Over the past few years, TikTok, specifically the #BookTok community, has become a powerful force in shaping the literary world. Readers, especially younger audiences, are flocking to the app to discover new book recommendations, gush over favorite characters, and discuss emerging genres. The platform has created a space for readers and authors alike to connect in a unique way, often leading to previously lesser-known books and authors becoming bestsellers overnight. Through a mix of organic recommendations and viral trends, TikTok has been instrumental in boosting new and established genres, bringing attention to diverse voices, and introducing innovative writing styles.
This article dives into the hottest book trends currently dominating TikTok, from Dark Academia and New Adult to Fantasy and Dark Romance, along with the authors setting these trends. Let’s explore the fascinating literary landscape that TikTok is helping shape.
1. Dark Academia: Intellectuals and Intrigue
Dark Academia, a subgenre that blends an intellectual, academic atmosphere with gothic and mysterious elements, has been a cornerstone of TikTok book trends. It combines the allure of classical literature, secret societies, and eerie, often sinister undertones in settings that are typically prestigious universities or old-world educational institutions.
Key Themes:
- Morality and ethics in academic settings: The genre often explores the tension between knowledge, ambition, and moral decay.
- Romanticization of classic literature: Dark Academia leans heavily into classical art, philosophy, and literature, appealing to readers who enjoy the dark, introspective world of characters who strive for intellectual greatness.
- Atmosphere: The settings are critical to the genre, with dark hallways, candlelit libraries, and moody weather creating the perfect backdrop for intrigue and mystery.
Notable Authors:
- Ruby Braun: A new voice in the Dark Academia space, Ruby Braun’s works have gained traction on TikTok for their immersive settings and complex characters navigating the pressures of elite education.
- Dominik Gaida: Gaida’s books often explore the emotional weight of academia and the personal sacrifices made for intellectual ambition. His books resonate with the audience for their emotional depth and sharp commentary on societal norms.
- Rebecca F. Kuang: Kuang, known for her work Babel, is one of the most discussed authors on TikTok within this genre. Babel delves into language, colonialism, and the dark side of academia, exploring themes of power and oppression through a linguistic and historical lens. Kuang’s intricate storytelling and complex world-building have captivated Dark Academia enthusiasts on TikTok.
2. New Adult: Coming of Age in a Complex World
The New Adult genre, which focuses on the transition from adolescence to adulthood, is another major trend on TikTok. This genre targets readers between the ages of 18 and 30, typically dealing with themes like independence, self-discovery, love, and career development. The characters are often in college or early adulthood, navigating both personal and professional challenges while discovering who they are in the process.
Key Themes:
- Romantic relationships: New Adult novels often feature intense romantic relationships, exploring both the emotional highs and the messy, often imperfect aspects of love.
- Self-discovery and identity: Protagonists in New Adult books grapple with finding their place in the world, often while dealing with mental health issues, career struggles, or familial pressures.
- More mature content: Compared to Young Adult novels, New Adult books contain more explicit themes, including sexual content and complex social issues.
Notable Authors:
- Mona Hasten: Known for writing emotionally charged novels with strong female leads, Mona Hasten’s books frequently top BookTok recommendations. Her stories combine romance with deeper explorations of trauma, resilience, and personal growth, making them highly relatable to the New Adult audience.
- Ali Hazelwood: Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis became a viral sensation on TikTok for its quirky, STEM-focused romance. Her books often feature smart, ambitious women navigating both their personal relationships and professional lives, which resonates deeply with the New Adult demographic.
- Emily Henry: Another TikTok favorite, Henry’s books, including Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation, combine romance with sharp wit and emotional depth. Her novels explore both the joys and challenges of modern relationships and the complexities of adult life, making them incredibly popular in the New Adult category.
- Gabriella Santos de Lima: Gabriella’s writing has captured attention for her ability to blend romantic tension with realistic portrayals of friendship, ambition, and the intricacies of becoming an adult in a chaotic world. Her works often explore multicultural identities, love, and the search for personal fulfillment.
3. Fantasy: Escaping to Otherworldly Realms
Fantasy has long been a beloved genre, but TikTok has breathed new life into it by spotlighting both new releases and older classics. On BookTok, fantasy novels are celebrated for their expansive world-building, rich character development, and the escapism they offer to readers. Whether it’s epic sagas filled with dragons and magic or character-driven stories set in fictional kingdoms, fantasy continues to captivate readers of all ages.
Key Themes:
- World-building: A major draw for fantasy readers is the intricate and immersive worlds authors create, from elaborate political systems to unique magic systems.
- Heroic journeys: Central characters often embark on quests or personal journeys, facing moral dilemmas, battling enemies, and discovering hidden truths about themselves.
- Romantic subplots: While fantasy novels are known for action and adventure, many include romantic subplots, adding emotional depth to the epic narratives.
Notable Authors:
- Rebecca Yarros: Yarros gained significant popularity on TikTok with her fantasy romance novels that combine emotional intensity with action-packed plotlines. Her book Fourth Wing has quickly become a favorite among TikTok readers for its strong female lead, romantic tension, and thrilling fantasy world.
- Samantha Shannon: Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree has been a staple of BookTok fantasy recommendations. Known for her intricate world-building and richly developed characters, Shannon’s writing appeals to readers looking for epic tales of power struggles, dragons, and diverse female protagonists.
- Rebecca Ross: Ross’s ability to craft lush, immersive fantasy worlds has made her a favorite among fantasy fans on TikTok. Her books often feature young women discovering their powers and navigating complex political landscapes, resonating with readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with emotional stakes.
4. Dark Romance: Exploring the Taboo and Emotional Depths
Dark Romance is one of the more controversial but highly popular genres on TikTok. These stories often dive into morally gray characters, intense emotions, and unconventional or taboo relationships. The allure of Dark Romance lies in its ability to explore themes of obsession, power dynamics, and love in extreme, sometimes dangerous forms. Readers are drawn to these stories for their intensity and the emotional rollercoaster they offer, often pushing the boundaries of traditional romance.
Key Themes:
- Morally gray characters: In Dark Romance, the protagonists often have deep flaws, questionable ethics, or are involved in dangerous or criminal activities. This creates a tense, unpredictable dynamic that keeps readers engaged.
- Power dynamics: Relationships in Dark Romance often feature imbalanced power structures, with one character holding significant influence over the other, whether through emotional manipulation or physical dominance. The tension in these relationships drives much of the drama and intrigue.
- Emotional intensity: Dark Romance novels are known for their heightened emotional stakes. These stories often explore love in its most extreme forms, where passion and obsession blur the lines between love and control.
Notable Authors:
- Emily McIntire: McIntire’s Never After series has gained massive popularity on TikTok for its darker takes on classic fairy tales. She reimagines beloved stories with a darker, more twisted edge, capturing readers with her intense, emotionally charged plots. Her characters often face moral dilemmas that force readers to question traditional notions of right and wrong in relationships.
- D.C. Odesza: Known for her ability to write complex, psychologically driven romances, D.C. Odesza’s books explore the intricacies of desire, control, and the darker side of human relationships. Her novels frequently delve into power dynamics, leaving readers both intrigued and unsettled by the depth of the emotional connections between characters.
- J.S. Wonda: Wonda’s Dark Romance books have captured the attention of TikTok readers with their fast-paced, high-stakes plotlines and intense, sometimes taboo, relationships. Her characters often navigate morally complex situations that challenge readers’ perceptions of love, loyalty, and obsession.
TikTok’s Impact on the Literary World
The rise of BookTok has had a profound influence on the publishing industry, reshaping how books are marketed and consumed. Traditional bestsellers are now being joined by previously lesser-known or debut authors, who gain traction through viral trends and user-generated content. TikTok has also democratized book recommendations, giving readers from all backgrounds a platform to share their opinions and connect over mutual love for a particular genre or author.
Some key aspects of TikTok’s impact on the literary world include:
1. Boosting Indie Authors
TikTok has given independent and self-published authors an unparalleled opportunity to reach massive audiences. Viral TikToks can lead to sudden spikes in book sales, often turning indie authors into bestselling writers almost overnight. The organic, reader-driven promotion that TikTok provides can be a game-changer for authors who don’t have traditional publishing deals.
2. Highlighting Diverse Voices
TikTok’s book community has played a crucial role in elevating diverse voices and perspectives. Whether it’s promoting books by BIPOC authors, LGBTQ+ stories, or exploring non-Western literary traditions, TikTok has provided a platform for books that might not always receive mainstream attention.
3. Creating a Sense of Community
BookTok fosters a strong sense of community among readers, offering a space where people can discuss their favorite books, share their emotional reactions, and bond over their mutual love for storytelling. This communal aspect is what sets TikTok apart from other social media platforms and helps fuel its influence in the literary world.
Conclusion
TikTok is undeniably setting the trends in the book world, bringing attention to a wide variety of genres, authors, and stories. Whether you’re into the dark, intellectual world of Dark Academia, the relatable challenges of New Adultfiction, the escapism of Fantasy, or the emotional intensity of Dark Romance, TikTok has something for every reader. With authors like Rebecca F. Kuang, Ali Hazelwood, Rebecca Yarros, and Emily McIntire leading the charge, TikTok is transforming the way readers discover and engage with literature. As BookTok continues to grow, it will no doubt continue to shape the literary landscape for years to come.
