American streamer and global internet sensation IShowSpeed (Darren Jason Watkins Jr.) has made YouTube history after surpassing 50 million subscribers, becoming the first Black individual creator to reach the milestone on the platform.
The record-breaking moment unfolded on January 21, 2026, coinciding with Speed’s 21st birthday.
A Birthday Moment That Broke the Internet
As the subscriber counter ticked upwards, the streamer climbed onto the roof of his SUV, watching in disbelief as the number flipped to 50,000,000 in real time.
“50 million on my birthday! This is the gift I asked for, I love y’all so much!” he shouted during the livestream.
The clip has since gone viral, cementing the moment as one of the most iconic livestream celebrations in YouTube history.
Kenya’s Role in the Road to 50 Million
Just days before the Nigeria moment, Speed had recorded a massive subscriber surge while in Kenya, where he crossed the 48 million mark.
During his Nairobi stop, the streamer gained more than 360,000 subscribers in a single day, a spike he described as his “most successful stop” at the time.
His Kenyan visit featured headline-grabbing moments, including a helicopter ride over Nairobi, street interactions with fans, and a high-profile meeting with senior government officials, including the Tourism Cabinet Secretary, as part of efforts to promote “Magical Kenya” to his global Gen Z audience.
Inside the ‘Speed Does Africa’ Tour
Speed’s record run comes amid his widely followed “Speed Does Africa” tour, which kicked off in late December 2025.
The continent-wide journey has seen him visit around 15 countries, including South Africa, Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Beyond subscriber numbers, the tour has focused on showcasing African culture, food, music, and landmarks, introducing millions of young viewers worldwide to the continent through unfiltered, high-energy content.
His influence was officially recognised last year when Rolling Stone named him the Most Influential Creator of 2025, underscoring his growing global footprint.
From 1 Million to 50 Million in Under Five Years
Speed’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary.
He crossed 1 million subscribers in June 2021. Less than five years later, he now sits at 50 million, marking one of the fastest growth trajectories ever recorded for a solo streamer.
Often described as chaotic, unpredictable, and endlessly energetic, Speed has increasingly been framed as a cultural ambassador, using entertainment to bridge Western audiences with global cultures.