This time, TikTok has spewed out a new micro-trend we can get behind—one that’s focused on saying “fuck it” to social anxiety and embracing a bold sense of self-confidence. And at the center of it all is a London-based model and newly minted viral TikTok star named Sabrina Bahsoun, also known as the “Tube Girl” of TikTok.
If you’re constantly online, you’ve probably already come across Bahsun’s account: the 22-year-old posts videos of herself at 0.5 zoom and the wind blowing through her hair, dancing and posing on the London Underground on her way to a party. .
The original viral video received over 10 million views and was captioned: “Being a friend who lives on the other side of town so you need to cheer yourself up during your commute.”
So, who is Tube Girl (aka Sabrina Bahsoun)?
The 22-year-old Durham University student is originally from Malaysia, where she is studying law. She also works as a model, signed to The Hive Management in London.
Bahsun told the BBC that she originally asked a stranger to make her first viral TikTok video for her, but they refused – a minor refusal that ended up being some serious serendipity, right?
What’s trending Tube Girl on TikTok?
Since her first viral video, Bahsun has continued to post similar videos on her account over the past few weeks, some of which now have over 15-20 million views each. She’s even featured special guests in several recent videos, such as viral TikTok star Bella Poarch and Grammy-nominated musician Omar Apollo.
She has since started the online “Subway Girls” trend, in which thousands of imitators around the world board local trains, trams and other public places to emulate her filming style and irrepressible self-confidence. The hashtag #tubegirl has since racked up more than 534 million views on the social media app in a matter of weeks.
@sabrinabahsoon Delulu or manifestation ✨ #tubegirl hi @In Print We Trust ♬ original sound – habz.fx
Why is the Tube Girl trend so popular?
What seems to have attracted Bahsun’s online fans is not necessarily her dancing or special guests, but rather her raw and infectious confidence; the fearlessness of being yourself and being a little silly in public.
“Doing this publicly is crazy, but I’m trying to get to your level,” read one comment on that first viral video, which has nearly 13,000 likes.
In a recent BBC interview, Bahsun said: “When I see people imitating it, I think, ‘Finally people are getting it.’ They enjoy their commute a little better. And I love seeing people having fun, so it’s honestly very touching for me.”
Why was Tube Girl at fashion week?
Bahsun was already a signed model before her newfound viral fame on TikTok, but her recent internet fame has seen her quickly snapped up by a handful of brands during fashion month. She attended the BOSS show at Milan Fashion Week and walked the runway at MAC’s first show at London Fashion Week.
She also attended events for beauty brands like NYX and Glossier, filming another iconic ice skating dance video for the latter.
Tube Girl and MAC cosmetics…
Last week, Bahsun not only walked the MAC London Fashion Week show, but also became an official partner of the brand, presenting a campaign for their newest clear lip gloss. Tube girl meets tube glitter? To us, this sounds like a marketing match made in heaven.
Pipe girl style…
Bahsun also has a keen sense of fashion, which has attracted the attention of fans on her Instagram account. Her personal style is playful, colorful and has a distinctly Y2K feel. Here are some of our favorite Tube Girl moments…
@sabrinabahsoon My sisters convinced me to post this panta @JuicyCoutureUk #tubegirl ♬ original sound – habz.fx
@sabrinabahsoon Wind is not a paid actor, and we don’t always agree with that 🙄 #greedy #tatemcrae #londontiktok @tate mcrae ♬ gready tate mcrae unreleased – babytatie1