From ABC7 New York · · 1m 50s
From rejection to viral: Kareem Rahma's subway empire
The SubwayTakes host built millions of followers by asking strangers one simple question on the train.
In brief
The SubwayTakes host built millions of followers by asking strangers one simple question on the train. Sometimes the best opportunities come from creating your own path rather than waiting for someone else to hand you one. Originally reported by ABC7 New York.
A simple question, massive following
Kareem Rahma built SubwayTakes by asking strangers and celebrities one thing: "So what's your take?" The show has amassed millions of followers and nearly 750 million views.
“"So what's your take?"”
Years of invisible work
Before SubwayTakes, Rahma spent years creating content that nobody watched. The calls from industry gatekeepers never came, so he decided to build his own show instead.
“"I didn't want to wait around for someone to bring me a project."”
He built it himself
Rather than waiting for opportunities, Rahma created his own. He believed in himself so strongly that success felt inevitable, even when nobody was watching his early work.
“"I believed in myself, so it felt inevitable."”
Rooted in humanity, not celebrity
While SubwayTakes features celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Rahma's concept has always been about giving everyday New Yorkers a platform to share their opinions and be heard.
“"Everyone's interesting if given the chance to be interesting."”
A taxi driver's kindness sparked it
Years before SubwayTakes, a taxi driver's compassion during Rahma's difficult day inspired him. He wrote down the idea in 2015 and filmed the first episode in 2022, finally bringing it to life.
“"Keep the meter running."”
Financial struggle shaped his vision
Rahma remembered pumping exactly $5 of gas because he couldn't afford more. Those lean years taught him what success meant and fueled his drive to create something meaningful.
More than just a host
Despite SubwayTakes' success, Rahma wants people to know him beyond his role as a vessel for takes and humor. He's someone who keeps conversations going because he's genuinely interested in people.
“"People know me as a host, kind of a vessel for takes and humor, but I wanted people to get to know me a little bit more."”
From $5 gas to Emmy nomination
Rahma went from financial struggle and years of invisible work to becoming an Emmy-nominated host with millions of followers. His journey shows what happens when self-belief meets opportunity.
The main idea
Sometimes the best opportunities come from creating your own path rather than waiting for someone else to hand you one.
