TikTok is one of the fastest growing social media platforms, and it seems like everyone and their grandma is checking out the app. There is something for everyone. #BookTok (TikTok for book lovers) is booming. Readers share their favourite books with one another, giving recommendations depending on genre, subject matter, and mood. Authors share their writing journeys with each other on #AuthorTok. But TikTok is also a fabulous place for authors to connect, not just with other authors (which is prominent on Twitter), but with potential readers.

Id been lurking on TikTok (I had an account, but I never posted) for a few months before finally taking the plunge and making my first post. And now Im never looking back.

But why should you try out TikTok?

Self-marketing is allowed and encouraged.This is a major benefit of this platform. Unlike Facebook, which suppresses page posts in order to force small businesses to pay for ads, TikToks algorithm is far less limiting. Videos on TikTok accrue more views over time, unlike Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, where older posts rarely get seen. I have a couple of popular videos I posted weeks ago that are still getting views and likes.

On TikTok, not knowing what youre doing is a good thing. Aside from the rule that shorter videos tend to be more popular, there really are no rules to TikTok. Its not like Instagram where your pictures have to be perfect, and the slightly unbalanced placement of a single flower beside your book cover could cost you likes.

With TikTok, imperfection is encouraged. It inspires the silly, and a video with a make-up-less reader wearing a sweatshirt covered in cat hair, ranting about their favourite fantasy book can garner thousands of views and likes.

You can connect with different generations. I knew going onto TikTok that this is the platform of choice for Gen Z. Even knowing this, I was surprised by how many younger book lovers Ive come across. These are potential readers and fans that I wouldnt reach if Id stuck to promoting just through Twitter and Instagram. Even more so, I was surprised by the diversity in age groups represented on this platform. Its not just for young people, but there are many older authors and readers there too.

What if youre shy about showing your face?Im not going to take this the wrong way, but my most popular videos dont even have me in them. If youre not comfortable showing your face, there are ways to share and come across as authentic without requiring a close up of your pores. If you try lurking on TikTok first, youll see the variety of types of videos that come up, particularly in the #BookTok world. Plus, there are tons of filters that you can use should you decide to give your face a debut.

But Im not tech savvy enough to edit a video!Its not at all necessary to be able to edit videos. Honestly, you could just point and click and record a video and upload it. If you want to try something fancier, particularly using sounds or effects that are trending on the app so that your post will get more views, there are plenty of tutorials online. But thats not necessary in the beginning, and I would suggest just trying out the app first to get used to it.

How should I start?Do what I did. Start off as a lurker. Make an account, write a brief bio so no one assumes youre a serial killer, and familiarize yourself with the app. Find and follow accounts that you like. Ive had hundreds of booklovers with zero videos of their own follow and engage with me, and its understood that not everyone feels comfortable posting videos.

Remember: Unlike other social media platforms, TikTok embraces authenticity.An imperfect video where you have wild hair and fumble over your words is not going to get you shunned. I encourage you to give TikTok a shot. If its not for you, then at least youll know. But given time, the benefits of TikTok may surprise you.

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terror Quest is the story of how two people, people no more powerful than you or I, combine to help bring down a repressive government which came to power through hacked election software. Until they can manage that feat, the people of the great state of Ohio are enduring a religious regime as strict as that imposed by the Taliban. As much as the men suffer, life for the women is ten times harder.

Amazon affiliate link

Book Locker

https://terror-quest.blogspot.com/2021/09/welcome.html

IN PRAISE OF TERROR QUEST

Maxwell has written a compelling futuristic storyfilled with surprises, twists, and turns based on the real possibilities of a dystopian United States of America. The people are controlled by an Islamic form of government, much like Europe is becoming.

Henry H. G. Mungle, Chief Warrant Officer US Army (Ret.), Silver Star, Purple Heart, Retired CIA Special Agent and Polygraph Examiner.

TAGS:Writers and Authors 

<<< Thank you for your visit >>>

Hot Websites