This is a deceptively large project and has many aspects. 1) Cataloging video content. Some sites may have APIs you can plug into, but others wont and will re

This is a deceptively large project and has many aspects. 1) Cataloging video content. Some sites may have APIs you can plug into, but others wont and will require writing a scraper or 10. 2) Creating a search algorithm - how do signify search significance? relevance is hard and is most likely done using some type of ranking system that requires a ton of research and testing. 3) Creating a UI to present search results. A website or are you targeting mobile? 4) Figuring out how to draw traffic 5) Monetization strategy? You will need this if you want to eventually buy ads or similar This is all before you can start to fine tune the search results. Google has a massive team constantly doing multivariate tests on it's search algorithms to keep them competitive. You can bet this is done on the youtube search algorithm as well. Now since you have not programmed before you are adding a significant step 0) Learn how to program. I'd recommend starting a smaller project first to get more familiar with a specific toolset - use something simple and proven such as Rails, but Python as suggested by ddorian43 is not a bad idea either. Start simple and experience early success - it will keep you way more motivated in the long run. http://www.codecademy.com http://www.codecademy.com is a YC startup that would be a good first step. Good Luck! -Mikkel