YouTube creators like MrBeast, Jake Paul, and the Sidemen are redefining the media industry. With massive online audiences and high-quality content, these creators are increasingly moving to mainstream platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Their influence is reshaping how viewers consume entertainment, as they transition from digital platforms to traditional TV and streaming services. With millions of loyal fans and innovative content formats, these creators are becoming essential to the future of media consumption.
YouTube Stars Making Waves in Traditional Media
The Sidemen, a group with over 150 million YouTube subscribers, have taken their influence to the big screen. Netflix released the second season of Inside, a reality series they created. After a successful first season on YouTube, the series is expanding to an American adaptation. Additionally, the Sidemen sold out Wembley Stadium for a charity football match, attracting top names like Jake Paul and MrBeast.
Meanwhile, MrBeast, the world’s most-followed YouTuber with a staggering 375 million subscribers, launched Beast Games, a $100 million reality series. Despite its hefty budget, the show has helped Amazon Prime achieve its biggest-ever subscriber growth and promises to bring in more viewers with future seasons.
Why Streaming Platforms Are Investing in YouTube Creators
The increasing involvement of YouTube stars in traditional media is no accident. Streaming platforms are keen on these creators for several reasons. First, their large, engaged audiences offer a new way to attract viewers, especially among younger generations who might not be as drawn to conventional TV. Second, creators like the Sidemen and MrBeast produce high-quality content, often comparable to traditional TV shows, making them attractive alternatives to A-list productions.
YouTube is now the most-streamed platform on U.S. smart TVs. The creators driving this success often have teams of former TV professionals working on their projects, and they now spend millions on individual video productions.
Ben Woods, an analyst at MIDiA Research, highlights the impact these creators have:
“Big creators are becoming mainstream brands. They bring their audience wherever they go — including TV,” Woods explains.
YouTube Creators Are Rewriting the Business Model
These creators aren’t just content makers—they’re entrepreneurs. In the past few years, YouTube has played a significant role in transforming creators into multimillion-dollar businesses. Between 2021 and 2023, the platform paid a staggering $70 billion to creators and media companies. MrBeast alone earned $85 million in 2023, cementing his place as one of the highest-paid content creators.
The Sidemen, in particular, have successfully expanded their brand beyond YouTube. They’ve launched their own restaurants, a vodka line, and even a $25 million venture fund. The success of these ventures highlights how creators are building diverse revenue streams and cultivating a broader presence in the entertainment industry.
The Future Is Creator-Led Content
According to MIDiA Research, global creator revenue is projected to reach $64 billion by 2031, with nearly 700 million video creators worldwide, a significant increase from 239 million in 2022. While only a small percentage of these creators will achieve superstar status, many are already making a substantial living from content creation.
Jordan Schwarzenberger, the Sidemen’s manager, reflects on the changing landscape of the media industry:
“We’re the guinea pigs,” he says. “We’re showing other creators that jumping into TV—and beyond—is possible.”
As the lines between traditional media and digital platforms continue to blur, these YouTube superstars are setting the stage for a new era of content creation. Their influence is growing, and as more creators follow in their footsteps, the entertainment industry will likely see even more dramatic shifts in the coming years.
The rise of YouTube creators like MrBeast and the Sidemen is a testament to how digital platforms are reshaping traditional media. As streaming services look for fresh ways to capture audience attention, they are increasingly relying on these influential creators to bring in viewers. With their massive followings, entrepreneurial ventures, and top-tier content, these creators are leading the charge into the future of entertainment.
