YouTube stars like MrBeast, the Sidemen, and Jake Paul are no longer just online celebrities — they’re turning into global entertainment powerhouses. Their rise from viral videos to billion-dollar shows is changing how we watch TV.
Over the past year, YouTube creators have taken major steps into mainstream media. From streaming platforms to packed stadiums, these influencers are proving they can draw bigger crowds than many Hollywood names. Their content is cheaper, faster, and often more engaging — and now it’s winning over major streamers like Netflix and Amazon.
The Sidemen’s YouTube-to-Netflix Journey
The British YouTube group Sidemen, with over 150 million followers, started small. But their reality show Inside became such a hit on YouTube that Netflix stepped in and bought the rights. Not only that — Netflix has ordered a U.S. version of the show to expand its reach even further.
In 2023, the Sidemen sold out Wembley Stadium — all 90,000 seats — for their annual charity football match. The event featured other YouTube megastars, including MrBeast and Jake Paul, further proof that online creators are now mainstream icons.
MrBeast’s $100 Million TV Gamble Pays Off
Famed for his jaw-dropping giveaways and stunts, MrBeast (real name Jimmy Donaldson) shocked the industry with Beast Games, the most expensive reality show ever produced. At $100 million, it was a huge risk. But Amazon reportedly made a profit, and sequels could cost up to $150 million each.
What sets creators like MrBeast apart is their business model. He reinvests over $1 million per video and runs a full-scale production team. His content feels like TV — but it moves at the speed of the internet.
As Sidemen manager Jordan Schwarzenberger said, “There’s only so much you can self-produce. These partnerships elevate what we’re doing.”
Why Streamers Are Betting Big on Creators
Streaming platforms are chasing something creators already have — huge, loyal audiences. YouTube is now the most-streamed platform on U.S. smart TVs, according to recent reports. And creators bring built-in followers wherever they go.
Behind each hit channel is a professional team. The Sidemen operate with over 100 staff. Others, like creator Brandon Baum, lead teams of 30+ professionals, many with backgrounds in traditional television.
While a show like Beast Games comes with a high price tag, creator-led content is often cheaper than traditional TV and yields better engagement, especially among younger viewers.
“Creators are now IP in their own right,” said Ben Woods from MIDiA Research. “Audiences follow them anywhere.”
The Creator Economy Is Booming
The numbers behind the creator economy are eye-opening. From 2021 to 2023, YouTube paid creators $70 billion. MrBeast alone earned $85 million last year, more than many movie stars. The Sidemen, meanwhile, run their own restaurant chains, vodka brand, and even a $25 million venture fund.
By 2031, industry analysts expect nearly 700 million people worldwide will identify as video creators — up from 239 million in 2022. MIDiA projects that global creator revenue could reach $64 billion, more than double the amount from 2021.
Still, only a small percentage will become global stars. Many others will stay local, niche, or treat content creation as a part-time gig.
“We’re the guinea pigs of this shift,” said Schwarzenberger. “But we’re proving creators can compete at the top.”
What This Means for the Future of Entertainment
The line between television and social media is fading. With big platforms now investing in digital stars, creators are no longer just influencers — they are producers, directors, and business owners. Their content is faster, more flexible, and deeply personal.
As more streamers turn to creators to drive views, we may be witnessing the start of a new media era — one led by the people who built their audiences from the ground up.