iShowSpeed makes TIME100 Creators list for second consecutive year

Khizar Mundia Published 15/07/2026

TIME has revealed its TIME100 Creators 2026 list, and multiple streamers, including Darren “iShowSpeed” Watkins Jr., have made the cut.

TIME100 Creators is an editorial selection that is inspired by the TIME100, and the creators are chosen based on their cultural influence and impact. 2025 was the inaugural list, which saw the likes of Kai Cenat and iShowSpeed recognized as some of the most influential creators. The 2026 list sees iShowSpeed return for the second consecutive year, highlighting how much the streamer has expanded with his IRL content, collaborations, and 2026 FIFA World Cup content.

Valkyrae and Fanum join iShowSpeed on the TIME100 Creators 2026

The TIME100 Creators list is different from others, such as the Forbes Top Creators, in which iShowSpeed was recognized, as it isn’t a ranking. TIME is expanding and recognizing digital creators with the TIME100 Creators list based on the impact of their content. Rachell “Valkyrae” Hofstetter, Roberto “Fanum” Escanio, and Speed are some of the most popular streamers in the world right now.

Image credit: TIME

iShowSpeed being recognized as a top creator is particularly expected, as the YouTuber isn’t just growing his subscribers with his IRL tours, but also showcasing different cultures to his viewers. The YouTuber has been to the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and he hasn’t just livestreamed himself vacationing. Speed has shown the culture, people, popular landmarks, and much more in his livestreams. However, the biggest thing he may have done is connect people across the globe.

iShowSpeed also released a hit song for the 2026 World Cup, which FIFA added to the official album. The streamer has partnered with Fox and YouTube, livestreaming the 2026 World Cup. This is a huge deal as its has allowed mainstream sports to transition into streaming coverage. Speed also played the YouTube FIFA Creator Cup and his team won the trophy.

Valkyrae started off as a gaming streamer, but is now notably known for her variety, reaction, and chatting content. She is also the co-owner of 100 Thieves and has expanded into acting, voice work, and other projects apart from streaming. While she started off as a gaming streamer, Valkyrae has since expanded and helped define what a modern female creator is.

AMP member Fanum has been on a break from streaming, but he recently returned and revealed Kai Cenat had encouraged him to make a comeback. Fanum became popular with a unique form of content, where he broadcast his everyday life to his viewers. These ranged from eating to shopping, and everything in between. The streamer turned normal moments into entertaining content. This could very well be why he’s on the list, as he showed how reality content could also resonate with viewers.

Our analysis: What Forbes and TIME reveal about the future of streaming

The most notable creators on the Forbes 2026 Top Creators list were Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson and iShowSpeed. Both YouTubers are massive in terms of viewership and following, though the former did not make the TIME100 Creators list surprisingly.

These mainstream lists recognizing creators are a huge achievement, as it shows how much livestreaming has grown over the years. While creators were previously only measured by platform metrics, these lists take into account cultural influence and impact.

The lists also provide creators with more mainstream exposure. Several streamers are expanding from just livestreaming into other ventures, where this can be useful. For instance, Kai Cenat, who was recognized in the TIME100 Creators 2025 list, had taken a long break to focus on his clothing line, highlighting that creators are using their audience to build businesses outside of streaming. Indeed, he is likely to make an appearance in the 2027 list if he continues his Streamer University success.

Bigger streamers are becoming brands in their own right, with Forbes and TIME lists highlighting the influence that these personalities are having across sport, music, and traditional media.

Feature image credit: TIME

Khizar Mundia

About Khizar Mundia

Khizar Mundia has been playing video games for as long as he can recall. Things have come a long way since the many days he spent playing the original NES, though. He now covers a variety of competitive games and esports, as well as the world of streaming, ranging from Twitch to Kick. If it’s of interest to gamers, it’s of interest to Khizar.

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