China may have achieved a soft power success due to a visit from a social media influencer with millions of followers. This breakthrough came from genuine excitement that the Chinese Ministry of Culture could not replicate, as YouTuber IShowSpeed's well-publicized trip made waves both in China and internationally.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., is a well-known American YouTuber, streamer, and content creator. He visited Shanghai and Beijing starting March 24. With over 30 million subscribers and followers across YouTube and Instagram, Speed was seen engaging in various activities, from sampling local cuisine to playing soccer with fans, and even performing a backflip at the Great Wall while wearing an eye-catching Dongbei floral-patterned three-piece suit.
His visit attracted considerable local media interest, particularly from the Global Times, which noted that the YouTuber's presence signifies “a trend of digital influencers bridging cultural gaps.” The article highlighted both Speed's reactions and those of his fans to Chengdu's opera mask-changing, and his backflip on the Great Wall has gone viral on Instagram.
Recognized for his lively and spontaneous persona, Speed rose to fame through gaming livestreams, particularly in FIFA, Fortnite, and Five Nights at Freddy's, with his exaggerated reactions and comedic moments going viral across various platforms. His intense passion for football, especially towards Cristiano Ronaldo, along with his catchphrase “Siuuu,” has further enhanced his fame.
In 2024, Speed was awarded Streamer of the Year by YouTube, and Forbes named him one of the most influential streamers globally, a recognition stemming from his enthusiastic approach to transitioning to In Real Life (IRL) streaming during his travels. His content often presents scenarios so real and outlandish that they seem almost unbelievable.
A notable recent instance of his prominence occurred when Speed was named the honorary mayor of Lima, Peru, for one day this January.
The South China Morning Post and the US Embassy in Beijing also acknowledged Speed’s visit to China. The SCMP pointed out the importance of Speed achieving 10 million views during his continuous livestreams in Shanghai and Beijing, while the US Embassy emphasized his role in promoting cultural exchange.
Images: SpeedUniverse YouTube channel, Memezar Instagram account.
The YouTuber's journey to China has attracted interest from Global Times and SCMP.