In recent years, Book Tok, a subcommunity on TikTok where users recommend, review, and discuss books, has grown rapidly in popularity including in Saudi Arabia. While the country is often associated with traditional values, it is also undergoing a period of dynamic cultural transformation. Book Tok has emerged as a powerful tool that resonates with young Saudis, especially within urban and digitally connected communities.
One major reason for its appeal is accessibility and relatability. Book Tok videos are short, visual, and emotionally engaging, making literature feel more personal and less academic. Many young Saudis, particularly women, find these recommendations more authentic than formal literary reviews. With rising internet use and a youthful population (over 60% under the age of 35), platforms like Tik Tok have become central to cultural expression.
Another factor is the rise in reading culture. Initiatives like the Saudi Reading Marathon and government-backed book fairs in Riyadh and Jeddah have sparked greater interest in books. Book Tok complements this momentum by providing a community-based space where readers can discover books including Arabic novels, translations, and even international bestsellers through emotional reactions, quotes, and storytelling.
Book Tok also empowers Saudi creators to highlight literature that reflects their identities, values, and challenges. Many users recommend books on self-growth, romance, fantasy, or even mental health topics that resonate strongly in today’s shifting Saudi society. The sense of community and shared emotion found in BookTok helps build social bonds around reading, especially in a society where public book discussions may not have always been common.
Moreover, the influence of female creators on Saudi BookTok cannot be overlooked. With more women engaging in education, literature, and content creation, BookTok has become a platform for expression, empowerment, and storytelling in a culturally respectful yet modern format.
In short, BookTok thrives in Saudi Arabia because it aligns with a generation seeking meaning, identity, and connection through books and through each other.
Discover more from Lifestyle
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
