10 Times IShowSpeed Failed The 'Try Not To Laugh' Challenge & Why His Reaction Became The Internet's Best Meme

The "Try Not To Laugh" challenge is a staple of online content, but when IShowSpeed takes it on, it transforms into an entirely different, chaotic spectacle. As of December 2025, compilations of his failed attempts continue to dominate YouTube and social media feeds, proving that his unique brand of high-energy, unfiltered reactions is an evergreen source of comedy. His visible struggle, the dramatic facial contortions, and the eventual, explosive release of laughter are not just funny moments—they are foundational pieces of modern internet culture.

The sheer desperation in his eyes as he fights against an inevitable giggle, often ending in his signature, ear-splitting scream-laugh, is the core appeal. This content trend has cemented Darren Watkins Jr. as one of the most polarizing yet most-watched creators globally, turning his attempts to maintain composure into a viral sensation and spawning one of the most recognizable reaction memes on the internet.

Darren Jason Watkins Jr. (IShowSpeed) Biography & Profile

IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., has quickly risen from a Cincinnati-based streamer to an international internet personality, known for his energetic streams and unpredictable behavior.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

• Full Name: Darren Jason Watkins Jr.
• Online Alias: IShowSpeed, or simply Speed.
• Date of Birth: January 21, 2005.
• Age (as of December 2025): 20 years old.
• Birthplace: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
• Occupation: YouTuber, Live Streamer, Musician.
• Content Niche: Gaming (FIFA, Fortnite), VRChat, IRL streams, reaction videos, and music.
• Key Collaborators: Kai Cenat, Adin Ross, and various football (soccer) legends.

The Anatomy of a Viral Laugh: Why Speed’s Struggle is So Comedic

The "Try Not To Laugh" challenge is a common format, but IShowSpeed's version is uniquely successful due to his extreme, unreserved personality. His content is characterized by high-volume rage, erratic behavior, and an almost childlike sense of humor, which makes his attempts at stoicism all the more hilarious.

The Iconic 'Smiling Trying Not To Laugh' Meme

The most enduring legacy of this challenge is the "IShowSpeed Smiling Trying Not To Laugh" meme. This viral image, often a screenshot from a stream, captures the exact moment of his internal battle. His eyes are wide, his mouth is slightly contorted into a forced, strained smile, and his face is visibly red as he fights the urge to burst.

This single frame has become a universal reaction meme for situations where a person is desperately trying to hold back inappropriate or explosive laughter, solidifying its place in the internet's reaction library alongside other legendary streamer moments.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

The Unfiltered Reaction: Suppressed Energy Unleashed

What makes Speed's failure so funny is the contrast between the suppressed energy and the eventual, explosive release. When he finally breaks, it’s not a simple chuckle—it’s a full-body, high-pitched, often incoherent scream-laugh that can last for several seconds.

This kind of unfiltered, over-the-top reaction is the hallmark of his success. Audiences are drawn to the authenticity of his emotional volatility, knowing that when he laughs, he really laughs, providing a cathartic release for the viewers as well. This is a crucial element that separates his "Try Not To Laugh" compilations from those of other, more reserved creators.

The Most Viral 'Try Not To Laugh' Moments of 2024 and Beyond

While IShowSpeed's entire career is littered with hilarious moments, his "Try Not To Laugh" compilations from 2024 and recent streams have introduced several new viral clips. These moments often feature him reacting to the most bizarre and absurd corners of the internet, perfectly tailored to break his composure.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

• The VRChat Shenanigans: Many of his funniest moments stem from his time in VRChat, where he encounters other chaotic users. The sheer absurdity of the avatars and the unscripted interactions often push him past his breaking point, resulting in classic "rage moments" that quickly turn into laughter.
• Talking Ben's Revenge: The classic "Talking Ben" clips, where the animated dog's responses are perfectly timed to trigger Speed's frustration and eventual laughter, remain a staple in his compilations.
• The Fan-Made Edits: A significant portion of the humor comes from the content viewers submit, often featuring intentionally low-quality memes or clips designed to exploit his specific comedic weaknesses, such as unexpected sounds or sudden movements.
• The Ronaldo Reactions: His intense, almost obsessive love for Cristiano Ronaldo means any clip that humorously involves the football star is guaranteed to break him. The juxtaposition of his passion and the comedic edits is a reliable source of viral content.

These clips are constantly being remixed and re-uploaded, ensuring the "IShowSpeed trying not to laugh" phenomenon stays fresh and relevant, with new compilations being released throughout 2024 and even anticipation for "2025" editions already circulating.

The Business of Breaking: How the Challenge Drives IShowSpeed’s Empire

For IShowSpeed, the "Try Not To Laugh" challenge is more than just a stream segment; it is a meticulously crafted content strategy that drives views, engagement, and ultimately, his massive financial success. This format generates multiple content assets from a single stream.

Topical Authority and Content Breadth

By engaging with the "Try Not To Laugh" format, Speed expands his topical authority beyond just gaming (FIFA, Fortnite) and IRL streams. He positions himself as a general reaction content creator, allowing him to tap into a wider range of viral internet trends and memes. This content is highly shareable and easily digestible, making it perfect for platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, which are essential for reaching younger audiences.

The Power of the Meme Economy

The creation of the "Smiling Trying Not To Laugh" meme is a masterstroke in the modern content economy. Memes are free, user-generated advertisements. Every time a user shares the meme, it acts as a subtle endorsement of IShowSpeed's content, drawing new viewers to his main channels. This organic reach is invaluable and a direct result of his expressive and unreserved streaming style.

In a world saturated with online content, IShowSpeed's ability to turn a simple challenge into a high-octane performance is why he remains at the top. His willingness to completely lose his composure is precisely what allows him to maintain his composure as one of the most successful streamers in the world. Whether he is screaming at Talking Ben or fighting off a giggle during a bizarre VRChat encounter, every failed attempt to contain his laughter is a win for his audience and his brand.