos recommending books they’ve read, loved, or even disliked, typically with a quick summary and personal take.
Participants in BookTok often engage in reading challenges or trends, such as “Reading this week” or themed book lists, like “Books That Made Me Cry” or “Books I Wish I Could Read Again.”
Certain books, phrases, or themes often go viral on BookTok. For example, a popular book might get a huge spike in sales after a trending BookTok video, and some books have even become bestsellers because of their viral moments on the platform.
Many authors engage with BookTok creators, sharing their own book launches, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content, sometimes even collaborating on videos.
The BookTok community has had a significant impact on the publishing industry. Some books that had previously been overlooked or out of print have gained new life and massive success thanks to BookTok’s influence.
It’s a space where people come together to celebrate their love of reading and often discover new authors and hidden gems.
The TikTok ban explained
In 2024, President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan bill that requires TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform to an American company. If ByteDance doesn’t sell, it’s going to face a ban. This ban is set to take effect on January 19th, 2025.
This bill was signed because lawmakers believe that ByteDance poses a national security threat to the United States.
How does the ban work?
If ByteDance doesn’t sell, then TikTok will be removed from app stores and web-hosting services within the USA. If you already have TikTok downloaded, it won’t disappear from your phone – but you won’t be able to receive updates for it anymore.
This means people will still be able to use TikTok after January 19th, but with the lack of updates, users will slowly start to dwindle until the platform becomes obsolete.
This is unfortunate as many creators use TikTok as their main source of income.
TikTok is the most commonly used platform for influencer marketing, according to a recent report by the Influencer Marketing Hub. They found that 50% of influencer marketers believe TikTok delivers the best return on investment for short-form video content.
Many authors have been using BookTok almost exclusively for book marketing – so what happens when TikTok is no longer usable?
TikTok for authors: what the looming ban means
Before you panic, remember that TikTok for authors isn’t going anywhere right away. It’s not going to suddenly disappear from your phone. But it is time to start thinking about alternatives.
Some of those alternatives already exist. Many people have seen success on Youtube, Patreon, Instagram, and other platforms.
Bookstagram is probably the most closely related to BookTok, and many authors have found success on Insta. Just look up @bookhuddle, @estherfungreads, or @book_reviews_kill and you will see that it’s possible to build a loyal following on Bookstagram.
You don’t have to post book reviews either. You can use the same content you’ve been using on BookTok in Instagram reels.
Of course, there are other platforms on the way. There has already been early buzz around possible replacements for TikTok for authors. Clapper and Neptune are some possible contenders.
While Neptune hasn’t released yet, they are hoping it will be available for beta testing as soon as January 2025, so TikTok users won’t have to wait too long for a good replacement.
Successfully market your book
With a little thought and effort, there are many ways to effectively market your book online. While BookTok has had a great run, it’s not the end-all-be-all for authors. There are certainly other platforms you can use, and people are rushing to fill the void that is sure to be left by TikTok.
If you need a little help with book marketing, you aren’t alone! The team at selfpublishing.com is happy to assist you in your marketing strategy. If you can’t seem to find an audience for your book, reach out to our team today for some help.
