The Uncontrollable Smile: 7 Moments That Define IShowSpeed's 'Trying Not To Laugh' Meme

The "Speed trying not to laugh" meme is more than just a funny reaction; it's a cultural touchstone that perfectly encapsulates the chaotic energy of the internet's biggest streamer, IShowSpeed. As of December 10, 2025, this specific clip—where the popular YouTuber is visibly struggling to maintain composure—continues to be one of the most widely used reaction GIFs and video snippets across platforms like TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube compilations. The enduring popularity of this moment highlights the unique, often controversial, and always high-octane brand of entertainment that has propelled Darren Watkins Jr. to global superstardom.

The core of the meme lies in a single, intense moment of suppressed emotion, a signature look that has been applied to countless relatable scenarios. While the original clip is from an "early stream" in late 2021, its constant re-contextualization in "Try Not To Laugh Challenge" videos and new compilations ensures its perpetual freshness, making it a key component of the IShowSpeed content ecosystem even years later. This deep dive explores the meme's origin, its evolution, and the other iconic moments that mirror Speed's battle with his own laughter.

IShowSpeed: The Man Behind the Uncontrollable Smile

The phenomenon of "Speed trying not to laugh" is inseparable from the persona of IShowSpeed, the American YouTuber and online streamer who has dominated the streaming landscape with his explosive reactions and unpredictable content. His ability to generate viral moments, whether intentional or accidental, is unmatched in the Gen Z media sphere.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

• Full Name: Darren Jason Watkins Jr.
• Known As: IShowSpeed, or simply Speed.
• Date of Birth: January 21, 2005.
• Place of Birth: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
• Career Start: Began his YouTube journey in 2018, but his rapid rise to fame occurred in 2021.
• Content Focus: Gaming (primarily Fortnite and Roblox in his early days, later expanding to FIFA/EA Sports FC), vlogging, music, and high-energy reaction content.
• Signature Catchphrases: "Sui," "Ronaldo," "Grrrrrr," and his signature bark.
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Reliable estimates place his net worth between $10 million and $25 million, a figure reflecting his massive YouTube ad revenue, Twitch/Rumble streams, merchandise sales, and strategic brand partnerships.
• Key Collaborations: Has collaborated with major figures like KSI, Adin Ross, and even met his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Shocking Origin of the 'Smiling Trying Not To Laugh' Meme

The most famous instance of "Speed trying not to laugh" is rooted in a controversial and awkward moment from a December 2021 livestream, often referred to as the "Early Stream." This clip is the primary source for the viral image and GIF.

The 'Kinda Homeless' Fan Incident

The meme originated during a live interaction where Speed was speaking to a young fan, possibly through a video call or a similar platform. The fan was discussing a serious personal matter, stating that his mother was "kinda homeless."

In a moment of tension, IShowSpeed was seen biting his lip, grimacing, and visibly contorting his face in a desperate attempt to hold back a burst of laughter. The contrast between the seriousness of the fan's statement and Speed's near-breakdown of suppressed emotion is what instantly made the clip viral.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

• The Reaction: Speed's face in this moment—a tight, forced smile with wide eyes—has been dubbed the "Smiling Trying Not To Laugh" or "Laughing Bro" meme.
• The Controversy: The clip sparked immediate debate. While many found the reaction hilarious and relatable to moments of inappropriate laughter, others criticized Speed for his lack of sensitivity to the fan's plight. This duality—the humor in the face of chaos—is a defining characteristic of his brand.
• The Digital Legacy: The image quickly became a universal reaction GIF used to express a feeling of holding back laughter in a serious or inappropriate situation. It transcended the IShowSpeed fandom to become a general internet meme.

7 Iconic Moments That Test Speed's Laughter Threshold

While the "kinda homeless" clip is the definitive origin, IShowSpeed's content is littered with moments where he fights the urge to laugh, often against absurd or unexpected stimuli. These moments, frequently compiled in "IShowSpeed Funniest Moments" and "Try Not To Laugh Challenge 2025" videos, are what maintain the topical authority of the original meme.

1. The Talking Ben Cat Saga

The interactions between Speed and the Talking Ben app are legendary. The sheer absurdity of the animated dog's one-word responses, particularly the infamous "Ho ho ho" or unexpected hang-ups, consistently pushed Speed to his limit, resulting in a series of manic, suppressed laughs before his inevitable, explosive reaction. This is a core entity in the IShowSpeed lore.

2. The VR Horror Game Jumpscares

Speed's virtual reality (VR) streams are a goldmine for reaction content. When playing horror games, the combination of genuine terror and the ridiculousness of his own screams and movements often leads to a moment where he tries to stifle a laugh at his own expense before descending into chaos. The contrast between fear and humor is a powerful LSI keyword for his content.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

3. The 'Sui' Celebration Fails

His attempts to perfectly execute Cristiano Ronaldo's "Siu" celebration—often resulting in him falling, hitting something, or nearly destroying his streaming setup—frequently cause him to suppress a laugh before he gets angry. The "Sui" entity is a major part of his brand identity.

4. The Unexpected Prank Calls

During live streams, Speed often receives prank calls or interacts with trolls who deliver absurd, non-sequitur lines. His initial reaction is usually a tense, internal struggle to keep a straight face before he either explodes in fury or gives in to a loud, contagious laugh. This is classic "IShowSpeed stream clips" material.

5. The Fan Art Reviews

Reviewing fan art, especially the wildly inaccurate or bizarre depictions of himself, his dog, or his favorite soccer players, is a recurring segment. Speed's forced composure when faced with truly cursed or hilarious artwork perfectly mirrors the "Smiling Trying Not To Laugh" face, making it a natural extension of the meme.

6. The Adin Ross Collaboration Moments

Collaborations with fellow streamers like Adin Ross often involve competitive or high-stakes challenges. When one of them messes up spectacularly, Speed's initial reaction is to mock them while simultaneously trying to hold back a genuine, mocking laugh, creating high-tension, comedic gold.

7. The 'Contagious Laughter' Compilations

In many compilations, the funniest moments are not his initial reactions but the moments where he is watching other people's funny clips. The "Try Not To Laugh Challenge" format forces him to suppress his natural, loud laughter, leading to the return of the iconic, tight-faced, "trying not to laugh" expression. These videos are constantly being uploaded in 2025, proving the meme's longevity.

Topical Authority and The Enduring Legacy of Suppressed Laughter

The continued relevance of "speed trying not to laugh" in late 2025 is a testament to IShowSpeed's mastery of the internet's reaction economy. The meme works because it captures a deeply human moment: the struggle to maintain composure when something inappropriate or absurdly funny happens. This specific meme is a foundational piece of the IShowSpeed digital empire, alongside other key entities like the "IShowSpeed bark," the "IShowSpeed singing" memes, and his obsession with the "IShowSpeed net worth" discussions.

The constant stream of new "IShowSpeed funniest moments" and "Try Not To Laugh Challenge" compilations ensures that the original "Smiling Trying Not To Laugh" face is continually re-introduced to new audiences. This feedback loop of fresh content and nostalgic clips solidifies IShowSpeed’s position as a dominant force in online entertainment, ensuring that his attempts at suppressing laughter will remain a viral sensation for years to come.