Are you a book lover contemplating starting a YouTube channel but feeling held back by fear or self-doubt? I’ve been there. As someone who spent years tucked away behind a faceless Instagram account and book blog, the idea of launching a BookTube channel felt like stepping into uncharted–and frankly, intimidating–territory.

Why I Started My BookTube Journey

But here I am, breaking through my fears and hitting “record.” In this blog, I’ll share my journey, the hurdles I’ve faced, and how I’m navigating this exciting new chapter as a BookTuber.

Reading has always been a constant in my life, a joy and escape rolled into one. Yet, as much as I love it, reading can feel isolating when no one around you shares your passion for books. Social media became my outlet—a way to share the random ideas sparked by the stories I immersed myself in. But starting a BookTube channel? That was a leap.

The Fear of Labels: Am I a Book Reviewer?

I don’t call myself a book reviewer—at least, not yet. The title feels intimidating and, to be honest, premature. Book reviewers dive into depths I’m still striving to reach. I’m just someone who loves books and enjoys discussing them. For now, I’m okay with being a work in progress.

Worries About Being Perceived

Let’s be real—putting yourself out there online can be terrifying. Would people find me uninteresting? Ironically, as a book lover, I know bookish people are anything but dull. However, the fear of judgment lingered. Ultimately, I realized I was missing out on the joy of sharing my love for books by letting those worries hold me back.

The Challenges of Leading Meaningful Book Discussions

One of my biggest goals is to lead engaging discussions about the books I read—without spoiling the story. It’s a fine balance, and I’m still learning. Sometimes I get too excited and overshare, and other times, I hold back too much. Finding that sweet spot is a skill I’m determined to master.

I’m Not a Writer—And That’s Okay

For the longest time, I felt like I wasn’t qualified to talk about books because I’m not an author. But I’ve come to realize that being a reader is qualification enough. Books, like any form of art, are meant to be discussed.

Overcoming My Inner Critic

Creating videos has also meant battling my fear of being cringe. The possibility of making mistakes initially kept me frozen. But I had to ask myself: Would I rather stay hidden and miss out on doing what I love, or embrace imperfection and grow?

Learning New Skills Along the Way

I’ll admit it—I can’t edit videos to save my life. I envisioned a channel with cool, polished edits, but I’ve had to start where I am, with what I have. There’s beauty in learning as you go, and I’m embracing the journey.

The Rewards of Building a Bookish Community

Despite the challenges, I’ve discovered that starting this channel has given me more than I could have imagined. Engaging with like-minded readers and those with different perspectives has expanded my horizons and introduced me to a world of ideas.

Final Thoughts: Growth Over Perfection

Launching my BookTube channel has taught me that growth lies on the other side of fear. I’m learning, improving, and most importantly, sharing my passion with others. If you’re on the fence about starting your own bookish venture, I hope my story inspires you to take the leap.