TikTok launches UK's first official #BookTok bestseller list
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Apr 25
TikTok launches UK's first official #BookTok bestseller list
8 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Apr 25
The new chart, compiled by Media Control and NielsenIQ BookData, features a top 20 entirely of female authors, with Chloe Walsh's Boys of Tommen series appearing six times.
The list highlights the dominance of the romantasy genre and includes both recent and older titles revived by TikTok, such as Donna Tartt's The Secret History. BookTok drove 11 million UK book sales in 2025.
Industry experts note BookTok's growing influence on sales and discovery, with retailers adapting to trends. However, traditional bestseller lists and marketing remain important, as BookTok is now part of a broader literary ecosystem.
Beyond the hype, how much does BookTok truly control the book world?
How does an unknown author break into the BookTok bestseller list?
As BookTok becomes commercialized, will it lose its authentic spark?
Can local bookstores survive the rise of direct sales on TikTok Shop?
Is Hollywood's BookTok obsession sacrificing story quality for quick profit?
How TikTok's #BookTok Drove 11 Million UK Book Sales in 2025 and Reshaped Publishing
Overview
In late 2025, TikTok launched its official #BookTok Bestseller List in the UK, building on earlier pilots in Germany and expansions in Austria and Switzerland. This list uses a unique hybrid method combining verified sales data with TikTok's platform insights, revealing the strong popularity of romance, romantasy, young adult fiction, and female authors. Alongside the list, TikTok introduced a sticker program in physical stores to connect online trends with in-person book buying. The #BookTok community, driven by authentic peer recommendations and viral short videos, has transformed book discovery and sales, driving millions of purchases and reshaping industry marketing strategies. However, this success also raises concerns about market saturation and diversity, prompting publishers to balance social media trends with traditional channels.