YouTube From Scratch
Part of the SPI Community course library, learn how to start a YouTube channel and create valuable video content that attracts the right audience and generates revenue (even if you’re scared of video).
It’s the course we wish we had years ago…
YouTube From Scratch is a step-by-step online course that teaches you how to create a new (or optimize an existing) YouTube channel, develop relevant and engaging content, grow your followers, and monetize your channel.
Module 1
Plan Your YouTube Channel
Learn how to choose a unique angle for your channel so that you can stand out. You’ll learn how to choose video topics and make decisions about your filming, publishing schedule, and video length.
Module 2
Create & Set Up Your Channel
Learn how to use YouTube Creator Studio, including branding and customizing the look of your channel, uploading videos, and all the little tweaks that will help you get more views.
Module 3
Publish Your First Video
Use the Video Brainstorming Worksheet to create your first video, from planning to filming to uploading.
Module 4
Creator Studio Analytics
Learn the terminology of YouTube analytics and which channel and video metrics to focus on.
Module 5
Monetization
Learn how monetization works, both using YouTube’s built-in monetization opportunities, and other methods and opportunities.
Why the details matter (a story from Pat)
Scary. Intimidating. Overwhelming. These are just some of the words that probably describe how you view the world of YouTube as a content creator. One thing is for sure though, YouTube is the platform for building a real audience. Every day you’re not sharing videos to help people, you’re missing out on growth, influence, and income.
But here’s the reality: Simply having a YouTube channel isn’t enough. You need a solid plan — something I wish I had when I started back in 2009.
When I began, I had no roadmap. I stumbled through countless mistakes before I figured out what worked. And trust me, when I cracked the code, it was like getting Lasik for content creation. Suddenly, everything became clear.
Fast forward to today, and the Pat Flynn channel is at 463,000 subscribers. But that’s not where the story ends. In 2021, I started a second YouTube channel in a space I knew nothing about — collecting Pokémon cards. In less than a year, that channel grew to over 100,000 subscribers. But in 2024, that same channel has exploded to 1.4 million subscribers!
And it doesn’t stop there — I launched a Shorts channel in 2024, and it’s already at 1.2 million subscribers. YouTube has truly transformed my life, from giving me a platform to share my message to helping me reach new audiences, generate millions of views, and even earn substantial revenue every month.
What was the difference?
It wasn’t luck. It wasn’t random. It was a plan — a plan I wish I had when I started. YouTube doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, you can start seeing results faster than I did. Now, my YouTube channels combined earn millions of views and tens of thousands of dollars in earnings per month.
YouTube doesn’t have to be hard. That’s exactly why I created YouTube From Scratch — to help you skip the guesswork and fast-track your journey to a successful YouTube channel. Whether you want to grow a following, make an impact, or even earn income, this course will help you get there without making the same mistakes I made.
Don’t wait. YouTube can change your life too. Let me show you how.
Meet your course instructors
Hi, my name is Pat Flynn.
As I described above, I’m the host of two YouTube channels, Pat Flynn and Deep Pocket Monster, focused on very different content. I’ve learned a lot of lessons in the process of building them that I’m eager to share so you can build your own channel faster.
Along with these YouTube channels, I’m the founder and co-CEO of SPI Media, which is focused on helping entrepreneurs like you build and grow online businesses. At SPI, you’ll also find my podcast, The Smart Passive Income Podcast.
I’m excited to introduce you to Caleb, my friend and long-time videographer, as well as my business partner at SwitchPod.
Meet our guest expert, Caleb Wojcik.
Caleb has been making videos for himself and his clients since 2010. He’s a “read the manual” type of nerd and a recovering camera gear addict. Over the years he has helped thousands of people make better videos. He knows not everyone can afford to hire a professional to show up and film great videos for them, so he started teaching people how to do it on their own.
Caleb has filmed the NHL, MLB, NCAA basketball, the Rose Bowl, weddings, commercials, book trailers, and plenty of web videos of online entrepreneurs (such as Pat Flynn, Amy Porterfield, and Chris Guillebeau). He helped co-found Fizzle.co but left in 2014 to start a video production company and teach video production at MakeBetterVideos.com. In 2019, he co-launched SwitchPod with Pat as well.
YouTube From Scratch outline
Welcome, Students!
- Welcome! Watch This First
- Office Hours
- Course Downloads
Module #1: Plan Your YouTube Channel
- Welcome to This Module. Here’s What’s Next
- Lesson 01: Choosing Your Niche
- Lesson 02: What Are They Already Watching?
- Lesson 03: What’s Your Angle?
- Lesson 04: Picking Topics
- Lesson 05: How to Get More Views
- Lesson 06: The Right Way to Film a Video (Hint: Start with a Title and Thumbnail)
- Lesson 07: How Long Should Your Videos Be?
- Lesson 08: How Often Should You Publish?
- Lesson 09: Next Steps
Module #2: Create & Set Up Your Channel
- Welcome to This Module. Here’s What’s Next
- Lesson 01: Creating Your Channel
- Lesson 02: Branding & Customization
- Lesson 03: Choosing a Name
- Lesson 04: Customizing Your Channel Page
- Lesson 05: How to Upload, Publish & Schedule a Video
Module #3: Publish Your First Video
- Welcome to This Module. Here’s What’s Next
- Lesson 01: Pick Your First Video to Film (Title & Thumbnail)
- Lesson 02: Let’s Plan the Video (Hook, Story, Ending)
- Lesson 03: “How to Film” Library
- Lesson 03.1: Face on Camera
- Lesson 03.2: Screen Recordings
- Lesson 03.3: Vlogging
- Lesson 03.4: B-Roll Tips
- Lesson 03.5: Top-Down/Overhead Videos
- Lesson 03.6: Engagement Tricks
- Lesson 4: Editing a YouTube from Start to Finish
- Lesson 5: Exporting & Starting to Upload Your Video
Module #4: Creator Studio Analytics
- Welcome to This Module. Here’s What’s Next
- Lesson 1: Channel Analytics
- Lesson 2: Individual Video Analytics
- Lesson 3: CASE STUDY — Pokémon Channel
- Lesson 4: CASE STUDY — Pat Flynn Channel
- Lesson 5: CASE STUDY — Caleb Wojcik’s Channel
Module #5: Monetization
- Welcome to This Module. Here’s What’s Next
- Lesson 1: Mindset to Reach 1,000 Subs & 4,000 Hours
- Lesson 2: When You’re Monetized, Here’s What to Do
- Lesson 3: Other Ways to Generate More Revenue
Closing
- Final Remarks / Mindset
We believe in community-driven courses
Save 16% with annual billing
Start
Do It Yourself
$49
/ month
Billed quarterly for $147
$41
/ month
Billed annually for $490
As a Start member, you’ll have access to:
- A network of like-minded entrepreneurs through direct messaging and active community discussion channels
- SPI’s entire library of pre-recorded courses
- Live and recorded workshops
- Mini-courses
Accelerate
Do It Together
$99
/ month
Billed quarterly for $297
$83
/ month
Billed annually for $990
Everything in Start, plus:
- Exclusive office hours with Pat Flynn twice a month
- Live cohort-based course accelerators
- Monthly post-based quests
- Early access to new courses
- Member-led mastermind groups
Thrive
Vetted Entrepreneurs
$149
/ month
Billed quarterly for $447
$125
/ month
Billed annually for $1490
Everything in Accelerate, plus:
- Full-Time Entrepreneur Playbook — filled with essential tools and templates for running a successful business
- Quarterly Sprints
- Mastermind groups led by Thrive community members
- Expert feedback during live Ask-Me-Anything events hosted by our Experts in Residence
- Advanced live office hours with Pat Flynn twice a month
The Thrive tier is an application-based membership with quarterly enrollment. Doors are closed until May 2025.