Stanford Student Creates 'YouTube Instant'

LOS ANGELES — A Stanford University computer science student has parlayed a bet with his roommate into instant fame and a possible job with YouTube.

Feross Aboukhadijeh, 19, told CNET.com that he became inspired after testing out Google Instant, the web giant's new predictive search results feature, to create YouTube Instant.

He told his roommate, "I bet you I can build YouTube Instant in an hour." And his roommate took him up on the bet.

Three hours later, YouTube Instant was born. The site lets people search the YouTube video database in real time. After posting the work on his Facebook page on the night of Sept. 16, he woke up the next day to a media frenzy.

Aboukhadijeh had countless e-mails congratulating him, interview requests, a server flooded with web traffic, a Wikipedia entry in his name, and even a job offer from YouTube CEO Chad Hurley via Twitter, according to the report.

Hurley and Aboukhadijeh are scheduled to meet today at YouTube's San Bruno, Calif., headquarters.

For the complete CNET report, click here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Elevated X Adds CCBill Integration for Payment Processing

Elevated X has added CCBill integration for payment processing to its ELXNexus traffic management and affiliate program software.

Kylie Rocket Leads Dorcel's 'Couture No. 4'

Kylie Rocket headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Couture No. 4.”

Anna de Ville Toplines Latest 'Desperate Anal MILFs' From David Perry

Anna de Ville headlines the seventh volume of director David Perry's "Desperate Anal MILFs," now available from Evil Angel.

Alexa Leigh Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Alexa Leigh stars with her husband Keith and Dan Damage in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Angela White Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Multi-XMAs winner Angela White stars with Derek Savage and Jack Blaque in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Meet and Skeet."

Cléa Gaultier Directs 'Follow Me #2' From Dorcel

Cléa Gaultier directs in latest release from Dorcel, titled “Follow Me #2.”

Florida Congressman Files Latest Bill to Repeal Section 230

Rep. Jimmy Patronis of Florida has become the latest member of Congress to propose legislation that would repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects interactive computer services — including adult platforms — from liability for user-generated content.

XBIZ Lights Up Amsterdam With Star-Studded X3 Expo Debut

From Hollywood to Amsterdam, XBIZ is expanding its international footprint with the Euro edition of X3 Expo, taking place concurrently with XBIZ Amsterdam conference as two distinct experiences within an all-new multi-floor venue.

Anna Claire Clouds Stars in 'Luxure: My Wife's Unleashed' From Dorcel

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Anna Claire Clouds stars with Marco Bull in the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Luxure: My Wife’s Unleashed.”

Madi Collins Returns to Deeper

Madi Collins stars with multi-XMAs winner Dante Colle in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Deeper, titled "Subtext."

Show More