IShowSpeed

IShowSpeed
Watkins at Chinatown, Singapore, in 2024
Born
Darren Jason Watkins Jr.

(2005-01-21) January 21, 2005
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Other names
  • Speed
  • John Bobby
  • Jia Kang Ge
  • Barima Kofi Akuffo
Citizenship
    • United States
    • Ghana (since 2026)
Occupations
  • YouTuber
  • online streamer
  • rapper
Years active2016–present
Twitch information
Channel
Years active
  • 2018–2021
  • 2023–present
GenreGaming
Followers3.5 million
Twitter information
Handle
Display nameSpeed
Years activesince September 2018
Topicclips from streams
Followers3.9 million
YouTube information
Channel
Genres
Subscribers51.4 million
Views7.3 billion
Musical career
Genres
LabelWarner
Websitespeed.store
Last updated: March 12, 2026

Darren Jason Watkins Jr. (born January 21, 2005), better known as IShowSpeed or simply Speed, is an American YouTuber and online streamer. He is regarded as one of the most popular online streamers and Internet personalities in the world. Watkins is known for his dramatic and energetic behavior he displays during his variety live streams, including in-real-life streams conducted in various worldwide locations. He has been viewed as a cultural ambassador as he visits countries often to showcase their cultures and inventions to both domestic and international audiences.

Watkins was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Registering his YouTube channel in 2016, he first posted gaming content. Watkins started gaining attention in 2021 due to his violent verbal and physical reactions when gaming. In 2022, he began shifting focus towards soccer-related content, becoming an avid supporter of Cristiano Ronaldo, commonly revolving his content around his support for the player.

Watkins has also pursued a rapping career. He signed with Warner Records to release his 2022 single "World Cup", which charted in several countries. He was named Breakout Streamer of the Year at the 12th Streamy Awards in 2022, and twice won Streamer of the Year at the 2024 Streamer Awards and 2025 Streamer Awards.