Sidemen, the British YouTube collective that has amassed a staggering 146 million subscribers across their channels, are stepping beyond the platform that made them famous. The group has announced that their hit reality show Inside will return for a second season next year, debuting on Netflix alongside a brand-new US version. This marks a major shift for the seven creators, including KSI, who are moving from the familiar territory of YouTube to a larger streaming audience.
In an interview with BBC News, Vik Barn, better known as Vikkstar123, described the transition as both “ambitious” and “exciting.” Reflecting on their journey from uploading gaming videos from their bedrooms to signing a deal with Netflix, he remarked: “Netflix is the gold standard, and part of us working with them is to say that over the past decade we’ve managed to go from filming content in our bedrooms to working with the biggest streaming platform in the world.”
Cowshed Collective, the UK based entertainment studio and agency will produce the second season of Inside. Cowshed’s George Cowin said “This commission marks a huge shift in the entertainment industry. At Cowshed Collective we have again proven that we can produce landmark reality series which not only draws millions of viewers, but also engages a community and influences cultural narrative across platforms. We are delighted to be working with The Sidemen to deliver this series to a global audience. We will continue to disrupt the entertainment industry with a quicker, more efficient production model that really delivers”.
From YouTube Beginnings to Global Success
The Sidemen began their YouTube journey in the early 2010s, initially creating gaming and reaction videos. Over the years, they expanded their repertoire, producing comedy sketches, travel challenges, podcasts, and even a dating show. Their relentless creativity and ability to adapt have helped them build an empire that now includes a production team of over 100 people dedicated to creating content and generating ideas.
One of their standout successes has been Inside, a reality contest that first launched on YouTube in June. The show, which trapped 10 influencers in a house to compete for a prize of up to £1 million, racked up an impressive 14 million views for its opening episode. Its massive popularity quickly caught the attention of Netflix executives, who have since commissioned a second UK season and a US spin-off.
Aiming for Bigger Heights
Despite their achievements on YouTube, the Sidemen feel they have reached a turning point. Vik told the BBC: “We’re at a ceiling with YouTube—we bring in 20 million UK viewers each month. Now we’re thinking about how to connect with different people.” While acknowledging YouTube’s unmatched power and the doors it opened for them, he expressed excitement about the new opportunity to reach a broader audience through Netflix.
The move is not without its challenges. As Vik explained, the group has always had full control over their content and works at a pace that traditional broadcasters might find daunting. “We also move at a really fast pace—sometimes we shoot on Wednesday and by Sunday we will have uploaded a two-hour video. So we wanted to make sure Netflix were happy with the fast turnarounds and us being very dynamic,” he said.
However, the decision to bring Inside to Netflix was unanimous among the group, who vote on all major decisions. They will also serve as executive producers for the new seasons, retaining full creative control to ensure the show stays true to their distinctive style.
Balancing Platforms
The Sidemen’s success on YouTube is undeniable, and Vik emphasised that their move to Netflix does not diminish the platform’s importance. “YouTube opened so many doors for us so we can’t diminish its power, and it’s still unrivalled in some ways,” he said. But with Inside now set to reach a new global audience on Netflix, the Sidemen are poised to expand their influence further than ever before.
For the group—comprising Miniminter, Zerkaa, TBJZL, Behzinga, W2S, alongside Vik and KSI—the move represents a leap into uncharted territory. Yet, with their track record of innovation and adaptability, the Sidemen appear ready to conquer their next challenge and redefine what it means to be content creators in the digital age.
As Netflix readies Inside for its debut next year, the world will be watching to see if the Sidemen can replicate their YouTube success on the streaming platform, bringing their unique brand of entertainment to an even wider audience.
