TL;DR:
FirstVersion, built with Trickle, is an interactive website that recreates the earliest versions of iconic tech company websites like Google, Twitter, and Airbnb. It debuted on Product Hunt as Product of the Day, showcasing the power of Trickle as an AI-driven tool for building functional, interactive websites. Trickle empowers solo makers and side hustlers to turn ideas into reality quickly and cost-effectively, helping break through the “zero to one” bottleneck. FirstVersion inspires creators to embrace humble beginnings and take their first steps with confidence.
On the very first day of 2025, we launched FirstVersion, a website crafted with Trickle and to our delight, it was honored as the Product of the Day on Product Hunt. FirstVersion is more than just a collection of tech milestones; it’s a journey back to where it all began for some of the world’s biggest tech giants. It’s a tribute to the humble beginnings of great dreams, a reminder that every towering success starts with a small but determined step.
What sets FirstVersion apart from other archives is its interactivity. Each initial release showcased here isn’t just a static snapshot. It’s a fully functional, interactive recreation, brought to life by Trickle. It makes perfect sense that the website itself is a product of Trickle, demonstrating how even today’s innovations can grow from the simplest of ideas. FirstVersion invites you to explore, reminisce, and be inspired by the places where dreams were born.
Trickle is an all-in-one AI development tool that allows you to effortlessly create stunning websites, AI applications, and forms using natural language. It offers an out-of-the-box experience with built-in features such as a lightweight database, design templates, custom domains, website hosting, and AI integration. Trickle empowers you to focus on achieving your business and project goals without getting bogged down by complex technical decisions.
What Does FirstVersion Showcase?
On this site, you can travel back to 1999 and explore X.com, founded by Elon Musk. You’ll also discover the 2008 beginnings of AirBed&Breakfast, now known as Airbnb, created by Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia as they prepared air mattresses and breakfast for their first users in their apartment.
You can revisit the “blue bubbly” logo era of Twitter in 2006 (now X), the early days of Product Hunt in 2013, and even Yahoo’s 1994 debut. FirstVersion takes you on a nostalgic journey through the humble beginnings of some of the world’s most iconic tech companies.
FirstVersion is more than a mere archive—it’s a true time machine. When you explore the pages it showcases, you’re not just viewing static snapshots; you’re interacting with fully functional websites! These interactive recreations are meticulously brought to life through Trickle, using a combination of text and image prompts.
For instance, when you use the 1998 version of Google on FirstVersion and type your query into its search bar, it redirects you seamlessly to the 2025 Google browser, delivering your search results without leading you into a dead end.
Or when you visit the 2005 version of YouTube, the first video you’ll see is “Me at the zoo” by Jawed Karim, one of YouTube’s co-founders. This iconic first-ever YouTube video is clickable and will redirect you to the actual video, bringing history back to life.
Even Yahoo’s redirect links, Twitter’s old-school iframes (from its early years), and other unique functionalities are all made possible through Trickle’s advanced capabilities. FirstVersion isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about experiencing the past as if it were still alive today.
As 2024 transitioned into 2025, FirstVersion made its debut on Product Hunt, quickly climbing to the top spot as the Product of the Day and sparking widespread discussions. Both Product Hunt and its founder, Ryan Hoover, shared FirstVersion on their social media, further amplifying the buzz around this unique project.
How Does Trickle Add Value for Solo Makers and Side Hustlers?
FirstVersion’s success on Product Hunt proves that tools and products built with Trickle can withstand market tests and deliver real value to clients. For many solo makers and side hustlers, great ideas often remain unrealized due to a lack of resources, manpower, or technical expertise. Trickle is the perfect solution, helping you bring ideas to life with minimal cost, effort, and time. It’s designed to break through the “zero to one” bottleneck and quickly validate your ideas in the market.
Just like every tech giant started small and grew into something extraordinary, every product begins as a seed. We want to support you on your entrepreneurial journey, whether it’s building your product or showcasing it to the world. That’s why we’ve launched a special initiative to help creators publish their Trickle-built products on Product Hunt. If your product was made with Trickle, simply submit your link here. We’ll help hunt and promote it for free, giving you the boost you need to take that first step!
Final thoughts
FirstVersion is more than just a celebration of the past—it’s a testament to the possibilities of the present and the potential of the future. By using Trickle to bring these interactive recreations to life, we’re not only preserving history but also empowering creators to turn their ideas into reality, no matter how small they may seem at first.
Whether you’re a solo maker, a side hustler, or an entrepreneur with a vision, Trickle is here to help you overcome obstacles and bring your projects to life with speed, simplicity, and creativity. The success of FirstVersion on Product Hunt is proof that impactful tools and a bold idea can resonate with audiences worldwide.
As you embark on your own journey, remember that every great innovation starts somewhere. Let FirstVersion inspire you to take that first step—and let Trickle be the platform to help you get there. The future is yours to create, and we can’t wait to see it!
