IShowSpeed says he refused "jaw-dropping" amounts of money thinking it might change him or his content

Popular YouTube live streamer Darren Watkins Jr, aka IShowSpeed, has commented on how he has stayed away from lucrative deals and promotions for the sake of his content. He made these remarks on Jon Youshaei's YouTube interview, released on December 13, 2024.

Recently crowned Streamer of the Year IShowSpeed opened up about his failed negotiations with Kick, before talking about other deals he passed over. The streamer claimed that Kick has had talks with him since 2023, with it going nowhere:

"Has Kick offered me $100 million, ha! Yeah, me and Kick have had talks since 2023. Yeah, we did have conversations, but it didn't get anywhere, to be honest."

Jon Youshaei then asked IShowSpeed if he had overlooked any big offers from other brands. The 19-year-old YouTube streamer revealed that he has declined "jaw-dropping" money because he felt it would interfere with his ability to make the content he is known for:

"There have been deals where obviously it's a lot of money, like a lot and a lot of money. When I say a lot of money, it's like you know, jaw-dropping money that came our way. But, you know it comes cons with that. And I felt like what comes with that, if I took that deal it would change who I am, or what type of person I am or my content."

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"That's not me": IShowSpeed speaks about only accepting deals that work for him

IShowSpeed rose to fame for a variety of reasons and his high-octane IRL streams from around the world are by far one of his most popular types of content. With over 33.5 million subscribers on his main YouTube channel, the teenager is still growing and is now set to head the US version of Baller League with Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho.

As one of the most watched streamers on YouTube, IShowSpeed has already become a very popular figure in online streaming before even turning 20.

In the interview with Jon Youshaei, he explained that he remains true to himself and only accepts deals that feel good to him:

"I hate taking risks like that. I hate taking deals where I feel like nah, that's really not me. This might mess up my YouTube career because you know, but that happens."

IShowSpeed explained his point of view, stating:

"I really try to take it at my own pace when it comes to deals, what feels right, you know? Always what feels right. That's what I try to do when business and deals come along."

While details haven't been disclosed yet, the streamer's biggest brand deal is perhaps with PRIME, having joined KSI and Logan Paul's organization as a content creator earlier this year. He was one of the few creators who was supposed to travel to India last month to launch the beverage in the country but pulled out due to complications.