The Dropouts Who Invented YouTube from a Rat-Infested Office

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KZbin is the second most visited website in the world after Google.
More than 500 new videos are uploaded every single minute, and over 1 billion hours of content is watched around the world each day.
But when KZbin first started, uploading, or even watching a video online was unheard of. And, when the founders set out to change that, investors called their idea “cute” and questioned its value.
Eager to prove them wrong, KZbin’s founders brushed off skepticism and continued to build the site - all while dodging threats of annihilation from the world’s biggest companies.
This is the story of KZbin.
Sources: pastebin.com/kGby6CUN
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[@hook]

Thanks to Shopify for sponsoring this episode! Learn more about how you can find great business ideas by going to www.shopify.com/hook2

[@MrCommentGod]

Ok

[@occcomic]

Ok

[@donutlovingwerewolf8837]

Hi, I'm a normal human

[@namenlosNamenlos]

🤔

[@Seven71987]

So are you telling that my favorite video platform was started with a bunch of strangers?

[@godmode4790]

There’s always a small story behind every big creation.

[@ribertfranhanreagen9821]

Well fact this story is the big part that make everything possible

[@familyaccount9750]

I wouldn't say small story

[@mindburstTV]

You are very correct.

[@weafersway]

Totally. Amazing

[@saitamacraft5322]

This is not a small story 🤔

[@alphagamerdragon7027]

I am thankful for the founders creating KZbin because if it wasn't for KZbin I wouldn't be here to this day

[@backupmemories897]

No your mom is the reason

[@Zen-tm5io]

@@backupmemories897 sigma male rule 69

[@Isaac-gh5ku]

Just imagine, lost media would be forever lost without KZbin digging it up.

[@KAESISCOOL]

If it wasn't for KZbin the fast majority of creators we all watch would either be homeless, miserable, and/or never have been heard of.

[@thurayaacob4334]

Your right bro

[@trackerwacker9498]

Investors: call KZbin cute. Investors Years later: calls cat video on KZbin cute.

[@gigigiseleworld]

Exactly 💯

[@twitter.comelomhycy]

Exactly!

[@ryan-smith]

Google video back then was technically superior than KZbin. The only difference was the kind of content found on these platforms? Academia preferred posting on Google Video, leaving Google Video with loads of boring videos such as Calculus lessons and speeches about success. While KZbin was preferred by ordinary users, posting travel videos and random fun stuffs, pets (yes, cat videos are irresistible), gossips and celebrity scandals, and amateur music (My Space back then which was the #1 social media site before Facebook was heavy with musically inclined users promoting their music and they used KZbin to post their recordings). So while Google Videos was technologically advanced and KZbin was struggling to keep up with internet bandwidth demand and lesser video quality, KZbin eventually won because of the variety of non-boring content you can find in it. After Google bought KZbin, the Google tech and its almost unlimited bandwidth came to KZbin eventually. The lesson here is that, consumers will come to your product not because it's technologically advanced but because it's useful and fun.

[@gysgijsbers4202]

...a bit like Tik-Tok ...

[@LK-cb6ih]

Thanks for this ❤️

[@switchfoot19802000]

It isnt fun anymore. Now its just shittube!

[@TamasRedler]

Great video! It really is an eye opener, but let's not forget, these three guys were not kids in their parents basement, but people who knew the internet is going to be big! Just WOW on what their did and what they went through!

[@kachaso]

Facts

[@VideoForBusiness1]

Watching a series of company stories makes me realize that founders took their past working experience as a drive to start something that will change to future.

[@primetestimonychannel5557]

Congratulations to the trio. This story is a great motivation for every young person who has started business to pesevere to achieve success.

[@vsubhuti]

yes sir

[@bantublood]

...and to remember its okay to pivot when things are not going as planned.

[@jv0516]

Until now, I find it ridiculous that rodents would had something to do with KZbin’s early history in the first place.

[@ondabeat]

They have been here before us and They will be here when all this turns to dust 💯 sad but true.

[@ethicalproperties]

They are part of history too

[@HanaBless]

Well, rodents also saved Scott Lang in Avengers; Endgame so he can save humans.

[@twitter.comelomhycy]

Amen to that!

[@GrandAudio]

Can’t wait for *Me at the zoo* part 2!!

[@edx1ty]

Same

[@XanderAnimations]

Same

[@mut1565]

Electric boogaloo

[@danial3349]

Same

[@kv-1229]

Same

[@Master0fHyrule]

I found out years later I was born in the same city as one of the founders of KZbin. I never met them however.

[@khoita4504]

wattttttttt

[@danial3349]

Lucky

[@knowledgeofpath4447]

@@danial3349 unlucky you should say

[@danial3349]

@@knowledgeofpath4447 why’s that I would love to live in the same city as a successful person

[@knowledgeofpath4447]

@@danial3349 cuz he just lost opportunity of meeting such a person

[@nilamelody]

From rat infested office to ads infested site.

[@g.j]

It is business they deserve to earn more profits too. To keep up with the changing times.

[@SoulOctavius]

Yep

[@hamio8723]

Its really ironic that you posted this on KZbin. Great video as always Hook!

[@donutlovingwerewolf8837]

Hey you copied me! And you have 2 more likes than me! You thief!!!

[@Vextrove]

It's more the opposite of irony

[@khongcoten5689]

@@donutlovingwerewolf8837 okay no one care, just enjoy it.

[@epicness_gamer]

@@donutlovingwerewolf8837 oof you only got 2 like

[@epicness_gamer]

@@donutlovingwerewolf8837 s

[@managepay]

I had the pleasure of working with Steve at PayPal. Never knew him that well and the YT stories. Thank you for this

[@ethicalproperties]

So what's your impact bro 😇

[@akshaygala121]

I hope youtube recommends this video to millions of people😊

[@audiosex]

And then it went downhill from there.....Demonetization, Censorship.....need I say more?

[@GGOWO]

True

[@ConcordeError404]

yeah you need to say one more, Copyright strike

[@BruceArcher1]

yes

[@adventuresofsharon]

Ceramics engineering? Haven’t heard about it until this video. You learn something new everyday.

[@KAESISCOOL]

I never know KZbin started out like that, and when I saw this vid on my recommendations I knew I had to watch it cuz I watch KZbin often and when I do watch I'm inspired to become a KZbinrs and make content of my own.

[@firstnameisfirst1614]

"Giant rats like the size of cats!" That employee would have been a good singer. 22:10

[@unnot5706]

8:48 I love how ironic the message on the window is

[@pancakes2098]

These people are the legends They Made KZbin And Now Your Making Their History In the Thing They Made for Countless Times

[@rekarlopunzalan]

23:22 That 180 degree turn tho

[@RigelRamirez]

My greatest respect to them and more than words to describe of being thankful 🙏❤️That we have this kind of platform.

[@margeryfranko1850]

Thank you Hook. I am really grateful to these 3 great collaborators of my favourite site ever! You guys totally rock 💜😎

[@worldview730]

Probably the greatest story on this subject to date. A well presented , researched, & delivered, content topic on this success story. Big up to hook 👍👍👍

[@amongg5973]

Well what do ya know. It started out in a rat infested office, and now the entire thing is ran by a rat. Interesting how that comes full circle.

[@Maniagio]

They are billionaires man I am happy for them let’s be happy for another human being I mean if it wasn’t them we wouldn’t be here chatting rn and watching some knowledgeable content

[@mgabrielle2343]

Amazing effort by those three kids, You tube is the best thing that ever happened.

[@MushrumStew]

that transition to the sponsor was too smooth though ;-;

[@madelaine0601]

I was crying by the end of the video. That triumphant music. A true success story! 🥰😍

[@LEONHOUSELETSPLAYMOBILEGAMES]

This was an awesome video, you did such a good job with information while also keeping it entertaining enough to watch it all the way through. Big thumbs up. As I somewhat knew the story of youtube already, this had some information I didn't already know. Thanks!

[@bounlathhansackda7079]

living legendary heroes of social media. million thanks...from the world

[@mosalethoba5267]

Thank you guys for creating utube for us ive been exploring the world through this pioneering work that y'all made

[@numairx6034]

Hook with another fabulous video again!!

[@Neyugnoel]

A banger like usual thanks for the information!

[@midkaa]

Hello, great content! Keep continuing 😉

[@incognitotees]

a job well done Hook! Thank You

[@historyexplorer]

Very well done story! Lesson here is never give up!

[@AhmedAlkabasi]

Amazing video!! You told the story the best of anyone.

[@jamesmisener3006]

Great Doc. Enjoyed your host and mostly accurate pics and vids. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@weafersway]

Thanks for sharing this. Now I understand it all. Such a good story.

[@jpotter2086]

Ceramics engineering dismissed as "pottery", successfully insulting both fields with one piece of ignorance. Well done.

[@ayubshaikh9156]

Jesting Potter !

[@IcelanderUSer]

I know. I thought wow, is this person joking?

[@renleedativo1679]

It hurts right.

[@xxcelr8rs]

@@renleedativo1679 Ceramic tiles failing on exploded space craft hurt.

[@twitter.comelomhycy]

Umm . . . Aren't you the one insulting pottery?

[@mvulenirampedi-rk7fm]

Guys i ve never heard of such perseverance from young men and facing giant challenges. We love u guys. Thank God for these men.

[@mariefast8217]

Thanks, Hook2, my sense of the timeline was all wrong. But my understanding of an interesting tale of a real-life success story is so much richer now.

[@TenoDaley]

It's awesome learning the history of one of my favourite platforms!

[@curtisrondeau6112]

Thank you for your inspiring stories

[@jamesfestini]

Crazy how many haters and trolls were trying to stop or discourage this.

[@twitter.comelomhycy]

Exactly!

[@kingstonstreet3726]

Damn right to call your channel hook because I’m hooked

[@RealAyanHere]

It's crazy how now KZbin is billion dollar company! 😳

[@aryankumar87771]

not just billion, more than 100 billion dollars

[@LukeSly91]

Yeah that 500 billion dollar valuation blew my mind

[@aryankumar87771]

@反共抗俄 because at that time the founders were exhausted and didn't have the resources or talent to scale the business.....just like instagram was sold to Facebook for 1 billion dollars too but facebook knew how to make a finished product and Turn instagram to what it is today

[@DefenDefault4]

This is so interesting. I'm very thankful for the three of them.

[@bolt1089]

Who else thinks KZbin is better than Tik Tok?

[@bettadayztv]

Wow.... ilove this video it gave me a host of information..... keep putting the good words out .... thank to you on your team

[@noahcarpenter68]

I’ve been waiting for this

[@DThinkTalker]

All great story begjn in a humble beginning..I love to know this.

[@accident1583]

The world doesn’t need Metaverse already because KZbin is already enough to proof that KZbin change the world

[@g.j]

Thank You for these founders for keeping it up. ❣

[@covidbryan640]

Thanks to the effort of this guys

[@familyintraining6636]

Thank you to the founders! So much wealth of knowledge gained!

[@JacquiMwangi]

Well researched, informative and inspiring! Awesome!

[@kelvingitonga7272]

A Kenyan is always everywhere that has to be the 7th wonder of the world.

[@aaronaustrie]

Rather interesting vid! I definitely need to share this

[@shibashorts]

Very interesting content 👍I love learning about the origins of things. Thanks!

[@thuvu8605]

look at them struggle with a lot of harships that makes me realize: If u want to sit on the place where nobody can, you must endure something nobody can endure. Key of success

[@TNACME]

Very impressive for not giving up

[@thatgelechic]

Thank you for this

[@xauwalks]

Back in 2005, it's so hard to watch KZbin on any Mobile Phones 😎.. What 3 founders did? 💯Genius!.

[@d.bcooper2271]

Desktops

[@viknumbers1434]

Too bad Google seriously abuse their privilege. Big does not equate to social goodness. Really wish there was an alternative.

[@gadgetspool7626]

Bytedance tiktok is coming for them

[@Mahlak_Mriuani_Anatman]

Alternative, It's coming soon, I'm going to try and make it, if it isn't me, it's gonna come eventually Id praise that person

[@hblee88]

Amazing. From small 3,500 SF office in Burlingame. Kudos!

[@jostrong2385]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@thegreatapple641]

Such an inspiration Thank you for this info ♥️👈

[@truetrav7333]

This is so inspiring, I’m gonna make something called The Facebook 🤟🏾

[@mrasooly2012]

You have made a big mistake...😐

[@truetrav7333]

@@mrasooly2012 do not insult my dreams, your mother will be on it I guarantee you lol

[@mrasooly2012]

@@truetrav7333 okay I guess if it's your dreams then follow it make sure you make it a good app 😊

[@mrasooly2012]

@@truetrav7333 but I'm pretty sure there's already a thing called facebook tho... I guess you copy it 😃

[@superninja2022]

facebook is registered by Meta, and you cannot name your comany like that

[@guerdafrazilus291]

Wow that was fun to watch and very inspired

[@nerksyyt7774]

Good one dude!!

[@indiansouls8357]

Excellent & Inspirational presentation 👍🙏

[@DavidGomez-ws5br]

Wow, what an asome story.

[@RichelleG23]

I remembered way back in 2008.. Friendster was like Facebook where you can coded to put YT in your profile so it was really fun way back those times

[@2prask]

really good job with the video 👍

[@himenaaa3565]

This historical video are totally blown me off, since much active using youtube from 2010/2012 i think, yeah it becauss my country has poor connections and just araound 2-3 years after 4G i can watch youtube without need to buffer each 5 secs just to watch 1 sec lol xD, God Bless you founder of KZbin, your creation didnt only becoming an alternative watch sites, but also it savior from my country shows where is the program on each tv stations is almost same and more over its revolving around the things that didn't on my plate, so im grateful you guys has make this video sites and the rumors that i had hear back in early 2010 is true, "KZbin can make money", it so fantastic thanks Hook for bringing this piece historical evidence of hardwork never betrayed

[@Mahlak_Mriuani_Anatman]

It's shid now, i want to make an alternative that's fair to all users and they can make millions on it easy with alot of cool features, and i would listen to the users, ugh so frustrating 😭

[@ashrafchawila]

Sad and uplifting story! Dedication.

[@AxisPraxis1]

*So this is how KZbin begin...*

[@milacaibal3976]

This shows that to build a castle you need a small grain of sand to create a brick that builds a castle. Thanks for sharing your video. 🙏🙏

[@SM66gamingnmemes]

Still love you Hook! This is why KZbin was started.

[@raf_hasan1]

This is truly inspiring

[@madao4024]

These guys put the media business in to normal people’s hands

[@dennislee--529]

Very nice content. Thanks, Hook. Just keep it up. :)

[@UncleTriangle]

Great video!

[@stanhristakev]

Thank you!!!

[@johnalden948]

Thanks guys, for that 2nd 3rd 4th 5th...etc. effort!

[@d_zhanshi9636]

im crying. idk them but i feel proud

[@zigaudrey]

>It was mean to be a video dating site >Upload a video of someone being at the zoo >Big success coming up!

[@relaxingmontages764]

Very wonderful and inspiring video! What now, for the next big thing on the internet?

[@CareerDropout.]

Greatly inspirational

[@yssabell4936]

Gracias por publicar

[@juliodaguy]

KZbin was good in the early 2010’s but now, it’s not as good as it was before.

[@apollosmartyn]

This deserve my subscription Africa,🇳🇦🇳🇦👏

[@lucius9663]

This is underrated.

[@joshuasimiyu2876]

What an awesome inspiring begining ♥️

[@UnKnown3031k]

Dam fam thx for telling story man

[@abhayplayzzz6411]

ok roblox kid, whatcha talkin about?

[@endevorarya]

Wonderful and very inspiring.

[@Tyler-pj3tg]

I like how Steve is motivated to create a positive workers culture.

[@waxeye6488]

Excellent!

[@sppindrpurple1981]

That play they did on MySpace was a straight power move