“Speed take over!” Fans react to IShowSpeed being honored with billboards in China for sharing beauty of nation to the world

Darren Watkins Jr., popularly known as IShowSpeedLately, has been making waves on social media with his ongoing China tour. The 20-year-old YouTuber began his journey on March 24, 2025, in Shanghai, where he live-streamed his exploration of the city for over six hours.

Since then, Speed has sparked massive online interest, which has earned him the unofficial title of "Accidental Ambassador of China" because of his efforts to showcase the country's culture. His first stream alone garnered over 10 million views across various platforms.

IShowSpeed's popularity has surged since the beginning of the tour, with his content gaining widespread visibility not only during his live streams but also on Chinese apps like Weibo and Bilibili.

Recently, the streamer was honored with billboards in Changsha, China, as a token of appreciation for sharing the country's beauty with the world.

@FearedBuck on X, formerly Twitter, shared the news with the caption:

“iShowSpeed was honored with billboards in Changsha, China, for sharing the beauty of the country with the world .”

The post quickly went viral, drawing reactions from netizens, who took to the comments section to express their thoughts on the matter.

@irdgafnomo commented:

Similar comments echoed this sentiment as netizens praised the streamer for this achievement.

@HixAce commented:

“Man went from barking on stream to being celebrated for cultural exchange. Wild how the internet works, but hey, he showed genuine love for the country, and China clearly noticed."

@kojocona tweeted:

“That’s crazy love - I wouldn’t even be surprised if they name a street after him or hand him free-pass citizenship!”

@averageclipper added:

“Crazy what he's accomplished in a short span but very deserved ,” @averageclipper added.

More comments applauded the streamer for his recognition in China.

@Saiqamir tweeted:

“From streaming to billboards in China....… man’s living a movie!"

@william26303570 replied:

“Speed is a dope world representative of blackness. He a genuinely good kid man"

@suayrez added:

“Thank you Speed for opening Young American kids eyes as to how Asia really is, propaganda done too much damage but the younger generation can learn the real China"

More details on IShowSpeed's time in China

The American streamer has been spending his time in China exploring cities and trying new things that the Chinese culture brings. Speed has engaged in several activities, including tasting new dishes delivered by a drone, interacting with China’s most cutting-edge robots, climbing the country's iconic love stairs, driving a flying car, and witnessing a dances performed by cars and robots.

Read more: “That’s marketing on a whole different level”: Internet reacts as IShowSpeed clips displayed on a huge billboard in China

Speed's streams not only showcased China's scenic beauty but also highlighted the nation's technological advancements, warm hospitality, robust internet connectivity, and cleanliness. This helped in challenging some of the negative assumptions that people hold about the country.

Speed’s exploration of Asia is far from over. The streamer recently teased upcoming tours in Mongolia and Japan. In addition to China, Speed has already visited the Philippines, South Korea, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos.

Read more: “China using Speed to advertise all their products”: Internet reacts as IShowSpeed drives a flying car in China

Outside Asia, Speed has toured Australia, South America, New Zealand, and most of Europe.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback