By James Taylor
YouTube, once regarded as the ultimate platform for content creators, has undeniably revolutionised the way we consume media. With over 2.7 billion active monthly users globally, it provides creators with a stage unmatched in size, accessibility, and freedom. Yet, even with its vast reach and transformative potential, the Sidemen, one of YouTube’s biggest success stories, believe they’ve “hit the limit” and are now expanding their horizons to Netflix.
This announcement raises a fascinating question: can a platform with such an extensive audience and accessibility truly have limits?
The Power and Reach of YouTube
YouTube’s appeal lies in its universality. It is free, accessible on nearly every device, and welcomes anyone with a camera and an idea. Unlike traditional broadcasters or subscription-based streaming services, YouTube operates without significant barriers to entry. This democratization of media has given rise to global phenomena like PewDiePie, MrBeast, and, of course, the Sidemen themselves.
The Sidemen have amassed over 146 million subscribers across their channels, reaching viewers from all corners of the globe. From gaming content and challenges to high-production reality-style videos like Sidemen $100 vs. $100,000 Holiday, their work has drawn in millions of views, often rivaling television shows in popularity.
Yet, despite these advantages, the Sidemen’s move to Netflix suggests that YouTube’s unparalleled accessibility may not equate to boundless opportunity for every creator.
Why the Sidemen Are Moving to Netflix
While YouTube offers scale, it also imposes limitations in ways that traditional broadcasters or streaming platforms do not. Here’s why the Sidemen may see Netflix as their next logical step:
- Revenue and Production Scale:
While YouTube’s ad-based revenue model has helped many creators flourish, it often doesn’t compare to the budgets available from major streaming services. Netflix brings resources to fund large-scale productions with polished visuals, complex scripts, and expansive sets. For the Sidemen, moving to Netflix allows them to break free from the financial constraints of YouTube’s ecosystem and create content that matches—or even exceeds—traditional TV standards. - Creative Boundaries on YouTube:
YouTube’s content policies, while designed to maintain a safe environment, can sometimes limit creators. Monetisation rules, restrictions on language or themes, and the algorithm’s preference for advertiser-friendly content often shape what creators produce. On Netflix, there’s greater freedom to explore bold, risky, or mature storytelling without fear of demonetisation or reduced visibility. - Prestige and Validation:
While YouTube is a global powerhouse, Netflix carries a certain prestige. Being featured on the world’s leading streaming platform confers legitimacy and recognition in industries like film and television, which YouTube, despite its success, hasn’t fully penetrated. For creators like the Sidemen, Netflix is not just a new challenge but a way to solidify their status beyond the internet. - The US Market:
Netflix’s plans to produce a US version of Inside highlight the Sidemen’s ambition to expand their brand. While YouTube is global, Netflix’s curated and localised content strategy offers an opportunity to tailor their work for a massive American audience while maintaining creative control.
Does YouTube Have Limits?
Critics of this move might argue that YouTube, with its unparalleled audience and accessibility, is far from “limited.” It allows creators to reach viewers instantly, bypassing the gatekeeping of traditional media. The fact that the Sidemen have built their empire on the platform underscores its potential.
However, YouTube’s “limit” is not necessarily about reach—it’s about perception and evolution. While YouTube remains a goldmine for creators, it is still seen as an internet platform rather than a competitor to Hollywood or global broadcasters. Platforms like Netflix offer a sense of permanence and legitimacy that creators may struggle to achieve on YouTube alone.
Moreover, as creators grow, so do their ambitions. For the Sidemen, who have already conquered the YouTube landscape, the challenge lies in proving they can excel in a more traditional media environment. It’s not about abandoning YouTube—it’s about diversifying their presence.
Closing Thoughts
YouTube will remain the backbone of modern content creation. Its accessibility and vast audience make it indispensable for millions of creators and viewers worldwide. Yet, for those like the Sidemen who aspire to something “even bigger,” platforms like Netflix provide a way to challenge themselves, access larger budgets, and solidify their legacy.
In many ways, this move is not about rejecting YouTube but about proving that creators born on the platform can thrive anywhere. It’s a bold step forward in an ever-changing media landscape, and the world will be watching to see how the Sidemen adapt.
