Delhi Metro warns influencers against making viral reels with phones taped to them: ‘Necessary action must be taken’ | Today’s news
A viral social media trend involving mobile phones attached to the windows of moving Delhi Metro trains has caught the attention of authorities and prompted the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to issue a warning to content creators.
The trend involves filmmakers using mobile phones to record videos through Metro windows, often as part of choreographed or staged roles. As more such clips surfaced online, the DMRC issued a notice on Instagram that such filming is not allowed on metro premises.
The company warned that creators caught making these videos could face action.
DMRC warns makers against Metro reels
In a statement, the DMRC said it noticed social media users connecting their phones to the metro train windows while the trains were moving.
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“Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has noticed that some social media content creators are sticking their mobile phones on the windows of a metro train and making videos of the train in motion,” it said in a statement.
The company also pointed out the possible risks associated with this practice.
“This act may cause inconvenience or even injury to other passengers and may damage users’ mobile phones.”
The DMRC said it was taking the matter seriously and warned that action may follow if creators continue to upload such content.
“DMRC authorities are looking at this with all seriousness and if any content creator is caught doing such filming, necessary action must be taken.”
The advisory concluded with a direct instruction to the creators: “Therefore, content creators are hereby directed not to shoot such videos in Delhi Metro premises.”
What is the “sticking the phone” trend?
The format gained traction after it originated overseas and was subsequently replicated by social media creators in India.
In these videos, the phone is attached to the glass of a subway bus, often with a suction mount, allowing it to record the train and a person outside or inside the frame.
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Some versions of the trend are staged to make it look like a passenger has accidentally left their phone behind as the train departs. The creator can dance or pose on the platform before appearing to run after the departing train.
In other clips, the phone is placed outside the window while the person remains inside the moving train. Another passenger can hold the device so it can be retrieved after filming.
One such viral video by a local creator reportedly crossed 135 million views, after which similar clips started appearing at several metro stations in Delhi.
Why DMRC intervened
While the videos may be staged, DMRC’s advisory focuses on the potential consequences for passengers and facilities.
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The company specifically cited the possibility of injury or inconvenience to passengers, as well as damage to phones used for filming.
With the trend garnering considerable attention on social media, the DMRC has now asked makers to stop shooting such videos on metro premises and warned that those who continue may face “necessary action”.
