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.

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.

Publish Your First Video

Use the Video Brainstorming Worksheet to create your first video, from planning to filming to uploading.

Monetization

Learn how monetization works, both using YouTube’s built-in monetization opportunities, and other methods and opportunities.

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.

Creator Studio Analytics

Learn the terminology of YouTube analytics and which channel and video metrics to focus on.

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.

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.