TikTok ban? An introduction to fantasy YouTube

As TikTok is about to get banned in the United States and some of you may be bemoaning the loss of a venue for fantasy book recommendations and promotion, I'd like to introduce you to fantasy BookTube (YouTube channels that focus on fantasy books).

The following is a curated list of fantasy BookTube channel recommendations, with brief (subjective) descriptions. BookTube is different than BookTok—it's a place for longer-form content (though there are shorts, too) and for less glitz and more discussion. Enjoy! And suggest your own favorites and why down in the comments.

  • Philip Chase : Philip is an English professor who gives concise, thoughtful analysis and is a huge community-builder.
  • 2ToRamble : Richard and Austin are just two bros tearing through fantasy literature in a very entertaining hourish-long podcast.
  • Talking Story : John and his son Jakob bring the heart to fantasy BookTube; John has something good and interesting to say about any book he's reading, and his author interviews are like none other's.
  • Merphy Napier | Books : Merphy is a classic BookTuber, balancing her in-depth content with a good dose of fun and triviality.
  • Johanna Reads : Johanna is a very thoughtful reader who likes branching out into other genres and more literary fantasy.
  • Kristen & Maddie : The female answer to 2ToRamble, Kristen and Maddie are a sort of fish-out-of-water sister duo taking fantasy by the horns.
  • Mike's Book Reviews : Although his style isn't for me, many like it—check it out and find out for yourself.
  • Daniel Greene : Daniel was once the king of fantasy BookTube, though his channel has focused more (though not exclusively) on fantasy news than books in the past few years.
  • Bookborn : The grand secretary of fantasy BookTube, Bookborn is the most organized (and also one of the most thoughtful and insightful) BookTubers on the scene.
  • The Library of Allenxandria : Allen, who is a new father, is particularly a fan of K. J. Parker and the Roman Empire.
  • iLivieSimone : Olivia is bright as a ray of sunshine and sharp as a tack.
  • Elliot Brooks : Elliot feels like a transplant from TikTok, in a good way; she treats romantasy more than most BookTubers do, but she covers it all.
  • Captured in Words : Slickest of the slick at the video edit, Jay is a list-maker and focuses especially on the big names of fantasy.
  • The Fantasy Nuttwork (be sure to check out his "Live") : Jimmy Nutts is a former professional wrestler and a very chill lover of fantasy and thought-provoking and challenging literature of any genre.
  • BellTube : Exuberant and thoughtful, Brian Bell is an RPG lit aficionado and lover of all fantasy, making his way through the TBR with words of encouragement at the end of every video.
  • Smitty1423 : A TikTokker and a man of taste (but maybe that first part's going to change…).
  • Library of a Viking : Jóhan built himself an empire in a day when he came over to YouTube, and has had his finger on the pop-culture fantasy pulse ever since.
  • Petrik Leo : I'll admit, Petrik likes pretty much the opposite of the books I like, but he's thoughtful and dedicated, and his tastes may be exactly yours.
  • P.L. Stuart - The Drowned Kingdom Saga (be sure to check out his "Live") : Stuart is a true delight to listen to, humble, sweet, and eloquent.
  • Andrew Watson : Andrew is articulate and knows how to do his job well.
  • Matt's Fantasy Book Reviews : Like Mike, this is not quite my style, but he's got true fans for a reason.
  • The Brothers Gwynne : Ed and Will have a good vibe and are the kings of ranked lists; as a bonus, they're also the real-life sons of fantasy author John Gwynne.
  • the library ladder : Bridger stands out for his mellifluous discourse on classic fantasy.
  • Liene's Library : If you want the apex of comic disdainful snark, this is your woman.
  • Jared Henderson : More a philosophy channel, Jared does foray into the realm of fantasy books.
  • A Critical Dragon : If you want long, tortuous thoughts on the structure of fantasy literature and the philosophy of its consumption, Dr. AP Canavan is the man for you; AP takes long breaks, but I expect he'll be back.
  • * e m m i e \*, CarolynMarieReads, PeruseProject, and The Book Leo : These four are more your standard BookTubers (of the non-fantasy kind), with their share of Instagrammish cottagecoredom; but I include them on the list because they do also put out some genuine fantasy book content I've enjoyed.

Honorable mention: Abel Montero; Andrew's Wizardly Reads; Bart's Book Space; The Bearded Book Beast; Booked and Busy; BookJack; Bookpilled; Brian Lee Durfee Reviews; Cam Reeds; Chance Dillon; Dan Explores Books; dominish_books; EpicTalez; Eric Bowden Books; An Erudite Adventure; The Fancy Hat Lady Reads!; FanFiAddict; The Fantasy Thinker; He Who Speaks of Tales; IzzyZil (get this man some subscribers!); Jessie Mae; Khalilah D.; Liam's Lyceum; Literature Science Alliance; Luke's Blog; Mina Reads; Nerd Level Rising; Nerdy Kathi; NevsBookChannel; Overly Average Ben; Penny the Paperback Cat; QandTG; Raf Blutaxt; Seanin's Shelf; Sam Not-so-wise; Steve Donoghue; Tom Orange; Tori Morrow; ToriTalks; ZOMGfantasy.

Jack Edwards doesn't make it onto the 'sometimes' list until he learns the difference between fantasy and romantasy.