About three weeks ago, I decided to take the plunge and build my online community of like-minded bookworms, something I had put off for years.

If you’re wondering what Bookstagram is, it is the side of Instagram for bookworms, reviewers and even authors. 

It is the corner of all things books but on Instagram. If you’re on TikTok, you might have heard of the term ‘booktok’, which describes the same thing, but on TikTok.

Although I have always wanted to start a blog, I thought that starting one right away would be a waste of my hard work considering that I would talk to myself for a while before I build an audience and a following, the same reason I have not opened TikTok and YouTube accounts yet.

Instagram, or in this case, Bookstagram, seemed like a realistic option and so, I went for it.

Now, I have been on the internet for many years and the one lesson I keep learning is to keep an open mind and reduce my expectations if I can help it.

I applied the same approach with Bookstagram, although I couldn’t help but assume that I would see A LOT of book reviews, otherwise, what is the point?

Well, here are my four questions and observations so far about Bookstagram:

1. Am I on the wrong side of Bookstagram, or is this all there is? I anticipated book reviews, yet, all I have seen so far are reels with viral audios, no in-depth analysis of books whatsoever.
2.  Is slow reading a thing? I will be the first to admit that I ask this question without context about when people started their pages, whether they have other commitments outside of Bookstagram like jobs, studies, families etc. and whether people listen to audiobooks. It seems as if everyone’s reading a new book each week. How do you do it?
3.  Is book reading another online trend? I do not doubt that many people on the internet love to read. However, I wonder if some hopped into book reading because they want to be perceived a certain way. I have seen so many posts of people who claim to be readers and reviewers, yet there are none on their profiles, just snaps of cute covers and viral sounds layered over them. I am genuinely curious. 
4.  Are we chasing virality (going viral) on this side of Instagram, too? Tell me we aren’t. I appreciate that some of us are on the internet to build or be part of communities- whether through vlogs or other online platforms. Having been on the side of Instagram where everyone is selling us something and is after fame and followers for many years, am I wrong to assume or expect Bookstagram to be different in the sense that as a follower/fan, you don’t feel like you’re being used for fame, status and money? Am I wrong to assume that Instagram is slower-paced than the fashion/makeup/influencing niches?

PS: This is a safe space. I am neither judging nor criticising.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Till next time, happy reading!