| Human Profile | |
| Name: | Darren Jason Watkins Jr. |
| Birthday: | January 21, 2005 (age 20 years), Born in Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Height: | 5'8" (173 cm) |
| Education: | Ohio Digital Learning School (Diploma), High School |
| Subscribers: | 46.8M |
| Views: | 6,485,546,609 |
| YouTube Revenue: | $32.4M - $77.8M |
| Videos: | 1744 |
| Channel Created: | March 2016 |
Overview
Darren Jason Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, is an American multi-award-winning YouTube content creator, livestreamer, and musician recognized for his energetic and often controversial online persona, diverse content spanning gaming, in-real-life streams, and passionate soccer fandom, and for inspiring numerous internet memes.
Latest News (Dec 28, 2025): IShowSpeed officially joined Fortnite's Icon Series on December 25, 2025, releasing a bundle priced at 3,000 V-Bucks that includes two outfits, a back bling, pickaxe, glider, weapon wrap, and an emote. He also announced the "Speed Does Africa Tour" on December 21, 2025, a month-long livestream journey through 20 African countries starting December 29, 2025, with a potential race against Ferdinand Omanyala in Kenya.
Early Life and Education
Darren Jason Watkins Jr. was born on January 21, 2005, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was raised in a middle-class household and developed an early interest in video games and online entertainment. Watkins attended Purcell Marian High School for his freshman year and later enrolled in the Ohio Digital Learning School, from which he graduated. He has a younger brother and sister who have occasionally appeared in his online content. Before pursuing a full-time career in content creation, Watkins worked at a nursing home, delivering food to the elderly.
Career Beginnings
Watkins registered his YouTube channel, “IShowSpeed,” in 2016 and began occasionally uploading gameplay videos. He started livestreaming around December 2017, initially playing games like NBA 2K and Fortnite to a very small audience, sometimes averaging only two viewers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began streaming more consistently, which marked a turning point in his career. His initial growth was gradual, but by early 2021, he was gaining subscribers and viewers more steadily.
Rise to Prominence
Watkins’s popularity significantly increased in 2021. A key factor in his growth was the circulation of clips from his livestreams on platforms like TikTok. These clips often highlighted his energetic, unpredictable, and sometimes volatile behavior while gaming, which became the subject of numerous internet memes. His channel experienced rapid growth, reaching 100,000 subscribers in April 2021 and surpassing one million subscribers just two months later. His interactions with the mobile app Talking Ben the Dog also contributed to his fame and were credited with reviving the app’s popularity.
Major Work and Content Evolution
Initially focused on gaming, Watkins’s content has expanded over time. In 2022, he shifted his focus significantly towards soccer-related content, becoming a vocal supporter of Cristiano Ronaldo. This pivot included traveling to watch matches and creating content centered around the sport, which helped him tap into a global audience. He is also known for his in-real-life (IRL) streams, which involve traveling to various countries, showcasing local cultures, and engaging in ambitious stunts. One such stream in Indonesia garnered over one million concurrent viewers.
In addition to streaming, Watkins has pursued a music career, releasing his first single, “Dooty Booty,” in August 2021. He later released other tracks, including “Shake” and “World Cup,” the latter of which was released by Warner Records. He has performed live at music festivals, such as the 2023 Rolling Loud festival in Portugal. For his work, Watkins has received several awards, including Breakout Streamer of the Year at the 12th Streamy Awards and Streamer of the Year at the Streamer Awards in both 2024 and 2025.
Public Image and Controversies
Watkins’s online persona is characterized by its loud, energetic, and often chaotic nature. This style has been a major component of his success but has also led to numerous controversies. He has faced bans from platforms like Twitch and the video game Valorant for his comments and behavior during streams. Incidents that have drawn public attention include setting off fireworks in his bedroom, promoting a cryptocurrency that was criticized as a “pump and dump” scheme, and accidentally exposing himself during a livestream. He has also faced criticism for comments perceived as misogynistic or racist. These events are a recurring part of his public image, alongside his achievements in streaming.