All aboard the TrainTok trend: spotters and staff boost rail content online

Videos about British railways have more than doubled on TikTok in three months, as trainspotters, transport workers and other creators attract viewers with practical advice and behind-the-scenes details. The trend, known as TrainTok, turns an everyday part of life into an online community and gives rail staff a way to answer questions from commuters.

TikTok says posts tagged #UKTrains rose by 247% in recent months. Transport for London employee Shamal Cain shares travel guidance, while creator Nathan Pinnock-James covers trainspotting locations, station openings and railway explainers. The growth also includes AI-generated train clips; TikTok said in late 2025 that its platform hosted more than 1bn videos containing AI.