Entertainment: Subway Takes’ Is a TikTok Hit
- InsightTrendsWorld
- Mar 26
- 8 min read
Why it is the topic trending:
Success of a Unique TikTok Series: The popularity and rapid growth of Kareem Rahma's "Subway Takes" interview series on TikTok have garnered significant attention, showcasing a novel approach to digital content creation.
Relatable and Unfiltered Content: The show's format of interviewing everyday commuters about their opinions offers a raw and relatable perspective that resonates with a wide audience on social media.
Host's Engaging Personality: Kareem Rahma's distinctive style, characterized by his suit, sunglasses, and blunt yet humorous reactions, has contributed to the show's virality and his recognition as a digital personality.
Expansion into a Podcast: The transition of "Subway Takes" into a podcast format further indicates its success and cultural relevance, extending its reach beyond the short-form video platform.
Insights into Creator Success: The article provides a behind-the-scenes look at Rahma's journey, motivations, and strategies, offering valuable lessons for aspiring content creators and brands looking to understand the digital landscape.
Overview:
The article profiles Kareem Rahma, the creator and host of the viral TikTok interview series "Subway Takes," where he poses the simple question, "So what's your take?" to unsuspecting commuters on the New York City subway (and later, Chicago's "L"). The piece chronicles Rahma's journey from a financially struggling childhood to becoming a successful digital content creator known for his distinctive style and ability to capture the unfiltered opinions of everyday people. It delves into the show's low-cost production, its rapid growth on TikTok, and its recent expansion into a podcast, "SubwayTakes Uncut," highlighting the key elements that have contributed to its popularity and Rahma's unique approach to content creation.
Detailed Findings:
Kareem Rahma, 38, hosts "Subway Takes," an interview series filmed on subways in New York and Chicago.
The show's signature question is: "So what's your take?"
Rahma's uniform includes a suit and dark sunglasses, which he says are a "disguise" to preserve his emotions.
"Subway Takes" has become a popular short-form show online and launched a podcast, "SubwayTakes Uncut," in February 2025.
The podcast features longer versions of subway interviews and behind-the-scenes chatter with co-host Andrew Kuo.
Since its first episode in 2023, "Subway Takes" has featured takes from celebrities like Charli XCX and Cate Blanchett, as well as politicians.
The show's low production cost (two cameramen) allows for frequent uploads (four videos a week).
Rahma only interviews people and features takes that interest him personally, even scrapping interviews with high-profile figures if they don't feel right.
Rahma's sincerity and focus on his own entertainment have been key to his success.
He has gained significant recognition, even being recognized by people in unexpected places like airport security.
Rahma's first successful venture was "Keep The Meter Running," a transit-themed interview series in taxis, but it was expensive to produce.
The idea for "Subway Takes" was partly a tongue-in-cheek response to the proliferation of podcasts, aiming to be a podcast of clips without the full show.
The podcast format allows for longer interviews and more in-depth conversations.
Rahma sees his age (38) as an advantage in the TikTok world, giving him a different perspective and experience.
Reflecting on his life, Rahma values his current position where he supports his family doing something culturally relevant and enjoys the journey rather than just focusing on the next big thing.
Key Takeaway:
Kareem Rahma's "Subway Takes" has found success on TikTok by offering a simple, authentic, and humorous interview format featuring the diverse and often unfiltered opinions of everyday commuters, demonstrating the power of low-cost, creative content and a genuine host in the digital landscape.
Main Trend: The Authenticity and Spontaneity of User-Generated Interview Content
Description of the trend: This trend describes the growing popularity and influence of interview-style content created by individuals on platforms like TikTok, where the emphasis is on capturing genuine, unscripted conversations with everyday people in real-world settings, often contrasting with the more polished and produced interviews found in traditional media.
What is consumer motivation:
Relatability: Viewers find the opinions and experiences of everyday people relatable and often more genuine than those of celebrities or public figures.
Humor and Entertainment: The spontaneous and sometimes absurd takes from commuters provide quick and easily digestible entertainment.
Diverse Perspectives: The show offers a glimpse into the thoughts and viewpoints of a wide range of individuals from different backgrounds.
Sense of Connection: Viewers may feel a connection to the interviewees, seeing their own experiences or opinions reflected in the responses.
Curiosity: The simple premise of asking a single question can spark curiosity about what people are thinking about in their daily lives.
What is driving trend:
Accessibility of Short-Form Video Platforms: TikTok's user-friendly format and vast reach make it easy for creators to share and for audiences to discover this type of content.
Desire for Unfiltered Content: In a media landscape often perceived as curated, viewers are drawn to the raw and unfiltered nature of user-generated content.
Low Barrier to Entry for Creators: The simple production setup of "Subway Takes" demonstrates that creators don't need extensive resources to create engaging content.
Viral Potential of Short, Catchy Clips: The short format is ideal for sharing and virality on social media.
Creator Personality: A charismatic and relatable host like Kareem Rahma can significantly contribute to the success of this type of content.
What is motivation beyond the trend:
Beyond the immediate entertainment value, this trend might reflect:
A Desire for Connection in Urban Environments: In a large and often impersonal city like New York, the show can offer a sense of connection through shared experiences.
A Counter-Narrative to Polished Online Personas: The show provides a refreshing look at the unfiltered thoughts of everyday individuals, contrasting with highly curated online profiles.
Description of consumers article is referring to:
The article primarily refers to:
Viewers of "Subway Takes" on TikTok: Likely a broad demographic of TikTok users who enjoy short-form, humorous, and relatable content. This audience is generally younger, with a significant portion being Gen Z and Millennials.
Listeners of the "SubwayTakes Uncut" Podcast: Possibly a more engaged subset of the TikTok audience, interested in longer-form content and more in-depth conversations.
Fans of Kareem Rahma: Individuals who appreciate his personality, interview style, and approach to content creation.
While specific age, gender, income, and lifestyle data isn't provided, the show's accessibility and the demographics of TikTok users suggest a diverse audience. The setting in New York City implies a connection to urban lifestyles.
Conclusions:
Kareem Rahma's "Subway Takes" has tapped into a desire for authentic and spontaneous content on TikTok, showcasing the diverse and often humorous perspectives of everyday commuters. Its success underscores the power of simple ideas, a genuine host, and the accessibility of short-form video platforms to create engaging and culturally relevant content.
Implications for brands:
Authentic User-Generated Content Opportunities: Brands could explore creating short-form interview series featuring their customers or the general public to gather authentic opinions and stories related to their products or industry.
Leveraging the "Man on the Street" Format: This approach can provide relatable and trustworthy content that resonates with a wider audience.
Partnering with Creators Like Kareem Rahma: Collaborating with individuals who have a knack for eliciting genuine responses in informal settings could be a valuable marketing strategy.
Implication for society:
Amplifying Diverse Voices: The show provides a platform for everyday people to share their thoughts and opinions, potentially amplifying voices that might not otherwise be heard in mainstream media.
Snapshot of Contemporary Urban Life: "Subway Takes" offers a unique glimpse into the minds of people navigating the daily realities of urban commuting.
Implications for consumers:
Access to Relatable and Humorous Content: Viewers can find entertainment and connection in the unfiltered thoughts of everyday individuals.
Exposure to a Wide Range of Perspectives: The show can offer insights into different ways of thinking and living.
Implication for Future:
The trend of user-generated interview content is likely to continue to thrive on short-form video platforms, with creators finding new and innovative ways to engage with everyday people and capture authentic perspectives. This format offers a refreshing alternative to more produced content and has the potential to reach wide audiences.
Consumer Trend (name, detailed description): The Appeal of Unfiltered Opinions
Detailed Description: Consumers are increasingly drawn to content that feels raw, authentic, and unfiltered, valuing the genuine perspectives of everyday individuals over highly produced or heavily curated narratives. "Subway Takes" exemplifies this by showcasing the spontaneous and sometimes unconventional opinions of ordinary commuters.
Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description): Micro-Moment Interview Content
Detailed Description: This sub-trend focuses on the popularity of interview content delivered in short, easily digestible formats, often under two minutes, catering to the fast-paced consumption habits of users on platforms like TikTok. "Subway Takes" effectively utilizes this micro-moment format to capture and share quick insights.
Big Social Trend (name, detailed description): The Rise of Citizen Content Creators
Detailed Description: The digital age has empowered everyday individuals to become content creators, sharing their perspectives, talents, and stories directly with a global audience. "Subway Takes" is a testament to this trend, demonstrating how a simple concept executed by an individual can gain widespread popularity.
Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description): The Global Fascination with Human Stories
Detailed Description: Across cultures, there is a universal interest in hearing and sharing human stories. "Subway Takes" taps into this fundamental human curiosity by offering brief glimpses into the lives and thoughts of a diverse group of people.
Social Drive (name, detailed description): The Desire for Authenticity and Connection
Detailed Description: In an increasingly digital and often curated world, there is a strong social drive for authenticity and genuine human connection. "Subway Takes" resonates with this drive by presenting unfiltered opinions and relatable encounters.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025 (bullets, detailed description):
Embrace Unscripted Interactions: Consider incorporating more spontaneous and less polished content featuring real people in your marketing.
Keep it Concise for Short-Form Platforms: Tailor your message to fit the fast-paced nature of platforms like TikTok with short, engaging clips.
Focus on Relatability: Highlight the perspectives and experiences of everyday individuals who connect with your target audience.
Be Genuine and Authentic: Avoid overly promotional or inauthentic messaging; sincerity resonates with viewers.
Listen to Unfiltered Feedback: Pay attention to the genuine opinions and reactions of your audience and use them to inform your strategies.
Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025 (bullets, detail description):
Launch a Short-Form Interview Series: Create a TikTok or Instagram Reels series where you ask everyday people for their "takes" on topics related to your brand or industry.
Partner with Micro-Influencers: Collaborate with individuals who have a knack for capturing authentic conversations with their local communities.
Run a User-Generated Content Campaign: Encourage your audience to share their unfiltered opinions or stories related to your brand using a specific hashtag.
Feature Customer Testimonials in an Unscripted Format: Showcase real customers sharing their genuine experiences with your products or services in short video clips.
Engage in Real-Time Conversations: Monitor social media for trending topics and spontaneously ask for people's "takes" in a lighthearted and engaging way.
Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article: Kareem Rahma's "Subway Takes" has become a TikTok sensation by capturing the authentic and often humorous perspectives of everyday commuters in a simple, short-form format, exemplifying the power of user-generated interview content in today's digital landscape.
What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it:
In 2025, brands and companies looking to connect with audiences on short-form video platforms should consider leveraging the appeal of authentic and unfiltered opinions by:
Creating their own short interview series that features real people sharing their thoughts on topics relevant to the brand or industry.
Partnering with content creators who excel at capturing genuine and spontaneous conversations in everyday settings.
Encouraging user-generated content by prompting their audience to share their own unfiltered "takes" on relevant subjects.
Final Note:
Core Trend: The Unfiltered Voice Revolution
Core Strategy: Embrace Spontaneity and Authenticity in Content
Core Industry Trend: The Dominance of Relatable Micro-Content
Core Consumer Motivation: Seeking Genuine and Unscripted Perspectives
Final Conclusion: Kareem Rahma's "Subway Takes" offers a compelling case study in the power of authenticity and the appeal of unfiltered voices in the digital age, providing valuable insights for brands and content creators looking to connect with audiences in 2025 by embracing the trend of user-generated interview content.
Core Trend Detailed (name, detailed summary):
Name: The Unfiltered Voice Revolution
Detailed Summary: More and more, people online are drawn to content that feels real and not overly produced. They want to hear from everyday people sharing their honest opinions and experiences, which is why shows like "Subway Takes," where you get raw thoughts from regular folks, are becoming so popular. It's about getting a genuine glimpse into what people are really thinking and feeling.
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