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

Digital Playground Premieres Ricky Greenwood's Action Feature 'Crash and Burn'

Digital Playground has dropped the first installment of "Crash and Burn," an action crime feature from multi-XMAs winner Ricky Greenwood.

Valentina Nappi Featured in Season 2 Cast of 'The Traitors: Italy'

Multi-XMAs winner Valentina Nappi will be among the Faithful, as the veteran adult performer is part of the second season cast of "The Traitors: Italy" on Prime Video.

Dragon Fruit, Lexi Star Headline Latest Volume of Angelo Godshack's 'Hardcore Gangbangs'

Dragon Fruit and Lexi Star topline the ninth volume of director Angelo Godshack's "Hardcore Gangbangs," from Evil Angel.

Roald Riepen Steps Down as CEO of IMC

Roald Riepen, CEO of International Media Company (IMC), is stepping down.

Chloe Amour Stars in Latest From Blacked Raw

Chloe Amour stars with Chocolate Rod and Goldey in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Ofcom Sets Timeline for Enforcing 'Extreme' Content Rules

U.K. media regulator Ofcom plans to begin enforcing new laws criminalizing certain “extreme” adult content online, but will first hold a consultation in early 2027 before providing updated guidance for sites and platforms.

Amy Nosferatu Leads Latest From TransAngels

Amy Nosferatu stars with Jason Leescott in the latest release from TransAngels, titled "Slit Slut."

Brandi Swan Stars in Latest From Pervz

Brandi Swan stars with Peter Fitzwell in the latest installment of the Pervz series "Shoplyfter."

Lucy Mochi Stars in Latest Form Jules Jordan

Lucy Mochi stars with Lexington Steele in the latest release from Jules Jordan Video.

Rebel Rhyder Fronts Latest From MYLF

Rebel Rhyder stars with Sage Roux in the latest installment of the MYLF series "Anal Mom."

Show More