What makes a book become an overnight sensation years after its release? It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover is a prime example. Published in 2016, this heart-wrenching romance novel skyrocketed in popularity in 2021. Its rise was fueled by the power of TikTok. The platform’s community, BookTok, turned this book into a viral hit.
This review will explore whether “It Ends with Us” deserves its viral fame or if it’s just another fleeting trend.
The Rise of BookTok
TikTok isn’t just for dance challenges and funny skits anymore. BookTok, a growing corner of the platform, has transformed the way readers discover books. Users post short videos about their favorite reads with emotional reactions, reviews, and aesthetic montages. These videos often go viral, sparking sales for the books featured.
Statistics show that BookTok has a massive influence on book sales. Books promoted on the platform have seen sales increase by over 50%. It Ends with Us is one of its biggest success stories, proving that social media can make or break a book’s popularity.
How It Ends with Us Became a TikTok Sensation?
The journey of It Ends with Us from bookshelf to viral sensation is fascinating. See how it went viral and why it became such a phenomenon:
1. Impactful Personal Stories Shared by Readers [Hashtag Trends]
BookTok users often film themselves reacting emotionally to books. Many readers of It Ends with Us shared heartfelt stories of how the book impacted them. Hashtags like #ItEndsWithUs and #BookTok highlighted the novel with millions of views. This created a domino effect: other users became curious and wanted to experience the book themselves.
2. Viral Video Trends
TikTok creators used trending audio clips and dramatic transitions to depict their “before and after” states of reading the book. Many cried or hugged the book, claiming, “This book changed me.”
Some users filmed aesthetic videos with quotes from the book overlaid with emotional music, which captivated viewers through TikTok.
3. Relatable Quotes
The novel contains several poignant quotes, such as:
“There is no such thing as bad people. We’re all just people who sometimes do bad things.”
“It stops here. With me and you. It ends with us.”
These quotes were perfect for sharing in short-form videos, drawing in viewers with their emotional resonance.
4. Emotional Honesty and Rawness
The book’s raw portrayal of domestic abuse and its emotional aftermath resonated with a younger audience, especially those who might have experienced similar struggles or know someone who has.
TikTok users praised Hoover’s ability to tackle such a heavy topic with empathy, sparking deep conversations in the videos’ comments sections.
5. Book Recommendations
Influential BookTok creators recommended It Ends with Us as a “must-read.” For example, Ayman and Destiny Sidwell reviewed and recommended the book to their followers. This led to a wave of interest as followers trusted these creators for recommendations.
6. Word of Mouth
TikTok thrives on trends. As more users posted about the book, others felt compelled to join the conversation. This sense of urgency—”everyone is reading it, so I have to, too“—helped the book maintain momentum.
7. Colleen Hoover’s Interaction with TikTok
The writer, Colleen Hoover, wholeheartedly embraced the BookTok community. She created her own TikTok account, sharing insights about her writing process, responding to fan questions and comments, and providing updates about the upcoming movie adaptation of It Ends with Us. Her presence on the platform strengthened the connection between her and her readers, kept the momentum alive, and made fans feel valued.
Discover More TikTok Sensation Books in 2025
Why TikTok Loves It Ends with Us?
What about this book made it connect with TikTok users? The story’s emotional depth is a big reason. While it is a romance novel, it’s also a powerful tale of love, heartbreak, and resilience.
- Universal Themes
Themes like love, loss, and personal strength resonate with readers of all ages. TikTok users found it easy to connect emotionally and relate the book to their lives.
- Emotional Impact
Readers often describe the book as a “rollercoaster of emotions.” TikTok creators dramatized this by posting their reactions mid-read, amplifying interest.
- Discussions about Tough Topics
TikTok users appreciated the book’s opening conversations about domestic violence, toxic relationships, and healing. Many used the platform to share personal experiences, further connecting the BookTok community.
- Highly Visual Appeal
The book’s striking purple cover became a recognizable image across TikTok. Aesthetic displays of the book in videos, surrounded by candles or flowers, made it irresistible to viewers.
If you’re curious about the book’s storyline, check out our detailed review of It Ends with Us.
From TikTok to Bestseller Lists
The BookTok hype translated directly into sales. Before its viral moment, It Ends with Us had a steady readership. But after TikTok’s spotlight, the book soared to the top of bestseller lists worldwide.
Sales Impact:
- The book sold over 1 million copies in 2021 alone. You can join the millions who have discovered this emotional story—buy your copy now here.
- It topped the New York Times Best Sellers list for weeks.
- Publishers re-released the book with a unique edition cover to meet demand.
This success proves how TikTok can revive interest in books long after release.
But does It Ends With Us deserves its global recognition? For many readers, the answer is a resounding yes. Its emotional resonance, unforgettable characters, and shareable moments stand out in today’s literary landscape. However, like any book, it has flaws. Ultimately, whether it’s worth the hype depends on your preferences as a reader.
Final Thoughts
It Ends with Us is more than just a book; it’s a cultural phenomenon. TikTok’s BookTok community gave this 2016 novel a second life. If you haven’t already, join the BookTok movement and discover what makes It Ends with Us so overhyped. Who knows? Your next favorite read might be just a TikTok video away.
