Driving a big bump in book sales and fuelling a ‘reading renaissance’ is #BookTok, a growing community of bibliophiles on TikTok, raking up an impressive 163.1 billion views and counting.
And if you’re looking to update your library or for your new read, the experts at Aura Print have curated an extensive list of the most talked-about books on the Tok and determined the must-reads that have taken social media by storm. So, grab your reading glasses because it’s time to dive into the realm of #BookTok, where even the most obscure novels find their spotlight!
Top 10 Viral Books To Add To Your Must-read List
Shadow and Bone
Topping the list by a landslide is Shadow and Bone (now a Netflix original series) by Leigh Bardugo. Crowned the most popular book on TikTok, the fantasy novel follows the story of Alina, a gifted orphan fighting for her survival in the world of dark magic. Its hashtag has garnered a whopping 15 billion views.
It Ends with Us
In second place is the TikTok sensation It Ends with Us (2.7 billion views) by Colleen Hoover. Being launched to great heights by the video sharing platform, the superstar romance author has bagged a legion of fans with three of her novels dominating the top five rankings.
Currently in the process of being adapted into a much-awaited film featuring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, It Ends with Us weaves the tale of Lily Bloom. Emerging from a tumultuous upbringing marked by abuse, Lily endeavors to carve her own path in life, steering clear of the destructive cycles of violence she witnessed in her youth. The narrative seamlessly shifts between Lily’s present circumstances and the intimate pages of her teenage diary, delving into the intricate interplay between love and abuse that shapes her journey.
The Cruel Prince
Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince isn’t just a fairy tale; it’s a fantasy that’s turned TikTok upside down with 1.3 billion hashtag views. The book follows the journey of Jude Duarte. As a child, she witnesses the brutal murder of her parents and is subsequently abducted by their killer, who takes her to a realm known as Elfhame. Raised alongside her sisters in the realm of faeries, Jude grapples with an intense desire to prove her capabilities and secure a place for herself in a society that holds a deep-seated animosity towards mortals. The youngest of the Princes, Cardan, has his own distinct plans that stand in stark contrast to Jude’s aspirations.
Ugly Love and Verity
Colleen Hoover isn’t just a romance author; she’s the reigning queen of #BookTok. Ugly Love and Verity have snatched fourth and fifth place (a double whammy!), amassing views that could power a small galaxy. Prepare for emotional turbulence that will lead to finishing an entire box of tissues.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses has gracefully danced its way into sixth place with a staggering 641.4 million views. In the world of #BookTok, roses may have thorns, but they’re also blooming with romance and epic storytelling.
This book delves into the life of Feyre. Through a series of unforeseen events, she becomes responsible for the demise of a fae creature, consequently thrusting herself into a precarious situation beyond the boundary that separates the fairy and human realms. Faced with a pivotal decision, she must opt between surrendering her own life to compensate for the one she took or embracing an existence as a captive human within the land of Faerie.
The Love Hypothesis
Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis proves that love isn’t just an equation; it’s a viral sensation with 638.3 million views. Who knew that mixing romance and science could result in such a combustible explosion of appreciation?
In this book, readers are taken on a lighthearted voyage as the protagonist, Olive, a female scientist, sets off in the pursuit of genuine romance. This quest, though rife with fibs, emotional moments, and cringeworthy instances. Her mission: to persuade her best friend, Anh, that her romantic life is flourishing. In a bid to achieve this charade, Olive embarks on a pretend relationship with her professor, Adam. As they navigate this façade, Olive and Adam try their hardest to convince those around them that they share a deep bond of love.
Red, White & Royal Blue
Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue is royally ruling the TikTok realm with 475.1 million views. Move over, monarchy – this romance between a Prince and a first son is the only love story we need.
Twisted Love
Ana Huang’s Twisted Love is the dark horse of BookTok, weaving its twisted tales into the hearts of 472.7 million viewers. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions as you dive into a world where love is unpredictable.
In this book, the protagonist’s heart is as cold as ice, yet for her, he would set the world ablaze. Alex Volkov embodies a paradox, possessing the visage of an angel but carrying within him the weight of a haunting past from which he cannot break free. Marked by a tragedy that has relentlessly trailed him, his unrelenting drive for achievement and retribution scarcely leaves any space for matters of the heart.
Haunting Adeline
H.D. Carlton’s Haunting Adeline isn’t just a book; it’s a haunting love affair with 468.4 million views. Ghosts, mysteries, and a touch of romance? It’s like the perfect recipe to keep you reading way past your bedtime.
At twenty-six years old, Adeline Reilly stands as an accomplished writer, having inherited the eerie ‘Parsons Manor’ from her grandparents. The gothic residence perches on the edge of a cliff, a setting straight out of a horror film, laden with its own enigmatic history. As Adeline delves into her great grandmother’s diary, the pieces of a cryptic puzzle begin to fall into place. Uncovering layers of secrets hidden within its pages, she unearths a chilling tale of her great grandmother’s life cut short by a cold-blooded murder that remains unsolved. Intriguingly, the diary also reveals the presence of a stalker who closely shadowed her great grandmother’s every move, a detail that unexpectedly intertwines with Adeline’s own life.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo wraps up our top ten with 456.2 million views. Move over celebrity gossip; this novel has all the intrigue, secrets and scandals you need to make your book club meetings more dramatic than a reality TV show.
The book narrates the journey of Evelyn Hugo, a veteran Hollywood actor driven by an unwavering ambition to cement her status among the A-List elite. Willing to employ any means necessary, she strives relentlessly to ascend the ladder of fame and recognition within the entertainment industry. In her quest for stardom, Evelyn embarks on a series of marriages, totaling seven in number, each union an integral part of her complex narrative. Remarkably, she manages to outlive all of her husbands, a fact that adds an intriguing layer to her life story.
Which Is The Most Trending Book Genre on Social Media?
In the world of #BookTok, love isn’t just in the air; it’s trending! The romance genre reigns supreme and takes the crown with a whopping 8 billion hashtag views. Move over, Cupid – TikTok has taken matchmaking to a whole new level, and Colleen Hoover is the ultimate romance matchmaker it seems.
From fantasy realms to heart-fluttering romances, these top ten internet-breaking titles have proven that in the age of technology, the love for books is still stronger than ever. We’re definitely joining the #BookTok revolution, where hashtags and hardcovers collide in the most delightful way imaginable!
- Quick links
- TikTok
- Books
- reading list
- author
