# 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.
- Title: From rejection to viral: Kareem Rahma's subway empire
- Summary: The SubwayTakes host built millions of followers by asking strangers one simple question on the train. Sometimes the best opportunities come from creating…
- Keywords: kareem rahma, subwaytakes, viral content, new york city, social media, content creator, host, emmy nomination, subway, digital media, news, local
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/post/subwaytakes-host-kareem-rahma-describes-road-rejection-recognition/19841343
- Published: 2026-09-16T23:39:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kareem rahma, subwaytakes, viral content, new york city, social media, content creator, host, emmy nomination, subway, digital media, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Sometimes the best opportunities come from creating your own path rather than waiting for someone else to hand you one.