TikTok Hosts BookTok Workshop at Galle Literary Festival 2025

TikTok, the global home of creative expression and storytelling, brought the magic of BookTok to life at the prestigious Galle Literary Festival 2025, hosting a workshop on the 9th of February. Designed as an ode to the locally beloved #BookTok community, the session aimed to empower creators and book lovers by exploring how they can leverage TikTok to share their literary passions and engage with wider audiences.

The workshop, hosted by TikTok, kicked off with an introduction to the TikTok ABCs, setting the stage for participants to navigate the platform effectively. Attendees then delved into BookTok 101, learning how to develop engaging book-related content, craft a compelling content strategy, and utilize TikTok’s features and tools to create high-quality videos. The session also shared creative content developed by the local BookTok community, inspiring participants to connect and amplify their voices through storytelling.

BookTok refers to the vibrant community of book lovers on TikTok who share their thoughts on books through short, engaging videos using the hashtag #BookTok. BookTokers review books, recommend reads based on themes and characters, read aloud in live videos, and create lists of upcoming releases. This movement has had a significant impact on publishers as well, driving book sales—particularly in young adult fiction, fantasy, and romance—while inspiring more young people to read. It has also provided authors with a powerful platform to reach and engage with a wider audience, making literature more interactive and accessible than ever before.

With over 125 enthusiastic participants at GLF—including content creators, book reviewers, and avid readers—the workshop fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas, reinforcing TikTok’s role as a platform for creative expression and community engagement.

Notably, for those who were unable to attend #GalleLitFest in person, TikTok ensured the festival’s energy reached a global audience. Through a partnership with popular #BookTok creators, the platform continues to bring the magic of GLF to life with engaging and immersive content. These creators captured key moments—from insightful panel discussions and live author interactions to behind-the-scenes glimpses and the festival’s vibrant atmosphere using hashtags such as #GLF, #BookTok, #GalleLitFest and more . They also explored book stalls, interacted with authors, aspiring writers, and volunteers, and highlighted exciting literary sessions, making sure that book lovers everywhere could experience the festival’s best moments. TikTok’s exclusive coverage reinforced its role in making literature and culture more accessible, ensuring that the spirit of #BookTok continued to inspire, no matter where audiences were.

As #GalleLitFest (#GLF) continues to be a hub for literary dialogue, TikTok remains committed to supporting creators and book enthusiasts, providing the tools and inspiration they need to share their love for literature in fresh and engaging ways.

For more updates on TikTok’s initiatives, follow @TikTokSriLanka.