New YouTube video: ChatGPT Crash Course

It’s finally here. We’ve been working on our YouTube channel for a few months now and our first video is now live. It’s a ChatGPT Crash Course because it’s the biggest and most accessible AI tool out there. Below is a write up of what’s in the video.

ChatGPT has gone from novel tool to everyday essential, transforming how people write, code, research, and automate. Since launching in November 2022, it's become the most widely used AI chatbot in the world, with over 60% market share and rocketing toward one billion monthly users. If you're still just dabbling, this guide walks you through everything - from simple prompts to advanced features - so you can truly master it.

Even without logging in, you can start using ChatGPT for tasks like writing blog posts or brainstorming ideas. The key is specificity. The guide stresses the importance of “prompt stacking” - layering context and goals into your prompt to get closer to what you want without constant back-and-forth.

There’s also “prompt chaining,” where you build on previous responses to refine or expand them. While ChatGPT is impressive, it won’t always read your mind. The best outputs come from clearly stating your goal, desired format, exclusions, and context - just like co-founder Greg Brockman’s methodical hiking prompt example.

Even the most advanced AI still “hallucinates” sometimes - confidently generating false or misleading information. This was more common in early versions but can still trip you up, especially in niche domains or technical tasks like software troubleshooting. The key takeaway: always verify what it gives you. Think of ChatGPT as a creative partner, not the end result.

To really get value from ChatGPT, a Plus subscription ($/£20/month) opens the door to powerful upgrades:

You can also personalize ChatGPT’s tone and behavior by filling out profile settings—ideal if you want it to match your writing style or professional needs.

The guide walks through practical examples:

Each shows how to go from idea to output, refining as you go.

Canvas is a hidden gem for long-form writing. It lets you revise, reformat, and polish ChatGPT outputs directly inside the app. Whether it’s adjusting the reading level, rewriting bullet points into prose, or collaborating with teammates, Canvas turns ChatGPT into a lightweight content studio.

Need blog graphics or social media visuals? Just describe what you want, and ChatGPT can generate images. While not instant, the results are often usable with basic prompts, and helpful for accelerating content production workflows.

For deep dives - like exploring AI agents or compiling consulting-grade insights - ChatGPT’s Deep Research mode is ideal. It’s slower and limited in monthly tasks, but it can produce lengthy, structured documents based on real sources and citations.

You can also build your own CustomGPTs - mini AIs trained on specific tone, content, and output types. For example, a GPT that rewrites whitepapers into LinkedIn posts with a clear voice, format, and length restriction. Once configured, they save time and maintain consistency.

If you’re juggling multiple use cases or clients, the “Projects” feature helps keep everything tidy - grouping chats, files, and instructions in one place with shared memory and tools.

A newer feature, “Tasks,” lets you automate updates like daily news summaries or reminders - useful for staying on top of fast-moving topics like AI. ChatGPT can email you a digest or notify you directly within the app.

Mastering ChatGPT is less about technical skill and more about forming a habit. The tool is intuitive and immensely versatile, but the biggest barrier is changing how you approach daily tasks. Instead of Googling or wrestling with docs, start asking ChatGPT.

Whether you're a writer, analyst, or creative, it can become your go-to assistant - if you learn how to steer it right.

If you’re serious about AI, this guide makes one thing clear: ChatGPT isn’t just a tool. It’s a skill worth mastering.

See you next week - we should have another video up!