Bookstagram, BookTok, BookTube: Where should you focus first?
Navigating the social media maze as an indie author
For self-published authors in 2025, social media isn’t just an add-on—it’s a lifeline to visibility and connection. But with so many book-loving communities online, the big question is: Where should you focus first—Bookstagram, BookTok, or BookTube?
Each platform offers unique strengths, styles, and audiences. The key is aligning your energy with the one that best fits your personality, book genre, and time capacity. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose your best starting point.
1. Bookstagram: The aesthetic hub of book lovers
What it is: A niche within Instagram, Bookstagram is a vibrant community where readers and authors share book photos, reviews, quotes, and themed content.
Why it works:
- Visually stunning feeds grab attention
- Easy to build a personal brand
- Great for promoting print books and cover reveals
Best for authors who:
- Enjoy photography or visual storytelling
- Love creating mood boards, flat lays, or quote graphics
- Want to interact through stories, polls, and carousels
Tips to start:
- Create a consistent aesthetic using Canva or Lightroom presets
- Use 10–15 relevant hashtags like #bookstagram, #indieauthor, and genre-specific tags
- Post 3–4 times a week and engage with others in your niche
Bookstagram is perfect for building long-term relationships and showcasing your brand’s vibe.
2. BookTok: The viral powerhouse
What it is: The bookish side of TikTok, BookTok is where readers (especially younger ones) rave about books, react to plot twists, and share emotional reading moments—often leading to explosive sales.
Why it works:
- Short-form video has incredible organic reach
- Emotion and storytelling can go viral quickly
- Trends are easy to join and adapt
Best for authors who:
- Are comfortable (or curious) being on camera
- Like quick storytelling or humorous takes on their books
- Want fast exposure and potential sales spikes
Tips to start:
- Keep videos under 30 seconds and use trending audio
- Show the book visually: flip-throughs, quotes, reactions
- Use 5–10 focused hashtags like #booktok, #selfpublishedauthor, or #romantasy
BookTok is a great choice if you want discoverability and are open to experimenting with video formats.
3. BookTube: The deep-dive destination
What it is: BookTube is the book community on YouTube, where creators post reviews, recommendations, hauls, and reading vlogs.
Why it works:
- Long-form content builds trust and authority
- High replay value and SEO longevity
- Ideal for in-depth conversations about your book
Best for authors who:
- Are comfortable talking on camera at length
- Enjoy reviewing or discussing books in detail
- Want to build an evergreen content library
Tips to start:
- Invest in decent lighting and clear audio
- Post 1–2 videos per week around evergreen or trending topics
- Collaborate with other BookTubers in your genre
BookTube might be slower to grow but offers loyal followers and in-depth connections.
Which should you choose first?
Ask yourself these three questions:
- What kind of content do I enjoy creating? (Photos? Short videos? Long-form discussion?)
- Where is my target reader hanging out most? (YA = BookTok, romance = Bookstagram, fantasy = BookTube + BookTok)
- How much time do I realistically have each week? (BookTok = quick but frequent, BookTube = slower but deeper, Bookstagram = manageable with batching)
You don’t need to be on all three to succeed. Choose one, master it, then expand if needed. Consistency and authenticity matter more than covering every base.
Final Thoughts: Focus, then Flourish
Trying to be everywhere often leads to burnout. Instead, go deep on one platform that matches your energy and genre. Create content that brings value, entertains, or builds curiosity—and let the algorithm (and your growing audience) do the rest.
Platforms like PubliWrite make it easy to link your content to your book sales page, track visibility, and stay focused on growth. The more intentional you are with your social presence, the more results you'll see.
In 2025, the most successful indie authors aren’t the loudest—they’re the most consistent. Choose your lane, show up authentically, and let your book do what it was written to do: connect.
