IShowSpeed’s Visit a Soft Power Boost for China?

China might have just landed a soft power win thanks to a visit from a social media star with millions of fans. It's a breakthrough created via organic buzz that China's Ministry of Culture couldn't buy, with YouTuber IShowSpeed's well-documented visit creating a splash in China and abroad. 

IShowSpeed (Speed for short), real name Darren Watkins Jr., a popular American YouTuber, streamer, and content creator, paid a visit to Shanghai and Beijing from Mar 24. Speed, who has over 30 million subscribers and followers on YouTube and Instagram, has been seen doing everything from trying local food to playing soccer with local fans and even executing a backflip on the Great Wall – while decked out in a bright Dongbei floral pattern three-piece suit, no less.

His visit garnered much attention from local media, especially the Global Times, which said the YouTuber’s visit represents “a trend of digital influencers bridging cultural gaps.” The GT article paid special attention to Speed's reaction, and that of his fans, to Chengdu opera mask-changing. His Great Wall backflip is even making the rounds on Instagram.

Known for his energetic and unpredictable personality, Speed gained fame through gaming livestreams, particularly FIFA, Fortnite, and Five Nights at Freddy's, with his over-the-top reactions and humorous antics going viral across platforms. His passionate love for football, especially for Cristiano Ronaldo, and his catchphrase “Siuuu” further boosted his popularity. 

Speed was named Streamer of the Year by YouTube in 2024, and Forbes called him one of the most influential streamers in the world today, thanks to his gungho approach to streaming following a pivot to In Real Life (IRL) streaming while traveling abroad. The result is situations that are so real and out there that they border on the unbelievable.

The most recent prominent example of this was when Speed was named the honorary mayor of Lima, Peru, for a day this January. 

South China Morning Post and the US Embassy in Beijing also made note of Speed’s China trip. While SCMP noted the significance of Speed garnering 10 million views during his non-stop livestreams in Shanghai and Beijing, the US Embassy highlighted the star’s influence in fostering cultural exchange. 

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Images: SpeedUniverse YouTube channel, Memezar Instagram account