Have you ever felt excited to watch a movie just by watching its trailer? A book trailer works in the same way. It is like a short movie for your book. A book trailer shows a few scenes or ideas from your story. It sparks curiosity and encourages people to read more.
Today, people invest a lot of time online. They scroll through videos on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. But if your book has a trailer, it can stop them from scrolling. It can make them click and learn more about your book. You do not have to be a filmmaker to make one.
- You can use a book trailer maker.
- You can get help from book illustrators.
- You can work with an ebook designer.
These can help you create a professional-looking trailer without breaking the bank.
In this blog, you will learn:
- What a book trailer is.
- Why is it good for your book?
- How to Make a Book Trailer Step by Step.
- How long should it be?
- Tips to make it look good.
- Mistakes to avoid.
By the end, you will know how to make a trailer that people will remember. It will help your book stand out. It can make more people want to read your work. Whether you write stories, guides, or children’s books, this guide will help you.
Let’s start.
What is a Book Trailer?
A book trailer is like a small movie. It shows what your book is about in a short video. It is made to get people interested. You can use words, pictures, music, and short clips. You can show your book cover and add quotes from the book. Furthermore, you can even add voices reading a small part.
A trailer is not the full story. It only gives a taste and leaves people curious. It makes them think, “I want to read this.” Book trailers are often 30 to 90 seconds long. They are short, so people watch till the end. They can be shared on social media, websites, or emails. You can also get help from a book trailer maker to make a perfect trailer for your book.
- There are three common types:
| Type | What It Includes | Example Use |
| Live Action | Real people acting | For drama or romance novels |
| Animation | Drawn or digital art | For kids’ books or fantasy |
| Slideshow | Images and text | For non-fiction or self-help |
- You do not need big cameras to make one.
- You can make it with your phone.
- You can use online tools.
The most important thing is the feeling. Your trailer should match your book’s mood. If your book is funny, make the trailer fun, and if your book is dark, make the trailer serious. A good trailer makes people stop and watch. A great trailer makes them buy the book.
Why a Book Trailer is Important
People love watching videos. A short video can grab attention fast. Sometimes faster than a book cover or a long post. A trailer makes your book stand out. It tells people your book is worth their time. It can make them feel something. Feeling leads to action, like buying the book.
Book trailers also help with marketing. You can share them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
You can post them on YouTube and send them to readers via email.
- Here are some quick facts:
| Stat | What It Means |
| 85% of internet users watch videos every month | Videos are very popular |
| People are 2x more likely to share videos than posts | More shares mean more readers |
| Video posts get 48% more views. | Better reach for your book |
A book trailer also works 24/7. Once online, it can be watched anytime. It keeps promoting your book even when you’re asleep. It also builds trust. If your trailer looks nice, people think your book is also good. And as we know, that first impression matters the most.
Consider your trailer as a preview of a movie. People watch the preview first before they decide to watch the film. Your trailer does the same for your book. A good trailer can turn a curious viewer into a buyer. That is why many authors now make them.
How to Make a Book Trailer
A book trailer is a short movie about your book. It gives people a quick idea of your book. Also, a good trailer makes people curious to read it. Here are some steps that you can follow to make a book trailer:
Step 1: Decide on Your Goal
You need to decide your goal and ask yourself:
- Do I want more people to know that my book exists?
- Do I want them to buy it right now?
- This will help you plan what to say.
Step 2: Write a small script
- Keep it short, like just 3 to 5 lines.
- Include your book’s main idea.
- Make it sound exciting or emotional.
Step 3: Decide Pictures and Video Clips
- You can use animations, photos, and real footage.
- Ensure that they match the mood of your book.
- Example: A romance book might have soft, warm images. A thriller might have darker, faster scenes.
Step 4: Add music
- Music creates feelings.
- Decide on something that fits the story perfectly.
- Match the mood, whether it’s happy, sad, or scary.
- Always use music for which you have permission.
Step 5: Show the book
- Always show the book cover at the end.
- Add your name as the author.
- Include where people can buy it, like Amazon or your website.
| Step | Time Needed | Quick Tip |
| Script | 30 min | Keep it short and clear |
| Visuals | 1 hour | Match the book’s style |
| Music | 20 min | Use legal/free tracks |
| Editing | 1–2 hours | Keep it smooth and short |
Free tools like CapCut, Canva, or iMovie can help you make it easily. You don’t have to be pro; just keep it clear and short.
Where to Share Your Book Trailer
The trailer is just the first step. The next big step is to show it to as many people as possible.
Social media
- Post it on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X (Twitter).
- Short videos do well on these platforms.
- Use hashtags so that more people can discover it.
- Example: #BookTrailer #BookLovers #NewBook
Your website
- If you have an author website, put the trailer on the home page.
- It makes your site more engaging.
- Visitors can watch and then click “Buy Now.”
Email newsletter
- If you send newsletters, add the trailer link.
- Tell readers it’s a “special sneak peek.”
- Videos make emails more fun and clickable.
Online book groups
- Share it in Goodreads communities, Facebook book groups, and other writing forums.
- Just follow the group rules to avoid spamming.
In-person events
If you’re at a book launch or signing, play your trailer on a laptop or screen.
It catches attention and starts conversations.
| Platform | Best For | Tip to Get Views |
| TikTok | Fast, fun clips | Use trending sounds |
| Instagram Reels | Eye-catching edits | Add short captions |
| YouTube | Longer videos | Include keywords in the title |
| All ages | Share in reading groups |
The more places you share, the more people will see it.
Even if one platform doesn’t get much attention, another might bring in lots of readers.
Measuring Your Trailer’s Success
Once your trailer is out, you need to know if it’s working. This helps you see what to improve next time. In this situation, you can also ask professional book illustrators to help you in designing your trailer and book cover in the best way possible.
Check the views
- Look at how many people watched your trailer.
- More views mean more reach.
- If the number is low, try posting it again with a new caption.
See the engagement
- Engagement means likes, shares, and comments.
- If people are discussing your trailer, then it’s a good sign.
- This means that they are interested in your book.
Track clicks
- Add a link to buy your book under the trailer.
- See how many people click it.
- This shows if your trailer is turning viewers into readers.
Compare platforms
- Maybe TikTok gets more views than YouTube.
- Or Facebook gets more clicks than Instagram.
- Knowing this helps you focus on the best platforms.
| What to Measure | Why It Matters | Tool to Use |
| Views | Shows reach | YouTube Analytics |
| Likes & Comments | Shows interest | Social Media Apps |
| Clicks | Shows action taken | Link tracking apps |
| Shares | Shows word-of-mouth | Social Media Apps |
- Tip: Give your trailer at least 2–4 weeks before judging its performance. Some videos grow slowly but then pick up.
Choosing the Right Music
- Music sets the tone for your trailer.
- Happy music makes the story feel light.
- Dramatic music makes it feel intense.
- Pick a track that matches your book’s mood.
- If it’s a love story, choose something soft. If it’s a thriller, go for something suspenseful.
- Make sure you have the right to use it.
- There are free music libraries online. Some offer paid tracks for better quality.
- Tip: Don’t increase the volume when people are talking. Your words must be easy to hear and clear.
Using Voiceover Effectively
- A voiceover can make your trailer feel personal.
- It’s like someone is telling the story to the viewer.
- Use a clear and friendly voice.
- Speak slowly so people understand every word.
- Write a short script.
- Only include the most important points.
- You don’t need to tell the whole story.
- You can record your own voice.
- Or you can hire a professional online.
- Tip: Match the voice tone to your book’s mood. Soft for romance. Strong and deep for action or mystery.
Adding Text & Captions
- Text and captions help people understand your trailer.
- Even with no sound, they can still follow the story.
- It is best to keep your text short.
- Use simple words that are easy to read quickly.
- Show the book title, author name, and release date.
- Add a short line to spark interest, like:
- “One choice can change everything.”
- Make sure the font is clear.
- Choose colours that match your book’s theme.
- Tip: Captions are also helpful for social media. Many people watch videos without sound. With captions, they still get the message. This is where an ebook designer comes in. A professional who is an expert at ebook designing can help you with adding text and captions.
Make It Work on Social Media
- Your trailer should look good everywhere.
- Every platform has its own requirements and style.
- For Insta and TikTok, you need to keep it short.
- Less than 30 seconds would work best.
- Opt for vertical videos to ensure they fit the screen of a phone.
- For YouTube or Facebook, you can make it longer.
- One to two minutes works well.
- Use horizontal video for a wide view.
- Add hashtags to make it more discoverable.
- Example: #BookTrailer or your book name.
- Tip: Post when most people are online. This will help you get more views and shares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay someone to make my book trailer?
Not always. You can make a nice one at home with free apps. If you have a good budget, hiring a professional can make your project look more polished.
What is the ideal length of a book trailer?
The best length of a book trailer is 1 to 2 minutes. In this way, people can watch it quickly without losing their interest.
Can I share my trailer many times?
Yes, you should. Post it more than once on different social media sites so that more people can watch it.
The Ending Notes
A book trailer is like a short movie of your book. It shows readers what your story is about in a fun and quick way. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on tools to make a trailer. Instead, you can opt for simple pictures, music, and short text that best match the mood of your story.
It is best to keep it short, so that people will stay interested till the end. Share your trailer on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, or wherever your audience spends most of their time. The more people watch it, the better you have chances of selling books. Even if you make a basic trailer, it can still catch attention. The key is to start. The sooner you make and share it, the sooner people will hear about your book.