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

Jennifer White, Jessi Rae Lead Latest From Blacked

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Jennifer White stars alongside Jessi Rae and Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked.

Evil Angel Drops 'My Fantasy With Rocco'

Evil Angel has released the latest title from director Rocco Siffredi, titled "My Fantasy With Rocco."

California Enacts Stricter UGC Rules for Adult Sites

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a bill to impose tighter compliance standards for user-generated content (UGC) on adult websites accessible in California.

UK Aims to Begin Enforcing 'Choking' Ban Before Year's End

The U.K. will soon begin enforcement of a new law criminalizing depictions of “non-fatal strangulation” in adult content, according to a Ministry of Justice official.

XBIZ LA Conference Website Now Live, Registration Open

The event website for the XBIZ LA conference is now live, offering comprehensive information about the upcoming event, taking place Jan. 7-10 at the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE.

CrakRevenue Launches Mobile App for Real-Time Affiliate Alerts

CrakRevenue has launched Aff Companion, a mobile app that sends affiliates real-time notifications about clicks, conversions, and revenue.

ERIKALUST Releases 'Close Up'

Spookie Shelbie and Delfine Dahlia star in the latest release from ERIKALUST, titled “Close Up.”

Lexi Lore Makes Her Vixen Debut

Lexi Lore has made her debut for Vixen Media Group's flagship imprint alongside Parker Ambrose in the studio's latest release.

Goddess Lilith Launches New Official Website Through PAYSITE

Goddess Lilith has rolled out her new official site, QueenGoddessLilith, through PAYSITE.

Show More