The Rise of TBJZL: From Gaming Videos to Multi-Platform Success

Tobit "Tobi" John Brown, widely known by his online alias TBJZL, stands as one of the UK's most recognizable digital content creators. A co-founder of the hugely successful Sidemen group, Brown has built an impressive online presence with over 5.07 million subscribers on his main YouTube channel as of May 2025.^[1]^[3] His influence extends across multiple platforms, with his content primarily focusing on gaming, football, and lifestyle vlogs that resonate with millions of viewers globally.

Early Life and Educational Background

Born on April 8, 1993, in Hackney, London, to a family of Nigerian heritage, Brown's journey to digital fame has humble beginnings. Before establishing himself online, he attended St. Dominic's Catholic Primary School and later Bexley Grammar School, where he met future Sidemen member Josh Bradley (Zerkaa).^[5] Brown went on to complete an honors degree in computing at Coventry University, balancing his education with his early YouTube endeavors.^[10]

The YouTube Journey

Brown's YouTube career began in 2011 while still at university, inspired by the success of his friend Josh Bradley on the platform. After graduation, he committed to becoming a full-time content creator.^[9] His content evolved to include video game commentaries-particularly FIFA and NBA 2K series-alongside football challenges, vlogs, and comedy videos that showcase his charismatic personality.^[5] As of 2025, his channel hosts over 1,000 videos with a combined view count exceeding 582 million.^[3]

Sidemen Collective: A Digital Powerhouse

On October 19, 2013, Brown and four other British YouTubers formed what would become one of the UK's most influential content creator collectives: the Sidemen (initially called Ultimate Sidemen).^[2] Since 2014, the group has consisted of seven members: Vikram Barn (Vikkstar123), Joshua Bradley (Zerkaa), Harry Lewis (W2S), Simon Minter (Miniminter), JJ Olatunji (KSI), Ethan Payne (Behzinga), and Tobi Brown himself.^[10] Their collaborative content-ranging from challenges and sketches to video game commentary-has catapulted all members to greater heights in their individual careers.

The group's influence was formally recognized in 2019 when The Sunday Times ranked Brown as the 38th most significant online creator in the UK.^[8] Beyond content creation, the Sidemen have established several successful business ventures, with Brown serving as co-owner of XIX Vodka, Sidemen Clothing, restaurant chain Sides, and cereal brand Best Breakfasts.^[5]

Musical Ventures

Expanding beyond digital content, Brown has established himself in the music industry. His debut single "Destined for Greatness," released in February 2020 with his brother Manny featuring his sister Janellé, peaked at number 31 on the UK Singles Chart and number 33 on the Irish Singles Chart.^[6] This achievement marked his first UK top 40 single, demonstrating his versatility as an entertainer.^[9] His musical catalog continued to grow with releases like "Rhythm & Vibes" in August 2021, further diversifying his creative portfolio.^[10]

Business Acumen

Brown's entrepreneurial spirit manifested in June 2018 when he founded ILLVZN, a streetwear brand officially launched in February 2019.^[9] In May 2019, he collaborated with New Era Cap to release a custom 9Fifty snapback, further establishing his presence in the fashion industry.^[9] His business endeavors reflect a strategic approach to brand building beyond digital platforms.

Current Online Presence and Analytics

As of May 2025, Brown's digital footprint continues to grow steadily. His main YouTube channel boasts 5.07 million subscribers with over 582 million views across more than 1,016 videos.^[7] Recent analytics show his channel gaining approximately 7,810 new subscribers monthly, with daily video views consistently in the tens of thousands range.^[3]

On Twitch, Brown has amassed over 863,000 followers, further extending his reach across multiple platforms.^[4] His content strategy continues to evolve, with an average video length of 22.49 minutes-notably longer than many of his peers in the space.^[7] His uploads maintain a modest frequency of approximately 0.75 videos per week, with an engagement rate of 3.38%, demonstrating a dedicated and interactive audience.^[7]

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Beyond his digital persona, Brown is an avid Manchester United supporter and plays Sunday league football for Under The Radar FC, a team formed by his brother and fellow YouTuber Manny Brown.^[10] He has used his platform to address important issues, notably speaking out on racism within football through interviews with Sky Sports News.^[9]

Brown's commitment to giving back was demonstrated in February 2025 when he participated in "Match for Hope 2025," a charity football event in Doha, Qatar. The event successfully raised over $10.7 million for charitable causes, highlighting his dedication to leveraging his influence for positive impact.^[10]