What Makes IShowSpeed Go Viral ?
By: Luo Qing
Recently the 20-year-old popular American YouTuber IShowSpeed has garnered massive global attention with his journey in China.His livestreaming indicates a broader trend of digital influencers bridging cultural gaps and creating alternative channels for foreign audiences to understand a vibrant China.
From the dazzling Shanghai skyline to the down-to-earth vibe in Chengdu alleyways, from high-speed train to friendly greetings of food vendors,IShowSpeed’s shots have been called by Chinese netizens “the most powerful image promotion of China.” Many foreign audiences who tuned in expecting to mock him were “won over.”
So, what’s the secret to IShowSpeed’s success in China?
Heartwarming stories of kindness convey a warm image of China.From an auntie using beauty filter on his security guard at the Great Wall, or street performers singing pop songs with him, to a traditional Chinese doctor checking his health—these moments of kindness showed that Chinese people are not abstract symbols, but real, unique, and warm individuals, just like people everywhere.
Genuine and loving interactions illustrate an endearing China.In his livestream comments, many foreign audiences marveled at China’s technology and the harmony of its people, excitedly responding like “I’m planning a trip to China”.Chinese netizens, in turn, were touched by the enthusiasm of these foreign fans and responded with messages like “Come stroll around Changsha!” and “Join us for barbecue in Zibo!”. These sincere exchanges broke down misinformation and debunked lies about China that some had believed without ever having visited.
The cultural exchanges reflect a humanistic China.IShowSpeed’s livestreaming acts as a bridge of friendship across national borders. From learning Kungfu in Shaolin Temple,singing with Shanghai residents,to receiving safety reminders in Chongqing’s metro —these experiences reflect deep, person-to-person understandings between different cultures.
The relations between nations lie in the affinity between their people
From Edgar Snow, who made China known to the world, to IShowSpeed, showcasing a modern, unfiltered China—the common thread is that sincerity and kindness are universal languages. A real, vibrant, and dynamic China is winning hearts worldwide with honesty and strength.
As China expanded its visa-free “circle of friends”, more and more American friends,like IShowSpeed, are eager to travel to China, meet Chinese friends, experience Chinese culture, visit beautiful landscapes and experience the real China. Their authentic encounter with China will naturally serve as an bridge for mutual understanding and affinity between China and the US.
