The most viral books taking TikTok by storm in 2025. From romance to fantasy, explore why these books are trending and how BookTok is revolutionizing reading culture.
Remember when TikTok was just about dance challenges and lip-syncing? Those days are long gone. As a bookworm who’s spent countless hours scrolling through #BookTok, I’ve watched this corner of TikTok transform into a literary phenomenon that’s reshaping the publishing industry. In 2025, #BookTok isn’t just influencing what we read—it’s revolutionizing how we discover, discuss, and devour books.
Table of Contents
The Power of #BookTok: A Publishing Revolution
You might be wondering: how did short-form videos become such a game-changer for the literary world? The answer lies in the perfect storm of authenticity, emotion, and algorithmic magic. When a tearful reader films themselves after finishing “It Ends with Us,” that raw emotion resonates with viewers in a way traditional book reviews never could.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The impact of BookTok on book sales is staggering. Publishers have reported unprecedented spikes in sales for titles that go viral on the platform. What’s particularly fascinating is how BookTok has breathed new life into backlist titles, proving that a good book never really goes out of style—it just needs the right platform to find its audience.
What Makes a Book Go Viral on TikTok?
Through my deep dive into BookTok trends, I’ve identified several key factors that contribute to a book’s viral potential:
1. Emotional Resonance
Books that pack an emotional punch tend to perform exceptionally well. Whether it’s heartbreak, joy, or shock, TikTok creators excel at capturing and sharing these visceral reactions.
2. Binge-worthy plot Elements
Plot twists, spicy scenes, and cliffhangers make for compelling content. When readers can’t put a book down, they’re more likely to create content about it.
3. Aesthetic Appeal
Let’s be honest—books with beautiful covers or special editions get extra attention. The visual nature of TikTok means aesthetically pleasing books often gain traction faster.
The Most Viral Books of 2025 (So Far)
Romance & Contemporary Fiction
📚 “It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover
📖 Genre: Contemporary Romance
💬 Why Everyone Is Reading It: “This book destroyed me in the best possible way. I couldn’t stop crying for hours after finishing it.”
😭 Why BookTok is obsessed: The raw, emotional exploration of difficult relationships and domestic abuse has readers filming their tear-filled reactions. The book tackles heavy themes while maintaining hope, and the plot twists leave readers gasping.
🔗 Where to Buy: [amazon.com]
📚 “Ugly Love” by Colleen Hoover
📖 Genre: Contemporary Romance
💬 Why Everyone Is Reading It: “The emotional damage this book caused… I’ll never recover from Miles Archer.”
😭 Why BookTok is obsessed: The dual timeline narrative and the gradual reveal of the male protagonist’s past keeps readers hooked. The spicy scenes and heart-wrenching backstory create perfect reaction video material.
🔗 Where to Buy: [amazon.com]
📚 “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han
📖 Genre: Young Adult Romance
💬 Why Everyone Is Reading It: “This series perfectly captures what summer love feels like. Team Conrad forever!”
😭 Why BookTok is obsessed: The beach setting, complex love triangle, and coming-of-age story resonate deeply with readers. The Netflix adaptation has only fueled its popularity, creating a feedback loop between show fans and book readers.
🔗 Where to Buy: [amazon.com]
Fantasy
📚 “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series by Sarah J. Maas
📖 Genre: New Adult Fantasy Romance
💬 Why Everyone Is Reading It: “I was not prepared for how this series would take over my entire life. Rhysand has ruined me for all other book boyfriends.”
😭 Why BookTok is obsessed: The series’ transition from Beauty and the Beast retelling to epic fantasy romance captures readers’ imagination. The spicy scenes, complex world-building, and character development create endless content opportunities.
🔗 Where to Buy: [amazon.com]
📚 “From Blood and Ash” series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
📖 Genre: Fantasy Romance
💬 Why Everyone Is Reading It: “The slow burn romance between Poppy and Hawke… I can’t even function properly after reading this.”
😭 Why BookTok is obsessed: The combination of forbidden romance, plot twists, and mythological elements keeps readers engaged. The series’ spicy scenes and dramatic reveals make for viral reaction videos.
🔗 Where to Buy: [amazon.com]
Mystery/Thriller
📚 “Verity” by Colleen Hoover
📖 Genre: Psychological Thriller
💬 Why Everyone Is Reading It: “This book had me questioning everything I thought I knew. That ending still haunts me.”
😭 Why BookTok is obsessed: The genre departure for CoHo surprised readers and the shocking plot twists create perfect reaction video moments. The manuscript chapters within the book provide endless debate material.
🔗 Where to Buy: [amazon.com]
Young Adult
📚 “They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera
📖 Genre: YA Contemporary with Sci-Fi Elements
💬 Why Everyone Is Reading It: “Even though the title tells you what happens, I wasn’t prepared for how emotional this journey would be.”
😭 Why BookTok is obsessed: The premise of knowing when you’ll die creates immediate emotional investment. The LGBTQ+ representation and philosophical questions about life and death spark deep discussions.
🔗 Where to Buy: [amazon.com]
📚 “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson
📖 Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller
💬 Why Everyone Is Reading It: “I couldn’t put this down! The format and investigation had me playing detective the whole time.”
😭 Why BookTok is obsessed: The mixed media format (interviews, transcripts, maps) makes for engaging content. The amateur sleuth angle and dark themes appeal to true crime fans.
🔗 Where to Buy: [amazon.com]
Historical Fiction/Literary
📚 “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
📖 Genre: Historical Fiction/Literary Fiction
💬 Why Everyone Is Reading It: “I knew how it would end but still wasn’t emotionally prepared. This book broke me.”
😭 Why BookTok is obsessed: The tragic love story and beautiful prose create emotional reaction opportunities. The LGBTQ+ representation in classical mythology resonates with modern readers.
🔗 Where to Buy: [amazon.com]
Historical Fiction/Literary
📚 “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston
📖 Genre: Contemporary Romance
💬 Why Everyone Is Reading It: “The enemies-to-lovers trope between a First Son and a Prince? Pure perfection!”
😭 Why BookTok is obsessed: The combination of politics, royal romance, and LGBTQ+ representation creates a perfect storm of viral appeal. The witty banter and emotional depth provide great quote-sharing opportunities.
🔗 Where to Buy: [amazon.com]
Reading Tips from BookTok
For maximum enjoyment of these viral sensations:
- Go in blind! Avoid spoilers to experience the full emotional impact
- Film your reactions to major plot twists (BookTok loves a good reaction video)
- Join reading challenges and buddy reads
- Check trigger warnings before starting (many BookTokers provide these)
- Don’t skip the author’s notes – they often contain crucial insights
Remember: What makes these books viral isn’t just their content, but the shared experience of reading them alongside a community of passionate readers!
The BookTok Effect on Reading Culture
The platform has fundamentally changed how younger generations approach reading. What was once considered a solitary activity has become increasingly social and interactive. BookTok has created a space where readers can:
- Share real-time reactions to plot twists
- Find like-minded readers
- Discover diverse genres and authors
- Participate in virtual book clubs
Impact on Publishing Strategies
Publishers have taken notice of BookTok’s influence, adapting their marketing strategies in several ways:
- Increased focus on social media-friendly cover designs
- Partnership with BookTok influencers
- Development of TikTok-specific marketing campaigns
- Greater attention to emotional storytelling elements
For readers looking to dive into the BookTok phenomenon, here are some tips:
- #BookTok
- #BookRecommendations
- #TikTokBookClub
- #BookishTikTok
Finding Your BookTok Niche
While romance and fantasy dominate the platform, BookTok has something for every reader. Here’s how to find your corner of BookTok:
- Follow creators who share your reading tastes
- Engage with content about books you’ve enjoyed
- Use specific genre hashtags
- Create your own content sharing your reading experiences
Looking Ahead: The Future of BookTok
As we move through 2025, BookTok continues to evolve. New trends emerge regularly, but some key developments are shaping the future of the platform:
Emerging Trends
- Increased focus on diverse voices and representations
- Rise of interactive reading experiences
- Growing influence of micro-reviewers
- Integration of AR/VR elements in book content
Conclusion
BookTok has transformed from a niche community into a powerful force in the publishing industry. Its influence extends beyond mere sales numbers—it’s creating a new generation of passionate readers who engage with books in ways we never imagined possible.
Whether you’re a longtime BookTok enthusiast or just discovering this vibrant community, one thing is clear: the intersection of social media and literature has created something special. It’s not just about finding your next read anymore—it’s about being part of a global conversation about books.
Call to Action
Ready to dive into the world of BookTok? Start with one of the viral reads mentioned above, and don’t forget to share your own reading journey. Who knows? Maybe your reaction video will be the next to go viral.
