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TikTok for Authors: How to Set up Your Account and Pro Tips

Writer's picture: arynvandykearynvandyke

With the TikTok ban lifting (for now), it could be a good time for authors to jump into the platform and use TikTok to promote books.


I know many authors find creating TikTok videos intimidating, whether it’s the fear of being on camera or not knowing how to use the platform. I get it. I’ve been there too. But once you take that first step, you’ll quickly see that your fears were smaller than they seemed. And the potential payoff is high, as TikTok is an excellent platform to help you grow your audience, connect with readers, build your brand, and sell more books. Today, I'm here to demystify TikTok for authors, guiding you through setting up your account and offering tips for posting.


TikTok for Authors: How Set up Your Account and Pro Tips

TikTok for authors: how to set up your account 

Discover how to create an author TikTok account by following these simple steps:


1. Create your TikTok profile 

If you already have a personal TikTok account but your interests differ from your book topic, consider creating a separate account just for your author content. If you don’t have TikTok yet, download the app on your phone and sign up with a valid email or phone number. Once you're in, it's time to optimize it to make the most of the platform. 


Attention authors wanting to best utilize other social media platforms: Best Marketing Practices for Authors Using Social Media 


2. Choose your handle 

Your TikTok handle (@username) should be simple, memorable, and easy for readers to find. Ideally, use your real name or pen name. If your name is taken, add "author" or "writes" at the end. For example, @madirodriguezauthor. 


3. Pick the perfect profile picture 

Your profile picture should be high-quality, approachable, and reflect your unique personality as an author. Go for a friendly headshot with a warm smile or something that hints at your genre. Consider how you want readers to feel when they see your profile for the first time. 



4. Switch to a Business Account (if you want to)

This is optional! But having a business account will allow you to track engagement with advanced analytics and other cool features. To switch, head to your profile and click Settings. Choose Switch to Business Account. When prompted to select the business type, choose Media and Entertainment as your category. 



5. Craft Your TikTok Bio 

Use your TikTok bio to briefly tell people who you are and what genre you write in. Having genre specific keywords can help with discoverability. It’s also the perfect place to mention your latest or upcoming book with a call-to-action. A great example of an author TikTok bio is: “Thriller Author. Dive into ‘The Shadow of Capital’ – link below!”

Once you’ve finished setting up your TikTok author account, connect with me at @thebookmarketer_


Example of a TikTok bio with genre-specific keywords:

example of author bio on tiktok


6. Pin Key Videos to Your Profile 

TikTok lets you pin up to three videos at the top of your profile, so they're always the first ones people see when they visit. Pin videos that introduce yourself, highlight your book, or share key info you want new visitors to catch right away. If you have a video that performed well, consider pinning it. 


Example of author account with pinned posts:

example of author pinned posts on tiktok

Tips for Authors on TikTok

Now that you’re officially an author on TikTok, here are some tips to help you best utilize the platform: 


Hook viewers instantly 

TikTok is all about quick, engaging content, so your goal is to get users to stop scrolling and engage. Start by making short, 5-10 second video hooks that grab users’ attention instantly. Or put a hook In a text box at the top of your video while you're talking. Think of sharing a fun fact about your book or writing process, or teasing a cliffhanger from one of your stories. Whatever it is, ensure that you always leave users wanting to learn more about your book, brand, or process. You can then direct their attention to your caption, where you share a call to action. Here are a few ideas: 


  • "Want to know the secret behind my latest plot twist?"

  • "Here are 3 writing tips that transformed my storytelling!"

  • "Guess which character almost didn't make it into my book!"

  • "This is how I wrote a book in just 30 days!"

  • "Ever wondered what goes on inside an author's mind?"


Example of a hook placed in a text box at the top of a video:

example of video hook on tiktok


Follow other authors on TikTok 

When you follow other authors on TikTok, you can discover ideas and inspiration for the content that you can create. Look out for videos that receive good engagement, and consider how you can apply the idea to your book or brand. Aside from the inspiration, following authors on TikTok is also a great way to build connections within the writing community and support each other’s work. 


Jump on TikTok trends 

Consider ways to use trending sounds, effects, and challenges to get your videos in front of new audiences. You can put a unique author spin on any trend. For example, use a popular sound to introduce your characters or share a snippet from your latest chapter. Or, find a popular sound or song that represents an emotion readers might experience while reading your book.


Use captions 

Include captions on your TikTok videos because they make the content accessible to everyone, including those who watch without sound. Captions also help viewers catch key points or quotes, which can make them more likely to engage or share. Plus, they boost your video’s reach by making it more inclusive and easier to follow.


Post Frequently 

Consistency is key on TikTok, so if you’re just starting out and want to grow your audience, try posting 1-3 times a day. Once you’ve established a solid following, you can dial it back to 2-3 times a week. And if you ever run low on ideas, remember that not all your content has to be about your book. Mix in some posts about yourself to help your audience connect with the person behind the author.



Use Hashtags Wisely

Using only 3-5 simple and relevant hashtags per video will help them reach people interested in the same topics. I recommend using trending hashtags that have between 100k and 1M views. Some possibilities include #BookTok, #AuthorLife, or #ThrillerAuthor


Whether you’re in the midst of the writing process or have already finished your book, now is the perfect time to consider a marketing strategy. To help you get started, I’m offering a FREE download of my guide, 10 Things You Need For A Successful Book Launch. This valuable resource is packed with expert tips and strategies to empower you to craft an effective book launch and connect with a larger audience of eager readers.



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Eren Yeager
Eren Yeager
23 thg 1

This article is a fantastic guide for authors navigating TikTok. The detailed steps and actionable tips make the process feel approachable, even for those new to the platform. TikTok isn't just a marketing tool but a space to build authentic connections with readers. With the right strategies, it can serve as a strong 'brand counter' for authors, showcasing their unique voice and making their books stand out in a competitive market. Loved how this piece simplifies what could otherwise feel overwhelming—an inspiring read for writers!

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