TikTok's Book community driving a surge in reading among North Americans
In a recent survey conducted in May 2023, TikTok users from the USA and Canada revealed a significant increase in their reading activity. The study, which included 10,000 participants aged 18 to 45, found that Canadians reported a 58% increase, while Americans saw a 60% surge in their reading activity, all attributed to BookTok.
The survey also uncovered regional trends. In Saskatchewan, Canada, reading saw the highest increase at 63%, followed by Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta at 57%. Similarly, in several states across the USA, including Maine, Nebraska, Idaho, Utah, and Kentucky, over 60% of TikTok users reported an increase in reading due to BookTok. Meanwhile, states like California, Nevada, Texas, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Illinois reported over 50% of TikTok users reading more because of BookTok.
The #BookTok community on TikTok has been a driving force behind this revival of reading. With over 1 million posts and 6 billion views within the last 90 days, BookTok has become a vibrant and influential community on the platform.
The survey findings suggest that TikTok and its influencers have contributed to a 9% increase in book sales. This increase has been referred to as the "revival of reading" by some sources.
The success of BookTok underscores the importance of TikTok communities in engaging audiences and driving content impact. Unlike traditional demographic targeting, TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes interest-based community engagement over age or gender demographics. This means that authors who understand the culture and engagement style of the platform can gain significant exposure, potentially catapulting them to greater visibility and sales.
However, for more detailed study findings, one might need to look for academic or industry-specific research reports conducted after mid-2025, as they are not covered by the available data. The insights from the current survey emphasize the qualitative impact of TikTok (and BookTok) on readership, enabling community-driven discovery and significantly enhancing organic reach for some authors.
Blog articles about the revival of reading might highlight the significant role played by BookTok on TikTok, and how it has influenced a 60% surge in reading activity among Americans. The lifestyle section of home-and-garden magazines could delve into this trend, discussing how this increase in reading activity is affecting various regions, such as Maine, Nebraska, and Kentucky, where over 60% of TikTok users are reported to read more due to BookTok. Meanwhile, entertainment blogs can investigate the impact of BookTok on the sales of books, which have seen a 9% increase as reported in the survey findings. Additionally, one might find insightful information about the continued growth of BookTok and its community-driven influence on readers, which makes it an essential platform for authors seeking greater exposure and visibility.
