As one of the longest-running communities on YouTube, BookTubers have bridged the gap between the most modern form of entertainment (video) and one of the oldest (physical books), helping a new generation of readers connect that medium with their identities. For over a decade, readers have come to YouTube to take part in the BookTube community—a collaborative group of passionate literary creators who love nothing more than to discuss and dissect the latest hardback. In the first six months of 2024 alone, videos with “BookTube” in the title garnered more than 350 million views on YouTube. Recognizing the impact and influence of this community, we set out to celebrate BookTube in a way that felt both culturally significant and engaging for readers old and new.
To honor the many reading recommendations BookTube creators have provided over the years, YouTube launched a dedicated celebration on August 11th, 2024—coinciding with the kickoff of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. At the heart of this initiative was a bespoke YouTube Logo transformation (“Yoodle”) and a branded video spotlighting the community. Hosted by beloved BookTubers Jack Edwards and With Cindy, the video unveiled the Ultimate BookTube Community Reading List, curated based on some of the most viewed and uploaded book titles in BookTube-related videos (source: YouTube Global Data). Shot in New York City, the video also featured UGC contributions from over 25 global BookTube creators, ensuring an authentic and diverse representation of the platform’s literary voices. By weaving in familiar faces and engaging storytelling, the campaign resonated with both long-standing BookTube members and new readers eager for discovery.
Through this celebration, YouTube successfully highlighted the deep cultural impact of BookTube while reinforcing the platform’s role as a home for passionate book lovers. The dedicated Yoodle and branded video amplified the conversation around BookTube, engaging both creators and audiences alike. By showcasing the voices that have shaped this literary corner of the internet for over a decade, the initiative strengthened the connection between digital content and traditional literature—ensuring that the power of storytelling continues to thrive in an evolving media landscape.
