Image credits: Instagram
Once upon a time, book suggestions used to be (and still are) made in person at book clubs, libraries, and bookstores. Then, as technology advanced and the internet expanded through blogs, articles and came Kindle, which introduced ebooks and audiobooks to the literary market, recommendations could be made online. Recommending books has now become a popular topic on social media, just like a dance step, beauty routine, food recipes or even fun challenges. Who knew that books could go viral on Instagram and TikTok? From a hashtag on Instagram, Bookstagram has become a digital community of readers and authors on Instagram, especially between 2022-23.
It is a community dedicated to books and its discourse spans more than just book reviews, with everything between plotlines and character development. The visually pleasing content, while seemingly superficial and lacking traditional criticism, appeals to its audience nevertheless. Being a part of the influencer culture, Bookstagram has contributed to shaping reading choices and, most importantly, impacted book sales.
Accounts with a huge following receive a free copy of books from publishers and may even enter into paid partnerships with brands. In 2024, in a survey by New Book Recommendation, 55% of book buyers reported purchasing a book after seeing it on Instagram, demonstrating Bookstagram’s direct impact on consumer behaviour. The survey also displayed that collaborations with micro-influencers led to a 30% increase in engagement for brands, showing how influencer recommendations translate into real sales.
This brings us to a question: Who can start a Bookstagram?
The answer is that anybody with an interest in books can start their own Bookstagram with just their phone. There are no specific qualifications or strict requirements that you need a huge collection before starting your Bookstagram. You can begin your Bookstagram even with a few books or just your favourite copy and it’s alright if that is a borrowed one. This community is a safe space for readers and authors alike. It is a close-knit open space where you are welcome to express your views and opinions.
1) Research- know about the bookstagram accounts, what their niche is and how these accounts function, what kind of posts or reels they post. This will also help you to find your niche and plan out your account. Finding the accounts through hashtags would also make you friends with SEO, providing further knowledge of how the Instagram algorithm works.
2) Create an Instagram account- after finding your niche, open an account for your own Bookstagram. You can open a new account or change your previous account into one that suits you. After that, it’s time to write a bio, add a profile photo, your favourite genre or authors or perhaps add your reading goals! Make sure you use SEO keywords in your name.
Suggestions for Instagram ID- something@books, @books_something, @she/he/theyreads, @myreviews
3) Ready to post- You can now start posting on your bookstagram. Start with a few posts about introducing your account, your niche and your specific interests. Make sure to follow the latest Instagram trends relevant to Bookstagram and use hashtags and emojis.
Since Bookstagram has been a major digital marketing platform since 2022, with numerous accounts already made and running successfully, we arrive at another question:
The answer is No, it is not. You can still start a bookstagram and grow your account. But the key is to be strategic, as Tina from Tina Marshall Co. suggests. You cannot expect great results without a smart input in it, that is you cannot expect results if you just keep posting. Therefore, as mentioned in step 1- Research is important!
Use Instagram’s functionality to its fullest- Instagram makes new tools because they want you to use them. Any function like- reels, polls, IG TV etc. use them to your benefit.
A suggestion is to post consistently, with about 3-6 stories every day along with a reel or a post. Given that reels have more chances of gaining you views and followers, you can try posting more engaging and up-to-trend reels, which are accompanied by trending audio. But that does not mean you should not post a post, they are also helpful in engaging your audience. After all, Instagram is all about rewarding engagement and screen time. The more engaged you can make someone and the longer you can keep them on the app, the more Instagram will favour you.
Tag Authors and Publishers- while posting, make sure to tag the author and the publisher of the book you are posting about. This will also give you more visibility as your post will be displayed in their tagged post. Also, refrain from tagging the author if your post is about negative reviews, as a polite gesture.
Interact with other Bookstagrammers- engage with other similar accounts, of a similar size, by liking their posts or stories even leave a comment here and there. Following their account will also be a help. Smaller communities often help one another to grow their audience by following each other.
You could also dm them by expressing you resonated with their content. The more notifications they receive they will remember you- connect with you. Additionally, do share their posts or stories on your story, letting them or your audience know about your views on them or if it resonates with your theme and niche. Instagram rewards those with good engagement so this is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Be genuine- authenticity can portray your imagery more amicably and touch your audience’s heart better. This will aid in portraying your stories as being yourself does not require any external effort, you are you as you are, and when people appreciate it, you gain genuine followers.
All in all, Bookstagram is a platform that has democratised literary influence, empowering diverse voices to shape the literary trends. Its visual storytelling not only attracts new readers, fosters a strong sense of community but also encourages engagement and lively discussions. Recognition of Bookstagram’s influence on the public and its marketing potential has compelled publishers and authors to actively collaborate with these accounts for paid promotions or targeted campaigns. This has resulted in visibility for both mainstream and indie titles, with tangible impacts on book sales, especially for genres (like Young Adult) and authors that might otherwise remain underrepresented. Such a vibrant and inclusive community is likely to grow and shape the industry for many years.
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