At SIBF 2025’s Social Media Station, the duo with over 50 million followers shared their journey from injury to internet stardom, proving that real connection outshines chasing views
Sharjah, November 7, 2025
The ‘Social Media Station’ at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2025 erupted with energy, swapping focused discussions for roaring laughter and applause. The source of the excitement? A masterclass session titled “Social Media Creators” featuring the globally-celebrated British entertainment duo, Woody & Kleiny.
Before they became internet icons known for gathering over 50 million followers on social media platforms with their comedic pranks and creative challenges, Woody & Kleiny were world-traveling football freestylers. They shared tales of a past life working with legends like Messi and Ronaldo and a semi-final run on the hit show “Britain’s Got Talent” that put them forward onto the global stage. However, a “life-changing” moment arrived when Kleiny suffered a back injury, forcing him to quit freestyle football.
“It was a crossroads,” Kleiny explained, “But as best friends, Woody stood by me and decided to join me in creating a new path for ourselves.” Spotting a gap in the content market for an entertainment duo, they embarked on a new, exciting career together.
Their journey to the top was not an overnight sensation; launching their YouTube channel in 2013, and working tirelessly for five years before finally gaining momentum with a video that cracked one million views. From there, the trajectory was meteoric, at one point garnering over a million new followers every month.
The secret of creating successful content
At SIBF 2025, content creators Woody & Kleiny offered an inspiring look into what drives their success. They credited Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret for reshaping their outlook on life, saying its philosophy of positive manifestation and hard work became the cornerstone of their creative journey.
Exploring the question every creator asks, what makes content go viral – they responded that “viral” moments are not about numbers but about sparking genuine cultural connection. They outlined six key ingredients for impactful content: topicality, surprise, adventure, inspiration, humour, and emotion—demonstrating live that humour and emotion are the most powerful. Their core message: creators should stay authentic rather than imitate others. “The real magic happens when you focus on what connects with you,” they said, adding that genuine passion and consistency matter far more than any algorithm.
Closing with their signature blend of fun and engagement, Woody & Kleiny surprised the audience with a treasure hunt, revealing hidden copies of The Secret around the hall. Winners received the books and a photo opportunity with the duo. By turning inspiration into action, they left the audience with a memorable reminder: the real secret to success is authenticity, effort, and joy.
-ENDS-