Overview of Dark Romance on TikTok

Recently, creators on BookTok have discussed the increasing prevalence of dark romance novels—those exploring taboo and often illegal themes. The hashtag #darkromance boasts over 3.5 million posts on TikTok, reflecting a growing interest in this genre.

Creators’ Insights on Popularity and Accessibility

Many creators concur that dark romance has gained substantial traction. Sanziana-Dana (@sanzireads), with 3,333 followers, noted, “I do think dark romance books are becoming more popular. The fictional world creates a safe space for readers to read about things that are taboo, forbidden.”

Busayo (@compulsivebookbuyers), who has 27,100 followers, emphasized the role of platforms like Kindle Unlimited in making these books accessible. “Because they are readily available with the subscription, it’s easier to access them,” she stated, noting that traditionally published materials are less likely to encompass such controversial topics.

In contrast, Brittany (@whatbritreads), with 58,300 followers, acknowledged that while the genre is rising, certain content remains highly contentious. “There is still a lot of content that is extremely taboo and unacceptable to a lot of people,” she remarked.

Concerns Surrounding Dark Romance Content

Creators voiced shared concerns regarding the ethical implications of dark romance literature. Busayo and Emily (@emilymiahreads) pointed out the ambiguity within the genre. “I think a lot of people are wary as to what constitutes ‘dark’ content,” Brittany explained, highlighting how the line between taboo and unacceptable can often blur.

A stark example of this concern surfaced with a recent incident in Australia, where an author, aged 33, was charged with serious offenses related to child abuse material in her novel. The author claimed the situation was a “big misunderstanding” on social media.

Recommendations for Publishing Standards

To address these complexities, many creators advocate for clear age recommendations on dark romance books. Sanziana-Dana noted, “In a world where book covers can be deceiving, it’s very easy to mistake a book that is age appropriate for younger readers versus one that is not.”

Busayo echoed this sentiment, suggesting that publishers should establish and communicate appropriate age ratings. “It would be wise to include a suggested reading age, especially in the era of cartoon covers,” she added.

Time and again, the discussion about older romance novels cleverly disguised with vibrant cartoon covers arose, making it challenging for parents to determine whether the content is suitable for younger readers. Brittany noted, “Some romance books are being redesigned with ‘discreet’ covers for people to feel comfortable reading them in public,” yet questioned whether this adequately addresses concerns about misinterpretation of content.

The Case for Trigger Warnings

Emily asserted that all books featuring mature themes should carry suggested reading ages and trigger warnings. Brittany also agreed, suggesting that content warnings are increasingly featured at the beginning of books to help guide readers.

“I think it helps parents and potential readers who are too young to read quite graphic and inappropriate content to steer clear of it,” she noted. The consensus among creators is that enhancing transparency around the content could significantly mitigate the risk of readers mistakenly engaging with unsuitable materials.