If you’ve spent any time scrolling through bookish videos on TikTok, you’ll know how powerful the #BookTok community has become. Entire publishing trends now begin with a 15-second clip of someone declaring “This changed my reading life!” and boom — sales skyrocket, print runs spike, and rec rooms fill with new titles. Being trending on BookTok doesn’t just mean “popular” anymore—it signals cultural resonance with readers, a book that’s been loved and passed on and reshared.
Here are some of the standout titles making waves right now, and what makes them resonate. Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking for your next great read, these viral stories span fantasy, romance, and beyond.
What Makes a Book Go Viral on BookTok?
BookTok isn’t just about good writing; it’s about connection. The books that trend tend to feature emotional catharsis (happy or otherwise), high-stakes stakes (epic fantasy, forbidden romance, life-and-death mysteries), and moments that readers want to quote, share, or cry over. Many viral picks also tap into community: fandoms build around characters, series expand quickly, and soon the hashtag becomes a destination.
Additionally, BookTok loves transformation — of the self, the world, the story. Whether it’s a dragon-riding rookie finding her power or a romance that flips the script, the moment of change is what sticks. Combine that with strong visuals (striking covers, aesthetic clips) and a hook that works in a short video, and you have a BookTok moment.
Books Currently Dominating BookTok
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
This fantasy novel about a dragon-riding war college exploded on BookTok, pushing new adult fantasy (or “romantasy”) into mainstream attention.
Readers were drawn to its high-risk setting, the flawed but determined heroine, and a romance full of tension and adrenaline. The hashtags for Fourth Wing and the subsequent sequels amassed millions of views, and the book became a bestseller largely thanks to that viral momentum.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Before Fourth Wing, this romance novel was everywhere on BookTok: a mix of academia, fake-dating trope, and emotional vulnerability. According to lists of BookTok favorites, The Love Hypothesis retains a strong presence.
Its appeal comes from the “enemies to lovers” progression, the soft nerdy heroine, and the smart-and-kind male lead — packaged in a story where growth and love go hand-in-hand.
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
An older novel that found new life thanks to BookTok, this dystopian work is an example of how the community has revived hidden gems. Incredibly, it was once almost forgotten and now has seen a major sales uptick because of the hashtag buzz.
This shows that the viral wave isn’t only about new releases—it’s about rediscovery.
The Striker by Ana Huang
In the romance category, this sports romance has become a BookTok favorite thanks to Ana Huang’s already popular profile and the twist of combining elite sports + romance. It shows how genre-blending attracts attention online.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
This novel is a rising BookTok trend in fantasy/romance, also getting adaptation attention. It reflects how BookTok success often ties into series momentum and fandom engagement.
How to Choose Which Trending Book to Read
If you’re browsing through the viral lists and wondering which book to pick, here are a few practical filters:
- Genre fit matters. BookTok has something for every taste, but your enjoyment will hinge on whether the genre aligns with what you normally like.
- Series or stand-alone? Many BookTok hits are part of ongoing series (e.g., Fourth Wing). If you dislike commitment, check whether you’re ready for sequels.
- Emotional tone. Do you want a fantasy escape, a heart-felt romance, or an off-beat rediscovered classic?
- Trigger warnings and pacing. Viral doesn’t always mean light: some trending titles deal with intense themes or high drama.
- Availability and edition. Because of viral surges, some books sell out quickly or have special editions. If you find one, it could be a fun collectible.
Why BookTok Trends Matter to Readers and Publishers
BookTok has changed the game. What used to depend on critical reviews or bookstore placements now depends on community-driven hype. Viral reads can launch unknown authors into bestseller status overnight and revive out-of-print titles. For readers, this means more visibility into diverse titles and readerships participating in global conversations.
For publishers, the effect is massive: midnight releases, variant covers, and dedicated BookTok marketing become part of strategy. For example, the way Fourth Wing’s release was celebrated reflects how viral streaming-style hype now applies to books.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the lookout for your next “can’t put down” read, BookTok is a fertile ground. From high-stakes fantasy to emotional romance to unexpected classics, the trends reflect what real readers are loving right now. Pick your tone, check availability, and dive in. The hashtag doesn’t just tell you what people are reading — it shows you why they’re reading it, and that makes the difference between a good book and a memorable one.
Stay tuned, stay curious, and let BookTok guide you to your next favorite read.
