Olivia Richman 
Streamer Darren “IShowSpeed” Watkins may be considering a return to Twitch after getting banned on YouTube, but is that move even possible?
IShowSpeed has been streaming successfully on YouTube but before that, he was a prominent figure on Twitch. Until he was banned in December 2021, that is. At this point, IShowSpeed was growing quite rapidly on the streaming platform and was collaborating with other big names, including appearing on a dating show hosted by future Twitch permabanned streamer Adin Ross.
This saw him given an indefinite ban from Twitch that altered his career. However, after now finding himself banned from YouTube, the question now is whether he will return.
Why was IShowSpeed banned from YouTube?
IShowSpeed was handed an extended ban from YouTube after performing a risky stunt.
On August 5, IShowSpeed decided to show off his athleticism to viewers. The content creator jumped over two supercars as they drove toward him at a high rate of speed. This dangerous stunt got IShowSpeed banned from YouTube for two weeks.
Fans reacted with anger at YouTube for the punishment, especially since IShowSpeed had warned his followers beforehand to not try the stunt at home. He told his fans that he was a professional and had done a lot of training. Still, YouTube stated that he was promoting “harmful activity” and he was banned for weeks as a result.
IShowSpeed’s ban from YouTube led to a discussion regarding a possible return to Twitch. While IShowSpeed has been off the Amazon-owned platform for years now, he is eligible for a return.
Can IShowSpeed stream on Twitch?
IShowSpeed was unbanned by Twitch, meaning he can make a return if he so desires.
After the two-week suspension, fans started speculating if IShowSpeed would move to a different platform, maybe even a return to Twitch. This rumor was fueled by IShowSpeed saying he could see himself back on Twitch, clearly not pleased with YouTube’s reaction to the stunt.
Of course, this is just IShowSpeed talking and not making any actual decisions. IShowSpeed was quietly unbanned from Twitch in late 2023, with his clips and VODs being restored. Despite this, IShowSpeed has not returned to the platform.
Why was IShowSpeed banned by Twitch?
IShowSpeed was banned from Twitch after threatening sexual violence against another streamer on-air.
In 2021, IShowSpeed appeared on a speed-dating show hosted by Adin Ross. It was his behavior on the dating show that actually resulted in Twitch indefinitely banning the streamer.
IShowSpeed was paired with streamer Ash Kash when he asked if she would reproduce with him if they were the last two people on Earth. Ash Kash seemed a bit thrown off by the question and said no.
“Who is going to stop me? If we’re the last people on earth, who is going to stop me?” IShowSpeed responded.
The statement was taken as a threat, especially when IShowSpeed kept yelling louder and louder as Ash Kash appeared uncomfortable at the implications of his statement. Adin Ross tried to remove him from the stream but IShowSpeed proceeded to continue his rant toward Ash Kash in the chat.
IShowSpeed was banned from Twitch shortly thereafter. This sanction stayed in place for more than two years. During that time, he grew to become one of the largest gaming streamers on YouTube and today, he has a following on the platform of over 27 million subscribers. IShowSpeed’s Twitch channel is currently operational. His appearances on Twitch have been limited to rubbing shoulders alongside other content creators, most notably Kai Cenat.
