Jawed Karim

Jawed Karim is a German-American computer scientist and entrepreneur best known as one of the co-founders of YouTube.1 Born in Merseburg, East Germany, to a Bangladeshi father and a German mother, Karim emigrated to the United States with his family in 1992.2

Karim’s journey towards co-founding YouTube began at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied computer science.3 He later joined PayPal, where he met his future YouTube co-founders, Chad Hurley and Steve Chen.4

In 2005, Karim, Hurley, and Chen co-founded YouTube, a video-sharing website that would revolutionize how people consume and share content.5 A significant milestone in YouTube’s history came on April 23, 2005, when Karim uploaded the platform’s first-ever video, titled “Me at the zoo.”6 This 18-second clip, featuring Karim at the San Diego Zoo, has since become an iconic moment in internet history, garnering millions of views.7

YouTube quickly gained traction, attracting millions of users and becoming a hub for sharing videos of all kinds, from amateur clips to professional productions. In 2006, Google acquired YouTube for $1.65 billion, recognizing its immense potential.8

After leaving YouTube, Karim has maintained a relatively low public profile. He has invested in various startups and continues to be involved in the technology industry.9

Jawed Karim’s contribution to the development of YouTube is undeniable. His role as a co-founder and the uploader of the platform’s first video has cemented his place in internet history.10 YouTube has transformed the way we consume and create content, impacting entertainment, news, education, and social interactions on a global scale.11

Disclaimer: This is a general overview of Jawed Karim’s life and career.

This information is for general knowledge and should not be considered an endorsement of any particular individual or company.

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