Hina, a prominent creator on TikTok, has garnered an impressive following of over 1.7 million users since launching their account in 2021. Initially taking to the platform to promote their music, Hina gradually shifted focus towards book-related content, navigating a myriad of styles throughout their online journey. They attribute much of their success to a consistent evolution in their content, particularly with their well-received “Read like an Ivy League” series, which highlights literary works through an inclusive lens.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/hina-booktok-1-062526-169fef2681594a339e3ca6b641944e53.jpg)
The creator, who uses they/them pronouns, reflects on their early days on TikTok, noting the lack of visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly among lesbian creators. Recognising a gap in the market for representation in areas such as lesbian fashion and interests, Hina decided to carve out a niche, initially experimenting with content on language learning before honing in on books. Each phase of their journey has been anchored in storytelling, which they describe as the common thread throughout their various content transitions.
With a keen awareness of the ever-changing social media landscape, Hina has dedicated their efforts to not only keep their audience engaged but also to attract new followers. “People will become interested in you, but there’s such a high turnover rate with interest that you have to be always evolving,” they explained, highlighting how maintaining relevance is vital. Their strategy has involved tracking trends and counter-trends, particularly the rise of anti-intellectualism over the past couple of years.
In counter-response, Hina initiated the “Read like an Ivy League” series to bridge the gap between exclusive academic material and broader audiences. This series endeavours to break down Ivy League curricula into accessible knowledge for all, alongside recommending diverse books from various literary realms. “I want to make things that I’m proud of,” they assert, emphasising their earnest passion for reading and the importance of genuineness in connecting with their audience.
This deep-seated love for literature not only fuels their content but also reinforces their role as a community facilitator. Hina describes the intertwined nature of creating content, reading, and fostering community as a cohesive ecosystem. “The reading fuels the content. The content fuels the community. The community fuels the content. It’s this perfect circle,” they articulate, showcasing their commitment to engaging with audiences on multiple levels.
With an acute awareness of the responsibilities that come with their platform, particularly as a person of colour and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Hina discusses the unique pressures they face as a creator. “Whenever there’s a world event, people look to me to engage and speak on it,” they explain, underscoring the heightened expectations surrounding their voice and presence in the online space. This sense of responsibility, they assert, drives them to produce content that not only represents their values but also makes their community proud.
Hina further reflects on the impact of their work, noting the rewarding experiences that arise from direct engagement with their audience. “People occasionally approach me to share how something I said or did moved them,” they mention, illustrating the heartwarming reciprocity that their role as a creator has cultivated. While their content has profoundly affected others, Hina feels it has also greatly contributed to their own personal growth.
Interestingly, Hina shares that they believe starting their content creation journey in their mid-20s has provided them with a solid sense of self, which they find invaluable. This stability has allowed them to maintain authenticity throughout their evolution as a creator. “The content I make now is profoundly different from what I used to make, and people are still here watching me,” they proudly conclude, further affirming the supportive and accepting nature of their audience.
In sharing their story, Hina hopes to inspire others by demonstrating that creative evolution is not only normal but also immensely rewarding. Their journey exemplifies how embracing change, fostering community, and prioritising authenticity can lead to both personal satisfaction and a significant impact on those who engage with their content.