Booktok, Bookstagram, and Bookthreads.

And if you don’t think there is a difference, you haven’t seen how wild it can get on all sides.

Let me start by saying, I was on Booktok long before I was on Bookstagram and Bookthreads.

Booktok started off my idea of even branching into Bookstagram, because while I was able to get TBR suggestions and got to make fun videos with sounds, if you didn’t hit that VIRAL topic—your video didn’t do the best. Now when it came to me actually making a Bookstagram I went “WAIT! You mean I have a chance to not just make cute videos but I can also make posts, get actual engagement and post pictures of all my pretty books? Sign me up.” And so I started my Bookstagram, and got rep spots, and made lasting connections, as well as, made some amazing friends, that to this day make my whole year being able to see them at events and hug them. But then came Bookthreads, and oh boy… I did not know what I was getting into with that.

From Booktok to Bookstagram to now Bookthreads - you will find while all are in the same realm of books, the information is not always across the board.

Drama that happens on Bookthreads might make it over to Bookstagram or Booktok but the likelihood of it happening is low.

Typically, if you want in the know of what is going down - you go to Threads, and if your algorithm is the way mine is, it is Bookthreads. Not only do you get to find new authors and small business, you also get your fill of drama. You know who is being problematic, you know which event has become a disaster, you know which accounts are showing full audacity and so much more (usually always with screenshots too).

Can the same be said of Bookstagram? Sometimes. If you have group chats, usually someone is always in the know. Or if you watch stories, sometimes you can get a slight preview and then go digging.

And lastly - if you are scrolling booktok, typically if there is something going on, down at the bottom of the video, it’ll show you the topic and you can run through videos about that topic (I won’t name names, but I know there have been a few big creators or authors that have 1000s of videos on them). Booktok is actually where I used to go to find out about problematic authors honestly.

Now with all that being said, having all three can become a lot. Overwhelming even. But with it seeming like there is ALWAYS something going on in the book space, sometimes it is either 1. Best to look at all three or 2. For your own mental health, close all social media for the day. Because it is A LOT sometimes and can overwhelm someone who is already past the point.

I have had long time booksta friends that have recently completely stepped away or are planning to after certain events this year in 2026. It is a lot. And there is never anything wrong with just stepping away, or avoiding social media for a while. A hiatus, so to speak.

But I am also saying all this because I believe it is better to have the knowledge 9 out of 10 times. It is better to know if an author is problematic or has shown full audacity. It is better to know if an event doesn’t align with your views. It is better to know if that one influencer you really liked has been called to be accountable for something they have done that can be problematic.

BUT -

Is there another side of this coin? Yes. It’s the side of the coin where some accounts will jump into the drama for that quick 15 seconds of a follower influx and others will jump into the comments to provide support and evidence if applicable.

Now with jumping into the drama for a follow influx, some say it’s strategy, but others say it’s just… not the right vibe. But in a world where everyone is trying to build their following and circles, it is truly a hard situation to speak on.

(I know I, personally, rather have a natural influx because people like my content rather than they liked one thing I said in a drama filled thread.)

But I have gotten away from the point, I believe. And the point is, there is a difference between all three platforms, and while still in the same universe, each has their own niche. Some go viral on Booktok, others on Bookstagram or Bookthreads. But success on one platform does not always translate to success in others. All three platforms don’t necessarily need to be all used. It honestly depends on the one you fit into best. And kudos to those that can navigate all three and not lose their mind.

I’m going to end this with just a few more words. Wise or not. Follow them or not. But, find the community in which you thrive and find the best vibe and your tribe. Your space is meant to bring your joy into it. It’s not a competition, it’s not a race, and there is never truly a 1st place.