How To Bookstagram | Reading Between The Lines

Happy Thursday, everyone!

I am back with another addition to the Reading Between The Lines, and this week’s topic is one that I am sure most of you will be familiar with.

Reading Between The Lines where I can just talk (ramble!) about random, book-related topics. This will be an opportunity to open up discussions to various issues about books, the book community and everything else in between. As I mentioned, I would like this to be sort of like a discussion, so please feel free to share YOUR own thoughts and opinions in the comments below. I look forward to hearing what you all think about the topics we talk about during these blog posts!

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Bookstagram.

If you are someone who is active on social media, you would have most likely heard the word being tossed around. In almost every social media platform, I can guarantee that there is at least one community of readers within the network. For example, reddit has a community dedicated to everything and anything about books; meanwhile, Facebook also has a private group where people can join to talk about bookish boxes– as well as to sell and trade books.

This topic will focus on the book community on Instagram– Bookstagram. Let’s begin with establishing what exactly is “bookstagram”. According to the Wiktionary:

Bookstagram

1. The community of book and reading-oriented accounts on Instagram, characterized by artful photos of books.

“Bookstagram” because “books” + “instagram” = bookstagram

I have my own bookstagram account (started it a little under a year ago), and I have really enjoyed engaging with other readers in the community. I love taking pictures of books, and sharing reading updates. I am certainly not complaining when my feed is just filled with stunning book editions and gorgeous bookshelves because there is nothing more “eye candy” for a reader than pretty, pretty books. However, one of the best things about the community is being able to connect with other readers, authors and share the love for books. It’s no lie that most of my book recommendations come from Bookstagram these days.

But, how do you bookstagram?

The answer is simple:

1. Make an Instagram account
2. Start posting pictures or reels about books
3. follow your favourite authors and other bookstagram

Simple. Once you’ve completed these three steps, you are practically part of the community.

However, there are some additional steps that you can take to really enhance your bookstagram account and have a better chance at engaging with other readers in the community. I have compiled a little list of tips and advice for any bookstagram newbies or anyone looking for some tips to upgrade their bookstagram game.

Tip 1 : Use bookish hashtags.

Including hashtags in the caption (or in the comments) of every one of your posts will increase engagement, and you will have a better chance at meeting fellow readers. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet a reader with similar reading tastes and you’ll be sharing book recommendations in no time!

Here are some popular ones (feel free to copy and paste):

#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookish #bibliophile #readersofinstagram #bookshelf #bookworld #readstagram #instaread #booksbooksbooks #bookblog #bookoftheday #booklife #bookgram

Tip 2 : Ask Your Followers Questions

Community and engagement is important in bookstagram. One of the best things about leaving a question at the end of your caption is that you encourage your followers to enter into conversation – which is the whole point of bookstagram. Here are a few to start you off:

• What was the last book you read?
• What was the last book you DNF’ed?
• What’s your favourite classic?
• How often do you buy books?
• Where do you like to read?
• Standalones vs Series?
• Hardback vs Paperback?
• Is the book cover important to you?

Tip 3 : Post What You Like, When You Like

Remember this is YOUR account. When it comes to figuring out when to post, it is really up to YOU. If likes and follows matter, there are some websites which estimate when the best time to post on instagram is (I heard late afternoon/evening is the best time for high engagements) Otherwise, anytime is a good time.

There are some Bookstagrammers who post every single day, while there are others (like me!) that share whenever the inspiration strikes and have no posting schedule lol. If you’re looking to increase followers, I would recommend starting with 2-3 posts per week to gain momentum.

Tip 4 : Theme or No Theme

If you care about aesthetics, you can choose to have a “theme” on your account. This just means that all your pictures are similar in style, filter or format. Some bookstagrammers like a warm tone filter, others have a particular stylistic choice when it comes to their posts. My account’s theme consists of using the same filter on all of my pictures there is some consistency throughout the layout of my bookstagram. Apps like Lightroom on mobile and VSCO Cam are free, and perfect to use for creating your own filters.

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Do you have Bookstagram? Any other tips to share?

Let me know in the comments below! (also comment your account so I can follow you!)

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