iShowSpeed Partners With KFC: Has the Streamer Ever Been Bigger?
Darren “iShowSpeed” Watkins Jr. is continuing his rapid rise as a globally-recognizable personality, with the IRL YouTuber now linking up with KFC for a new menu item on.
2026 has been a special year for Speed, with the streamer setting several milestones, performing at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and also being featured in Complex, Forbes, and other mainstream publications’ lists. The year seems to consistently be getting better for the YouTuber, as he has now landed a massive partnership. iShowSpeed’s team-up with KFC may become a larger collaboration, as the restaurant has stated that more content will come in the fall.
Image credit: iShowSpeed/KFC
iShowSpeed teams up with KFC to launch the Hot Ranch Big Dip
Speed is known for his over-the-top, chaotic personality, and it seems KFC selected the YouTuber for exactly that, as well as the fact he is seemingly a fan of the fast food chain. The KFC video was a 60-second commercial, where the restaurant was promoting its new sauce, which launched alongside the returning Double Crispy Hot Wings.
iShowSpeed was seen in an old Western setting during the commercial, which started off with Speed in a car, a bobble head of Colonel Sanders visible, and KFC calling the YouTuber. The woman on the other end told Speed KFC wants to do a commercial with him, but due to static, the streamer only heard “hot ranch” and said, “Let’s go.” It then shifted to Speed dressed as a cowboy on a supposed ranch, getting on a horse, and doing his signature backflips.
Someone then calls cut, and Speed is approached by a woman who tells him, “That was unreal,” but they need to “work in the hot ranch.” The YouTuber points towards the set, saying this is Hot Ranch. However, Speed is then informed that he is supposed to be promoting KFC’s latest offering, the Hot Ranch Big Dip. The YouTuber then eats some fried goodies with the new dip, successfully wrapping the commercial by saying “double dip it.” KFC’s X account also reposted Speed’s video with the caption “there’s a new sheriff in town, and he says double dipping is ok.”
Image credit: iShowSpeed/KFC
Editor’s view: KFC approaching iShowSpeed shows his influence extends beyond livestreaming
KFC referred to iShowSpeed as a “global streaming sensation,” which checks out given that Speed may be one of the most in-demand livestreamers currently. He may have begun as a gaming creator, but his output now includes IRL streams, where he is regularly meeting new people and visiting new countries. He has also livestreamed the FIFA World Cup 2026 and performed at the closing ceremony. This sets him apart from other livestreamers in a league of his own.
KFC has a massive global footprint, being one of the biggest fast food joints in the world, operating in 149 countries. Speed partnering with them commercially isn’t a small thing, as it could open up even more opportunities for the YouTuber. KFC has also confirmed that more Speed content will be released in the future, so the American’s mainstream appeal is only going to grow further.
iShowSpeed hosts $10k challenge to lift heavy cube
Image credit: iShowSpeed
As well as his foray into the world of food marketing, Speed recently also hosted a street challenge where random participants had to lift a 20kg cube for the chance to win $10,000. Viewers noticed that the cube looked like one Ludwig Ahgren previously used in a challenge, which led to speculations that Speed may have borrowed it from the streamer. The challenge itself was straightforward, but several participants — including some who looked like they wouldn’t have issues with the weight — lost.
This was because of the cube itself, which was smooth and difficult to grip. Surprisingly, a young participant lifted the cube within five minutes, making the task look effortless, which made the clip go viral. Speed’s brother, Jamal, was also seen lifting the cube in another clip, making him the second person to lift it. This challenge reinforces the ease with which Speed can cover various types of content whilst appealing to multiple audiences.
Feature image credit: KFC
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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