On TikTok, public videos are commonplace. Whether it’s bustling streets, college campuses, or cozy coffee shops, you’ll find a plethora of content.
However, one trend that has caught everyone’s attention is filming on public transport, specifically dancing. The trendsetter behind this viral sensation is London’s “Tube Girl.”
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok recently, you’ve likely come across videos of a young woman dancing on London’s underground trains.
Filmed in 0.5 mode, she grooves to energetic tracks by Nicki Minaj, unfazed by the curious glances of fellow commuters. Her message is clear: “Romanticize your journey. Trust me, no one actually cares.”
Who is Tube Girl?
Tube Girl’s real name is Sabrina Bahsoon, a 22-year-old originally from Malaysia, now living and working in London.
Tube Girl’s Rise to Fame
Contrary to her advice, people do care, but in the most positive way imaginable. Sabrina Bahsoon, a 22-year-old originally from Malaysia, now residing and working in London, is the face behind Tube Girl.
She skyrocketed to TikTok fame almost overnight after posting her first viral Tube video in August. Her TikTok feed is now a collection of similar videos, each racking up millions of views.
Viewers are captivated by her confidence, her windswept hair, and her unique filming style. In a recent interview with the BBC, Bahsoon, a law graduate from Durham University, elaborated that Tube Girl is more than just a dance trend; it’s about embracing your authentic self with confidence.
The Tube Girl Effect
Sabrina Bahsoon’s influence extends beyond her personal account. With over 400,000 TikTok followers, she has even made her runway debut at a MAC Cosmetics show during London Fashion Week.
She’s credited with creating a unique TikTok phenomenon, as evidenced by the hashtags #tubegirl and #tubegirleffect, which have garnered 281 million and 70 million views, respectively.
Inspired by Bahsoon, people across major cities are creating their own versions of Tube Girl videos. Influencers like Abbie Herbert and Issey Moloney have also joined the bandwagon, often tagging Bahsoon in their renditions.
A Movement of Self-Love and Confidence
While Bahsoon’s initial post may not have been intended to ignite a self-love movement, it has undeniably evolved into one.
Many TikTok users have shared how engaging with the trend has helped them combat social anxiety and boost their confidence in public spaces. The Tube Girl effect has become a subculture within TikTok, encouraging people to be unapologetically themselves.
It aligns with the broader TikTok discourse around embracing “cringe” and not taking life too seriously. As Bahsoon herself puts it in one of her captions, “Personally, I think I’m slaying, and trust me, nobody cares.”
By breaking down societal norms and encouraging individuality, the Tube Girl effect serves as a testament to the power of social media in shaping cultural narratives and promoting mental well-being.
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