Stranger Things, Running Out of Storage, Iconic Babies
This is a new monthly blog series I’m starting, focusing on marketing trends—mostly derived from TikTok (#BookTok)—that authors can jump on to market their books, especially if they’re already on TikTok.
TikTok trend #1: Stranger Things Then vs. Now Trend
This trend captures the passage of time, comparing what people were like when Stranger Things premiered versus what they are like now following the Season 5 premiere with Kate Bush’s song “Running Up That Hill” (which I became obsessed with after Season 4!).
Users typically post the same photo in one slide: a photo or video of them now, and a photo or video of them at the time Season One aired. This nostalgic trend is popular with Gen Z since they grew up and aged with the cast of Stranger Things.
Authors could use this trend by replacing Stranger Things with their own book to pique readers’ curiosity and use the same song, “Running Up That Hill.” Something like “Me finishing [book title]” and “Me starting [book title]” with appropriate photos/videos. This requires visual documentation from when you started writing your book!
Examples here and below.
TikTok trend #2: “I’m running out of storage, let me delete some photos”
This is a funny trend in which users will post a selfie with the above text. The next photo is a nostalgic or insignificant image or video of something ironic or funny that probably shouldn’t be deleted. Or conversely, the photos/videos should most definitely be deleted.
Authors could play into this trend by cheekily adding photos or videos of “overrated” books or negatively reviewed books as the “photos to be deleted.”
Some examples are here and here. (Some users won’t let me embed their posts in a blog.)
TikTok trend #3: That’s my baby, she’s iconic
In this trend, users show a video of their significant other. They say, “that’s my baby, he/she’s iconic,” and add two personalized statements about their partner, the second rhyming with the word “iconic.” Users have also asked their partners in the video exactly how they’d describe them using that rhyme.
Authors could play into this trend by showing themselves (or their sig other) and talking about the new book they’ve written, while rhyming with the word “iconic.”
@briellecherie Replying to @Jordyn Domres oh.. alright 😅🙃 #MomsofTikTok #daddy #husbandwife #marriagehumor #marriage ♬ original sound - Brielle cherie
@mattoverby My only issue is these books are reenforcing her belief that 6’2” isn’t tall #booktok #shortking #marriage ♬ original sound - Monse Limongi
Have you used any of these trends in your books? Send them to me on Instagram! I’m not super active on TikTok, but you can follow me there if you want.
Need a ghostwriter, editor, or marketer to help you market your book so you can get it in the hands of readers? Read more about my services here and contact me if you’re ready to begin!
