Learn how authors can use Instagram and TikTok for real visibility, without burnout, pressure, or chasing trends that don’t actually sell books.

Social media can feel overwhelming for authors. Many writers believe they must post constantly, follow trends, or turn themselves into influencers just to sell books. In this episode of the Cosmo Publishing Podcast, host Gürhan, co-founder of Cosmo Publishing and Cosmodio Books, breaks that myth and shows how social media really works for authors.

This episode reframes social media as a discovery tool, not a performance stage. Gürhan explains why visibility matters more than follower counts and how readers often discover books long before they decide to buy them. Instead of chasing virality, authors learn how to build recognition, trust, and long-term momentum.

The episode focuses specifically on Instagram and TikTok, two platforms that dominate book discovery today. Gürhan explains how each platform works, what kind of content performs best for authors, and why you do not need to be everywhere to succeed. Instagram is explored as a relationship-driven space where consistency and clarity build trust over time. TikTok is explained as a storytelling platform where authenticity and emotion outperform polish and trends.

Listeners will learn what actually resonates with readers on each platform, what kinds of posts feel natural rather than forced, and how authors can show up without exhausting themselves. Real author examples illustrate how quiet, consistent accounts often outperform flashy ones, and how simple videos or reflections can create meaningful visibility.

This episode also addresses common mistakes authors make on social media, including posting only sales links, comparing numbers, forcing personality, and burning out through inconsistency. Gürhan offers a calm, realistic perspective that helps authors choose the platform that fits their energy, genre, and communication style.

By the end of the episode, authors will understand that social media is optional but powerful when used intentionally. You do not need to perform, entertain, or sell constantly. You only need to be clear, consistent, and human.

Whether you love social media, avoid it completely, or feel stuck somewhere in between, this episode gives you a sustainable framework for using Instagram and TikTok in a way that supports your writing life instead of competing with it.

Listen now to “Social Media for Authors – What Works on Instagram and TikTok,” and learn how to build visibility that feels natural, manageable, and effective.

00.24 ….Why Social Media Feels Hard for Authors
04.04 …. Understanding Social Media as a Discovery Tool
08.16 …. Instagram for Authors, What Actually Works
13.36 ….TikTok for Authors and Understanding BookTok Without Pressure
18.30 …. Which One to Choose Between Instagram and TikTok
21.09 …. Common Social Media Mistakes Authors Make
23.18 …. A Sustainable Social Media Mindset for Authors