American internet sensation IShowSpeed is capturing the world’s attention with his energetic livestreams from the Chinese mainland. With over 37 million followers, the Gen Z content creator is offering an unfiltered glimpse into China, captivating audiences across the globe.
Known off-screen as Darren Jason Watkins Jr., IShowSpeed—or simply Speed—has been affectionately dubbed “Hyperthyroid Bro” by Chinese netizens for his boundless energy and animated reactions. His adventures have turned into viral sensations, drawing millions to his real-time broadcasts.
During his journey, Speed has explored a matchmaking corner in Shanghai, performed backflips on the Great Wall, and honed martial arts skills at the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province. Amazed by the seamless livestream signal even within high-speed rail tunnels, he expressed excitement when fans recognized him on the streets.
In Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Speed immersed himself in local culture—getting his face painted like a panda, experiencing traditional Chinese acupuncture, and reacting with amazement to the fire-spitting and face-changing acts of Sichuan Opera. His livestream from Chengdu alone attracted about 8 million viewers, with short clips surpassing 10 million views.
His most recent livestream from Chongqing, known as the “8D Magical City,” garnered over 450,000 views within 15 hours on YouTube. Navigating the city’s dramatic elevations and layered urban landscape, Speed rode a monorail through a residential building at Liziba Station, ascended the 112-meter-long Crown Grand Escalator, and even got a haircut at a local barbershop.
Speed’s vibrant experiences are not only entertaining but also reshaping global perceptions of the Chinese mainland. Through his candid broadcasts, viewers worldwide are gaining a closer look at everyday life in China. One viewer, Lorna, commented, “I was completely taken aback by how courteous and kind Chinese people are. Their culture is among the greatest in the world.” Another netizen, Joshua Singzon, wrote, “His streams on China changed my entire perspective… every city is clean and everything. Bro, this is crazy, my mind can’t believe it.”
From cultural exchanges on Chinese social apps like Xiaohongshu (RedNote) to Speed’s seamless livestreams, social media is bridging gaps and fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding through genuine, people-to-people interactions.
