Bookstagram 101: 28 Post Ideas

Inspiration is sometimes hard to come by, especially when the subject matter constantly is books. My personal worry is that with time my photos will start to look the same. There are only so many ways to turn a book. Book stacks are popular but there’s not much to them beyond y’know, stacking books.

Feeling stuck, the same questions keep circling: What to post when you’ve not read a book in weeks? Does a lack of book hauls preclude you from posting new photos on Instagram? How can you update your bookstagram account regularly when you’ve run out of ideas?

When my well of ideas runs dry, I like to go back to basics and work from there. I find it particularly useful when I’ve been in the middle of the same book for over a week. That’s why I’ve decided to share this list to help you out when you’re looking to push your bookstagram creativity. For the most part, these are fairly simple points but they’re a good anchor for photographing relevant content.

1. Currently Reading

You joined bookstagram to talk about books. A great place to start is always the book you’re currently reading. Bring it out with you and snap it in a café, in an open field or feature yourself reading it in your favourite nook.

2. Planning to Read

If you’ve been stuck on your current read and are on the brinks of posting your fifth photo of it in a row, look to the book(s) you plan to read next. Looking forward to something else makes it easier to bear with a book that’s boring you but you refuse to abandon.

3. Latest Hauls

Book hauls guarantee that you post books you’ve not featured on your account before. They also generate a lot of buzz because everyone likes shiny new things.

4. Bookstores

Rows of bookshelves are bookstagram’s favourite eye candy. Visit your local indie bookstore and you’ve got yourself a gem on your camera roll.

5. Libraries

Home away from home, libraries are havens. If you’d rather keep your wallet in your bag, then head to your library rather than bookstore.

6. Bookshelves

As I’ve already mentioned, bookshelves are hot favourites. If you’re in dire need of inspiration, use that as an excuse to decorate your shelves.

7. Point to New Blog Post

With so many social media platforms, sometimes we spread ourselves too thin. Double up your latest blog content and package it for Instagram. You might just send new visitors to your blog this way.

8. In Your Bag

People are naturally curious. Satisfy your friends’ and followers’ curiosity and empty your bag. Arrange everything in an artful flat lay, and you’re done. You do carry a book with you wherever you go, right?

9. Bookish Merchandise

A popular way of establishing fandoms is related merchandise. It’s no wonder that bookstagrammers who decorate their photos with bookish paraphernalia have high engagement rates.

10. Reading Nooks

Show us a slice of your life through your reading nook. Are you the sort of person who reads in bed? Or did you set up a dedicated corner to enjoy your latest reads? We want to know.

11. Fan Art & Lettering

The bookstagram community is very supportive and encourages all sorts of talents. There’s also a more personal quality to fan art because of the effort that into it. Don’t be shy! Share your creations alongside the books that inspired you.

12. People Reading in Public

This is something I like to do when I travel. During those times I have few books to work with, which means less options as well.

13. Book Tags

Check out the photos you’ve been tagged in. #ombrebooks, #bookthroughphone, and so on are wonderful ways to pull yourself out of a funk. Someone else is telling you what to post. You just need to set up your frame accordingly, then snap away.

14. Favourites

I’m sure your favourites make you smile. That should encourage you to explore ways to show them off in the best possible way.

15. Book Spine Poetry

Waiting for inspiration that won’t come will just prolong your unwanted bookstagram break. Get in the groove and force your mind to get creative. Book spine poetry is a fun way to do that.

16. Recommendations (thematic)

Pick a theme and roll with it. Say, you’re in the mood for mystery. Feature five books on bookstagram, and ask others for their mystery recs. Talking to others will suck you right back into the community.

17. Just Finished

No time to write a book review of the book you finished? Take to Instagram and share some quick thoughts.

18. Photo Challenges

Seek out book photo challenges. Working with prompts makes it much less daunting when you’re lacking inspiration. Keeping up with a photo challenge ensures the you remain consistent with your schedule. You could start with #BookishScene: Project 52 which has weekly themes — perfect if you don’t want to commit to a daily challenge.

19. Events

Book fairs, blogger meet-ups, etc inject life into your bookstagram account. They also allow those who can’t attend to live vicariously through you.

20. Outfits Inspired by Books

Fashion meets books when you gun for a bookish #ootd. If you love dressing up, inject that creativity into your bookish photos.

21. Flowers

Add colour and vibrancy to your photos with flowers. They bring a lot of pep and hopefully cheer you up as well.

22. Tea or Coffee

Most bookworms are glued to their mugs. That makes them very handy accessories for book photography. If you find a single book looks too lonesome on its own, pair it with your tea or coffee.

23. Pets Snuggling with Books

Most adorable photos above all are pets cuddling — even better when books are involved. Capture those golden moments for some spontaneity.

24. The Great Outdoors

Fresh air helps to clear our heads. Step outside with your books and look for interesting spaces. This might just help you overcome your bookstagram rut.

25. Travel

Take along a bunch of books if you have leftover baggage allowance. A new environment will surely inspire you to take photos.

26. Food

Food and books, books and food; both are vital. Better still if you cooked up a fancy storm in your kitchen. Figure out how to distribute those yummy portions virtually and you’ll be everyone’s best friend for life.

27. Colour Block

Stacks of books in the same colour are very striking. Pair with items of similar colours to accentuate them. Do this with several different colours and you’ve got that many more photos to post.

28. Rainbows

Rainbow colours are some of the most darling photos on bookstagram. Rainbow book stacks and rainbow coordinated bookshelves probably receive the most love. Share your take on Instagram and the excitement that bubbles over from others might just bring you the encouragement you need to get creative again.

---

Do you have more post ideas for bookstagram? Share them in the comments below!