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 might be the first words that come to mind when you think about starting on YouTube as a content creator. Trust me, I get it. When I uploaded my first video back in 2009, I had no idea what I was doing. It was awkward and a little embarrassing… but I’m so glad I hit “publish” anyway.
Because here’s the truth: YouTube is the number one platform for building an audience and generating income online.
When I started, there was no roadmap. I made mistake after mistake before I finally 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: I’ve built multiple channels with a combined audience of more than four million subscribers. My most successful channels are in the Pokémon space, a niche I knew nothing about until my kids got me interested a few years ago. Those channels have even earned me two YouTube Gold Play Buttons.
But what really excites me isn’t just the numbers. It’s everything else that came with them.
YouTube has opened doors I never knew existed.
I’ve been able to host live events like Card Party, build genuine friendships with people all over the world, and wake up every day excited to create content about something I love. At the same time, I’ve been able to build a sustainable business that supports my family and fuels my passion.
What was the difference?
It wasn’t luck. And it definitely wasn’t random.
The difference was finally having a clear plan, something I desperately wish I’d had back in 2009. Instead of throwing random videos into the void and hoping one would take off, I started approaching YouTube strategically.
I learned what audiences actually want, how to craft titles and thumbnails that get clicks, and how to structure videos that keep viewers watching until the end.
Now, my channels earn millions of views and generate substantial monthly revenue.


The coolest part? I’m not unique.
I see this happening for creators in every niche imaginable — people who started with nothing more than an idea and ended up building something that transformed not just their business, but their entire lives.
The key is having the right roadmap.
That’s exactly why I created YouTube From Scratch: to help you skip the guesswork and fast-track your path to a thriving YouTube channel. Whether your goal is to grow an audience, make an impact, or generate income, this course will help you get there without repeating the mistakes I made.
Don’t wait. YouTube can change your life, too. Let me show you how.
Meet your course instructors

About Pat Flynn
Pat Flynn is the creator of three successful YouTube channels (Pat Flynn, Deep Pocket Monster, and Short Pocket Monster) with a combined audience of over 4 million subscribers.
What sets Pat apart isn’t just his results; it’s his ability to break down what actually works on YouTube into simple, actionable strategies that real people can follow.
Pat brings his extensive knowledge of the platform and proven track record to help you avoid the mistakes he made and fast-track your success.
Pat is also the founder of Smart Passive Income, where he helps entrepreneurs start and scale their online businesses through our community, courses, and resources. Plus, he hosts The Smart Passive Income Podcast.

About Caleb Wojcik.
Caleb Wojcik is CEO of Smart Passive Income and a professional filmmaker who’s been making videos since 2010. He’s a “read the manual” type of nerd and a recovering camera gear addict. Caleb specializes in making video creation simple and achievable, showing you exactly what equipment you actually need (and what you don’t) to create videos that get results and grow your audience.
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 calebwojcik.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
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Explore
Curious Creators
Free
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You have access to:
- Downloadable cheat sheets and templates
- Public events with Pat Flynn
- Q&A sessions with Team SPI
- Free 101 introductory courses
- Pat Flynn’s book companion courses

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Do It Yourself
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/ month
Billed annually for $490
You have access to:
- Downloadable cheat sheets and templates
- Public events with Pat Flynn
- Q&A sessions with Team SPI
- Free 101 introductory courses
- Pat Flynn’s book companion courses
- Full community forum
- Team SPI (priceless)
- Monthly beginner workshops (live and replays)
- Hot Seats with Pat Flynn
- All premium courses ($5,500+ value)
- Networking events
