How to Start a Bookish Social Media Account (BookTok, Bookstagram, BookTube)

Welcome to the wonderful world of bookish social media – a place where stories come to life, bookshelves become backdrops, and bookworms become creators. Whether it’s dreamy book photos on Instagram, witty book reviews on TikTok, or long-form discussions on YouTube, there’s a whole universe out there waiting for you to join in.

If you’re passionate about books and curious about starting your own Bookstagram, BookTok, or even a BookTube channel, you’re in the right place. Not only is it a brilliant way to connect with fellow book lovers, but it can also be a creative stepping stone into a book-related side hustle (or even a full-time gig – imagine that!).

Let’s explore how to kickstart your journey, build an audience, and potentially make some money while doing what you love – all things books.

 

1. Pick the Right Platform for Your Personality

First things first - where should you post? Each platform has its own vibe, audience, and style of content. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Bookstagram (Instagram)

• Best for: Beautiful book photos, aesthetic feeds, cosy vibes
• You’ll love it if: You enjoy photography, creating flatlays, and sharing reviews in captions.

BookTok (TikTok)

• Best for: Short, snappy videos, viral trends, emotional recommendations
• You’ll love it if: You like talking about books face to camera, using trending sounds, or making quick lists (e.g. “5 books that broke me”).

BookTube (YouTube)

• Best for: In-depth reviews, book hauls, reading vlogs
• You’ll love it if: You have lots to say and enjoy editing longer videos and chatting on camera.

Still unsure? Try dipping your toes in more than one - many creators cross-post content and tweak it slightly to suit each platform.

 

2. Craft a Memorable Bookish Brand

Once you’ve picked your platform(s), it’s time to build your identity – your own cosy corner of the internet.

Bookstagram Name Ideas

Your username is your first impression, so make it count! Here are a few ideas to spark inspiration: @TheLitLounge @FictionAddict_ @PagesAndPints @ReadingWithRae @BooksAndBrews @ShelfIndulgence

Tip: Pick a name that reflects your personality or favourite genre, and check availability across platforms to keep things consistent.

Create a Charming Bio

Whether you’re on Insta, TikTok or YouTube, your bio is your elevator pitch. Include:

• Your favourite genres
• A fun bookish quote or emoji
• A call to action (e.g. “DM for collabs” or “Watch my latest book haul!”)

Develop a Visual Style

Bookstagram in particular thrives on aesthetic feeds. Pick 2-3 brand colours, use the same filters, and experiment with props (mugs, fairy lights, bookmarks – you name it). You can even design a simple logo using Canva to give your page a polished look.

 

3. Create Captivating Bookish Content

Let’s get to the heart of it: sharing your love for books. Here’s how to tailor your content depending on your platform.

Bookstagram Post Ideas

• Flatlays with your current read
• Monthly TBR (To Be Read) stacks
• Mini reviews in your captions
• Bookstore visits or library hauls
• Quotes from your favourite reads
• “Books & coffee” mornings
• Shelfies (aka shelf photos!)

Don’t forget good lighting, clear images, and a bit of personal flair. Add props that suit the book’s vibe – candles for a thriller, seashells for a beach read, and so on.

How to Start a BookTok Account

• Step 1: Set up a creator account on TikTok
• Step 2: Pick a niche (romance reads, dark academia, fantasy, etc.)
• Step 3: Start filming short videos – reviews, hauls, unboxings
• Step 4: Use popular sounds, relevant hashtags, and jump on trends
• Step 5: Post consistently (3–5 times per week is ideal!)

Tip: BookTok thrives on emotion – if a book wrecked you, say so! Authentic reactions = engagement.

BookTube Basics

• Start with simple videos: “My Top 5 Fantasy Books”, “April Reading Wrap-Up”, or “Books That Changed My Life”.
• Use clear thumbnails with bold text and facial expressions.
• Plan your videos with loose scripts and edit to keep things engaging.
• Be yourself – people are subscribing for you, not just your bookshelf.

 

4. Grow Your Audience Organically

Building a following takes time, but here are some proven ways to boost your reach:

• Use bookish hashtags like #BookstagramUK, #BookTokMadeMeBuyIt, or genre-specific tags like #FantasyReads
• Engage with others: comment, like, and reply to DMs
• Join in with reading challenges and monthly prompts
• Collaborate with other creators – cross shoutouts and buddy reads are great fun!
• Share behind the scenes content: your messy TBR pile, your filming setup, or your daily reading habits

 

5. How to Make Money from Bookish Content

This is where things get exciting – and it ties in nicely with our guide to book-related side hustles.

Here’s how creators are making cash from their bookish platforms:

• Affiliate Links: Promote books through sites like Bookshop.org or Amazon – earn commission when someone buys through your link.
• Sponsored Posts: Partner with publishers, authors, or book boxes to promote new releases (free books and payment? Yes please!)
• Merch: Sell bookmarks, stickers, tote bags or digital downloads (like reading trackers).
• Crowdfunding: Platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi let followers support you monthly – in return, offer exclusive content or book club access.
• Sell Your Books: Declutter your shelf and make cash by selling used books (we can help with that!).

 

6. Best Bookish Accounts to Follow for Inspiration

Want to see what’s possible? Here are a few brilliant creators to check out:

Some of The Best BookTok Accounts

• Ayman's Books (@aymansbooks): Ayman captivates her audience with humorous and relatable content about her reading experiences, delving into popular tropes and offering insights into her extensive library.​
• Abby's Books (@abbysbooks): Abby engages her followers with content focusing on genres like high fantasy, known for her humorous approach and collaborations with authors such as Cassandra Clare.​
• Amy Jordan (@amyjordanj): Based in the UK, Amy gained popularity with unique content, including teasing book pages before revealing covers, creating an air of mystery around her recommendations.​
• Sydney's Books (@sydneyyybooks): Sydney specialises in mysteries, thrillers, and plot twists, and has established the 'Thriller Lovers Book Club' to engage with fellow enthusiasts.​
• Cait's Books (@caitbooks): Cait Jacobs, a queer author and creator, is among the original developers of BookTok, sharing her passion for language and literature through widely shared reviews and discussions.

Some of The Best Bookstagram Accounts

• @theguywiththebook: Faroukh's account is a haven for book lovers, featuring a mix of book reviews, recommendations, and aesthetically pleasing book photography.​
• @bookishbronte: Bronte's feed is a delightful blend of classic literature and contemporary reads, accompanied by thoughtful reviews and cosy visuals.​
• @cals_reads: Calum offers engaging content with a focus on diverse books, providing insightful reviews and fostering meaningful discussions.​
• @thebibliotheque: A minimalist aesthetic combined with compelling book recommendations makes this account a must-follow for those seeking quality reads.​
• @ab_reads: Abbie's passion for literature shines through her vibrant posts and honest reviews, creating a welcoming space for fellow book enthusiasts.​

A Few Brilliant BookTubers

• Jack Edwards: Jack is one of the UK’s biggest BookTubers, known for his fun, honest, and often hilarious reading content. From viral TikTok book hauls to reviewing books from celebrities' favourites lists, Jack’s content is smart, well-produced and full of heart.
• Leena Norms: Leena is a thoughtful creator whose videos explore books, publishing, and cultural commentary. Expect honest reviews, hot takes, and insightful reading recommendations, often paired with a witty, down-to-earth style.
• Jen Campbell: Jen brings a magical touch to BookTube with her deep dives into fairy tales, folklore, and disability representation in literature. She’s also a published author, so her book chat comes with heaps of insight and care.
• Jean Bookishthoughts (Jean Menzies): A classics and mythology enthusiast, Jean combines her love of ancient history with contemporary book reviews and reading vlogs. Her videos feel like a chat with a clever friend who always has the best recommendations.
• Lex Croucher: Lex is a delightfully witty creator and historical fiction author who chats about everything from feminist literature to Regency romance. Expect strong opinions, sharp humour, and a love for well-written, character-driven stories.

Following these creators will help you stay inspired, discover new reads, and learn how to craft content that’s both personal and professionally polished.

 

Starting a bookish social media account isn’t just about followers or free books (although that’s always a plus!) – it’s about finding your people, expressing your creativity, and celebrating the joy of reading.

Whether you’re filming a 60-second TikTok, snapping the perfect flatlay, or chatting to a camera in your room, your voice matters. The world of bookish content is wonderfully welcoming – and there’s always room for one more reader.

So grab a cuppa, crack open your current read, and start creating. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. Oh, and don’t forget to tag us in your posts – we’d love to see what you’re up to!