From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how IShowSpeed made an impact.
Darren Jason Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed or Speed, is an American YouTuber and online streamer. He is recognized for his dramatic and energetic personality, prominently displayed during his diverse live streams. He also gains notoriety from his "In Real Life" (IRL) streams, often broadcasting from various locations around the world.
In 2016, IShowSpeed created his YouTube account and occasionally uploaded gameplay videos.
In 2016, Watkins registered his YouTube channel, where he began posting gaming content.
Around December 2017, IShowSpeed began livestreaming and uploading videos of games such as NBA 2K and occasionally Fortnite, averaging two viewers.
In April 2021, IShowSpeed's YouTube channel reached 100,000 subscribers.
In August 2021, IShowSpeed released his first single, "Dooty Booty", on his YouTube channel, which quickly became popular on social media.
In 2021, IShowSpeed started gaining online attention because of his ill-mannered personality and statements.
In June 2022, IShowSpeed released a song called "Ronaldo (Sewey)", after his newfound admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo.
In November 2022, IShowSpeed released a single titled "World Cup" under Warner Records in honor of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In 2022, IShowSpeed began shifting his focus towards soccer-related content, becoming an avid supporter of Cristiano Ronaldo and basing his content around this.
In 2022, IShowSpeed signed with Warner Records to release his single "World Cup" which charted in several countries. He was also named Breakout Streamer of the Year at the 12th Streamy Awards.
In May 2023, IShowSpeed announced that he signed an exclusive streaming deal with Rumble, in collaboration with Kai Cenat.
On July 7, 2023, IShowSpeed was a surprise guest at the 2023 Rolling Loud festival in Portugal and performed "Shake", "World Cup" and "Portuginies" with Ski Mask the Slump God and DJ Scheme.
In December 2023, IShowSpeed fought KSI in a charity boxing sparring match after a year-long rivalry, raising money for the Anthony Walker Foundation.
On February 23, 2024, IShowSpeed participated in "Match for Hope 2024", a soccer charity match in Qatar, where a clip of him slide tackling Kaká went viral.
In March 2024, IShowSpeed released his first extended play Trip 2 Brazil.
In September 2024, IShowSpeed toured Southeast Asia, visiting seven countries. He surpassed 30 million subscribers and accumulated 110 million views. His "IRL Stream in Indonesia" marked the first time an English-speaking streamer received 1 million viewers in a livestream.
On February 14, 2025, IShowSpeed participated in "Match for Hope 2025" as a co-captain, raising over $10.7 million for charity.