HONG KONG — YouTube personality IShowSpeed, a 20-year-old American internet phenomenon, electrified Hong Kong on Friday, drawing massive crowds and livestream viewership during his high-profile tour of the city.
The social media star, who boasts over 37 million YouTube followers, arrived in Causeway Bay wearing a local Special Administrative Region football t-shirt, quickly becoming the center of attention for local fans and passersby.
During his morning livestream, which attracted approximately 140,000 concurrent viewers, IShowSpeed toured popular locations and visited Ocean Park, where he was seen interacting with the facility’s giant pandas.
His current Asian tour, which included stops in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Chongqing, has been notably supported by Chinese state media, who have characterized his visit as a form of cultural diplomacy between the United States and China.
Known for his high-energy and dramatic online persona, IShowSpeed—often simply called “Speed”—gained international recognition after winning “Streamer of the Year” in a recent online entertainment awards ceremony.
The young content creator’s ability to draw massive crowds and generate significant online engagement has made him a unique cultural bridge, transforming traditional travel experiences into global digital events.
His Hong Kong appearance continues a tour that has seen him interact with local celebrities, visit cultural landmarks like the Shaolin Temple, and even test drive local electric vehicles.
