ChatGPT + AI Video Tools: Complete YouTube Automation Workflow
TubeChef Team
January 23, 2025
5 min read
Creating YouTube videos used to take 10-20 hours. In 2025, with ChatGPT and modern AI tools, you can go from idea to published video in 60-90 minutes.
I'm going to show you the exact step-by-step workflow that successful AI YouTube creators use to produce high-quality videos at scale—complete with ChatGPT prompts, tool recommendations, and real examples.
This is the system that enables creators to upload daily, build massive channels, and earn $5K-$50K+ per month.
- The Complete AI Video Workflow (Overview)
- Step 1: Idea Generation with ChatGPT
- Step 2: Script Writing with ChatGPT
- Step 3: AI Voiceover Generation
- Step 4: Visual Asset Creation
- Step 5: Video Assembly & Editing
- Step 6: Thumbnail Creation
- Step 7: SEO Optimization & Upload
- Batch Production System (10 Videos in One Day)
- Advanced ChatGPT Prompts for Different Niches
- Tool Stack Recommendations (Budget to Premium)
- Common Workflow Mistakes
- Automation Level 2: Full Automation Platforms
Total time: 60-90 minutes per video (or 20-30 minutes with full automation)
- Idea generation (5-10 min) → ChatGPT brainstorms video topics
- Script writing (10-15 min) → ChatGPT writes full script
- Voiceover generation (5 min) → ElevenLabs or similar creates AI voice
- Visual asset gathering (10-20 min) → Stock footage, AI images, or screen recordings
- Video editing (20-30 min) → Sync visuals with voiceover, add music/text
- Thumbnail creation (5-10 min) → Design eye-catching thumbnail
- SEO & upload (5-10 min) → Optimize title/description, schedule upload
Optional shortcut: Use automation platforms like TubeChef to handle steps 3-5 automatically (reduces workflow to 30-45 minutes total).
Now let's break down each step.
Goal: Generate 10-30 video ideas at once (batch thinking)
You are a YouTube content strategist. Generate 20 video ideas for a [NICHE] channel that:
- Are search-optimized (high search volume, low competition)
- Have strong click-through potential
- Are evergreen (will be relevant for years)
- Can be created using AI voiceover and stock footage/visuals
Format each idea as: [Catchy Title] - [Brief description of what the video covers]
Niche: [YOUR NICHE HERE]
Real example (True Crime niche):
You are a YouTube content strategist. Generate 20 video ideas for a TRUE CRIME channel that:
- Are search-optimized (high search volume, low competition)
- Have strong click-through potential
- Are evergreen (will be relevant for years)
- Can be created using AI voiceover and stock footage/visuals
Format each idea as: [Catchy Title] - [Brief description of what the video covers]
Niche: True Crime
ChatGPT output (sample):
- "The Vanishing of Flight 370: What Really Happened?" - Deep dive into Malaysia Airlines disappearance theories
- "5 Unsolved Mysteries That Still Haunt Detectives" - Compilation of cold cases with new evidence
- "The Dark Secret Behind the Perfect Neighborhood" - Story of suburban crime that shocked a community
[...17 more ideas]
I want to create videos about [TRENDING TOPIC]. Give me 15 specific angles or sub-topics I can explore, each as a standalone 10-15 minute video. Make them specific enough to be interesting but broad enough to have substance.
Topic: [YOUR TRENDING TOPIC]
Real example (AI Tools):
I want to create videos about AI TOOLS FOR CREATORS. Give me 15 specific angles or sub-topics I can explore, each as a standalone 10-15 minute video. Make them specific enough to be interesting but broad enough to have substance.
Topic: AI Tools for Creators
ChatGPT output (sample):
- "ChatGPT Prompts Every YouTuber Needs (Save 10 Hours/Week)"
- "AI Thumbnail Generators Compared: Which One Actually Works?"
- "How to Clone Your Voice with AI (Step-by-Step Tutorial)"
[...12 more angles]
Time: 5-10 minutes to generate 20-30 ideas
Pro tip: Generate 50+ ideas at once, store in a spreadsheet, and never run out of content ideas.
Goal: Create a complete, engaging 8-15 minute video script
Write a complete YouTube video script for a [LENGTH] minute video on the topic: [TOPIC]
Target audience: [AUDIENCE DESCRIPTION]
Tone: [Conversational/Professional/Educational/Entertaining]
Channel style: [Faceless AI narrator / Documentary style / Educational explainer]
Structure the script with:
1. Hook (first 10 seconds to grab attention)
2. Introduction (what the video covers, why it matters)
3. Main content (3-5 key sections with clear transitions)
4. Conclusion (summary + call-to-action)
Make it:
- Conversational and engaging (like you're talking to a friend)
- Include rhetorical questions to maintain engagement
- Add pauses [PAUSE] where dramatic emphasis is needed
- Use simple language (8th grade reading level)
- Include specific examples and numbers when possible
Word count: approximately [800-1,200 words for 8-10 min video]
Topic: [YOUR TOPIC]
Real example (Finance niche):
Write a complete YouTube video script for a 10 minute video on the topic: "How to Invest Your First $1,000 in 2025"
Target audience: Beginners with no investing experience, ages 20-35
Tone: Conversational but informative
Channel style: Faceless AI narrator with educational explainer format
Structure the script with:
1. Hook (first 10 seconds to grab attention)
2. Introduction (what the video covers, why it matters)
3. Main content (5 investment strategies with pros/cons)
4. Conclusion (summary + first action step)
Make it:
- Conversational and engaging (like you're talking to a friend)
- Include rhetorical questions to maintain engagement
- Add pauses [PAUSE] where dramatic emphasis is needed
- Use simple language (8th grade reading level)
- Include specific examples and numbers when possible
Word count: approximately 1,200 words
Topic: How to Invest Your First $1,000 in 2025
ChatGPT output (sample script excerpt):
[HOOK]
If you have $1,000 sitting in your bank account right now, you're losing money every single day. [PAUSE] Not because you're spending it... but because inflation is eating it alive. By the end of this video, you'll know exactly how to turn that $1,000 into a growing investment that works for you 24/7.
[INTRODUCTION]
Here's the truth: most people wait too long to start investing. They think they need $10,000 or $50,000 to begin. [PAUSE] Wrong. You can start with just $1,000... and in this video, I'm breaking down the 5 best ways to invest your first $1,000 in 2025...
[continues for ~1,200 words]
After ChatGPT generates the initial script, refine it:
Make it more engaging:
Rewrite the introduction to be more compelling. Add a surprising statistic or counterintuitive fact in the first 15 seconds.
Add storytelling:
Add a brief real-life example or case study to illustrate [specific point in script].
Improve pacing:
This section feels too long. Condense it to 200 words while keeping the key points.
Time: 10-15 minutes (including refinements)
Goal: Convert script to natural-sounding AI narration
Premium (most natural):
- ElevenLabs ($5-$99/mo) - Best quality, emotional range
- Play.ht ($19-$99/mo) - Very natural, great for long-form
- Murf.ai ($19-$99/mo) - Professional voices, good for corporate
Budget:
- Natural Reader (free tier available)
- Balabolka (free, Windows only)
- Copy your script from ChatGPT
- Choose voice: Preview 10-15 voices, pick one that matches your niche
- Finance: Professional, authoritative male voice
- True crime: Dramatic, storytelling voice
- Educational: Clear, friendly, neutral voice
- Adjust settings:
- Stability: 60-70% (too high = robotic, too low = inconsistent)
- Clarity: 70-80%
- Style exaggeration: 30-50% (adds emotion)
- Generate audio: Click "Generate"
- Download MP3
Pro tips:
- Add periods (".") for longer pauses
- Use ellipsis ("...") for dramatic pauses
- ALL CAPS adds emphasis (use sparingly)
- Commas create natural breathing points
Example script formatting for AI voice:
If you have $1,000 sitting in your bank account right now... you're losing money every single day.
Not because you're spending it. But because inflation is eating it alive.
By the end of this video? You'll know exactly how to turn that $1,000 into a growing investment that works for you. 24/7.
Time: 5 minutes
Goal: Gather or create visuals that match your script
Sources:
- Pexels (pexels.com) - Highest quality, huge library
- Pixabay (pixabay.com) - Good variety
- Coverr (coverr.co) - Beautiful cinematic clips
Process:
- Read through your script
- Identify 8-12 key scenes that need visuals
- Search stock sites for relevant clips
- Finance video → "money," "investing," "stock market," "laptop work"
- True crime → "dark street," "detective," "crime scene," "courtroom"
- Health → "exercise," "healthy food," "doctor," "meditation"
- Download 10-15 clips (always get more than you need)
Time: 10-15 minutes
Tools:
- Midjourney ($10-$60/mo) - Highest quality
- DALL-E 3 (via ChatGPT Plus, $20/mo) - Good quality, easy access
- Leonardo.ai (free tier + paid) - Fast generation
Process:
- Identify scenes that need custom images
- Generate prompts:
ChatGPT prompt for image generation prompts:
I need to create images for a YouTube video about [TOPIC]. Generate 10 Midjourney prompts for images that would visually represent key concepts in the video.
Each prompt should be:
- Cinematic and visually striking
- Appropriate for YouTube (safe for all audiences)
- Descriptive (lighting, mood, composition)
Topic: [YOUR TOPIC]
- Use generated prompts in Midjourney/DALL-E
- Download images
Time: 15-20 minutes
For tutorials, software reviews, data visualizations:
Tools:
- OBS Studio (free) - Professional, feature-rich
- Loom (free/paid) - Simple, web-based
- ShareX (free, Windows) - Lightweight
Process:
- Open software/website you're demonstrating
- Start recording
- Follow your script (narrate as you go, or record separately)
- Export video file
Time: 10-20 minutes depending on content
Goal: Sync visuals with voiceover, add music, text overlays, transitions
Free:
- DaVinci Resolve - Professional-grade, steep learning curve
- CapCut - Beginner-friendly, mobile and desktop
- iMovie (Mac) - Simple, limited features
Paid:
- Adobe Premiere Pro ($21/mo) - Industry standard
- Final Cut Pro (Mac, $299 one-time) - Professional
Step-by-step:
Import assets:
- Voiceover MP3
- 10-15 video clips or images
- Background music (YouTube Audio Library, Epidemic Sound)
Create timeline:
- Place voiceover on audio track
- Listen through, note timestamps for visual changes
Sync visuals:
- Every 3-7 seconds, change the visual (keeps attention)
- Match visuals to what's being said
- Example: If narration says "invest in index funds," show stock charts
Add text overlays:
- Key points, statistics, definitions
- Lower third titles (not too many—YouTube will auto-caption)
Add background music:
- Low volume (15-20% of voiceover volume)
- Fade in/out at beginning and end
- Avoid music with lyrics (competes with narration)
Add transitions (sparingly):
- Simple cuts are best
- Use dissolves between scenes
- Avoid flashy transitions (look amateur)
Export:
- 1080p (1920×1080) minimum
- H.264 codec
- MP4 format
- 8-12 Mbps bitrate
Time: 20-30 minutes (gets faster with practice)
- B-roll every 5-7 seconds (keep visual interest)
- Text overlays for key stats (reinforces message)
- Zoom in on important moments (adds emphasis)
- Ken Burns effect (slow zoom/pan on images for motion)
Goal: Design a click-worthy thumbnail in 5-10 minutes
Elements:
- High-contrast image (bright vs. dark)
- 3-5 words of bold text (huge font)
- Human face (if possible) or compelling visual
- Bright colors (orange, red, yellow, green perform best)
- Simple composition (not cluttered)
Free:
- Canva (canva.com) - Templates, easy to use
- Photopea (photopea.com) - Free Photoshop alternative
Paid:
- Canva Pro ($13/mo) - More templates, background remover
- Photoshop ($21/mo) - Professional editing
- Open Canva, select "YouTube Thumbnail" template
- Choose a template with your video's vibe
- Replace background image (your best visual from video)
- Add text (3-5 words, huge font, bold)
- Add contrast (darken background, brighten text)
- Optional: Add arrows, shapes, emojis (use sparingly)
- Download as PNG
Text examples:
- Finance: "$1,000 → $10,000?" or "Invest $1K Here"
- True crime: "She Vanished" or "Unsolved Mystery"
- Educational: "How It Works" or "Science Explained"
Time: 5-10 minutes
Goal: Optimize for YouTube search and upload
I'm uploading a YouTube video. Help me optimize it for SEO.
Video topic: [YOUR TOPIC]
Target audience: [AUDIENCE]
Video length: [LENGTH]
Generate:
1. 5 title options (under 60 characters, front-loaded with main keyword)
2. A 150-character description (compelling, includes main keyword)
3. A full video description (300-500 words, keyword-rich but natural, includes CTA)
4. 15 relevant tags (mix of broad and specific)
5. 3 suggested custom thumbnail text options
Main keyword: [KEYWORD]
Real example:
I'm uploading a YouTube video. Help me optimize it for SEO.
Video topic: How to invest your first $1,000 in 2025
Target audience: Investing beginners, ages 20-35
Video length: 10 minutes
Generate:
1. 5 title options (under 60 characters, front-loaded with main keyword)
2. A 150-character description (compelling, includes main keyword)
3. A full video description (300-500 words, keyword-rich but natural, includes CTA)
4. 15 relevant tags (mix of broad and specific)
5. 3 suggested custom thumbnail text options
Main keyword: how to invest $1000
ChatGPT output (sample):
Titles:
- How to Invest $1,000 in 2025 (Beginner's Guide)
- Invest $1,000 in 2025: 5 Smart Strategies for Beginners
- Your First $1,000 Investment: Complete Guide 2025
- Best Ways to Invest $1,000 in 2025 (Step-by-Step)
- Beginner Investing: How to Turn $1,000 Into More in 2025
[...continues with description, tags, etc.]
- Upload video to YouTube Studio
- Title: Pick best option from ChatGPT
- Description: Paste optimized description
- Add timestamps
- Add CTA ("Subscribe for more investing tips!")
- Add relevant links
- Thumbnail: Upload custom thumbnail
- Tags: Add 10-15 tags from ChatGPT list
- Playlist: Add to relevant playlist (organizes content, boosts watch time)
- End screen: Add subscribe button + 2 video suggestions
- Cards: Add 2-3 cards throughout video linking to related videos
- Publish or schedule
Time: 5-10 minutes
Once you master the workflow, batch production 10x's your efficiency.
9:00-10:00 AM: Batch Ideation & Scripting
- Use ChatGPT to generate 10 video ideas
- Select best 10
- Generate all 10 scripts at once (refine later)
10:00-10:30 AM: Batch Script Refinement
- Review all 10 scripts
- Make edits for tone, accuracy, engagement
- Format for AI voice (add pauses, emphasis)
10:30-11:00 AM: Batch Voiceover Generation
- Copy all 10 scripts into ElevenLabs (or similar)
- Generate all 10 voiceovers
- Download all MP3s, label clearly
11:00 AM-12:30 PM: Batch Visual Asset Gathering
- Create visual shot list for all 10 videos
- Batch download stock footage (50-100 clips at once)
- Or batch generate AI images (30-50 images)
12:30-1:00 PM: Lunch break
1:00-5:00 PM: Batch Video Editing (40 min per video × 6 videos)
- Edit 6 videos using same template/style
- Assembly line approach: timeline → visuals → music → export
5:00-5:30 PM: Dinner break
5:30-8:00 PM: Finish Remaining Videos
- Edit final 4 videos (30 min each as you're faster now)
8:00-9:00 PM: Batch Thumbnail Creation
- Create all 10 thumbnails using same Canva template
- Just swap images and text (6 min per thumbnail)
9:00-10:00 PM: Batch Upload & SEO
- Use ChatGPT to generate SEO for all 10 (5 min each)
- Upload all 10, schedule 2-3 per week
Result: 10 videos ready to publish over the next 3-4 weeks, created in one focused day.
Write a compelling 12-minute true crime video script about [CASE NAME]. Structure it as:
1. Hook: The most shocking detail revealed first
2. Background: Who was involved, setting the scene
3. The crime: What happened (build suspense)
4. Investigation: Key evidence, twists
5. Resolution/Current status
6. Final thoughts
Make it dramatic but respectful. Add [PAUSE] for emphasis. Include specific dates and locations. Word count: ~1,500 words.
Create an educational video script explaining [FINANCIAL CONCEPT] to complete beginners. Use simple analogies, real-world examples, and avoid jargon. Include:
1. What it is (simple definition)
2. Why it matters (real-life impact)
3. How it works (step-by-step)
4. Common mistakes to avoid
5. Action steps to get started
Make it conversational, encouraging, not condescending. 10 minutes, ~1,200 words.
Write a "how does [X] work" explainer video script for curious adults. Structure:
1. Hook: Surprising fact or common misconception
2. Simple explanation (ELI5 approach)
3. Deeper dive (the science/process)
4. Real-world examples/applications
5. Fun facts or future implications
Use analogies and metaphors. Make complex ideas simple. 8-10 minutes, ~1,000 words.
Write a product review video script comparing [PRODUCT A] vs [PRODUCT B]. Include:
1. Hook: Which one is better and why (tease the answer)
2. Brief overview of both products
3. Feature comparison (5-7 key features, side-by-side)
4. Pros and cons of each
5. Price comparison and value
6. Final recommendation (who should buy which)
Be balanced but have a clear opinion. Mention affiliate links naturally. 12 minutes, ~1,400 words.
- Script: ChatGPT Plus ($20/mo)
- Voice: ElevenLabs Starter ($5/mo) or Natural Reader (free)
- Visuals: Pexels (free) + DALL-E 3 (included in ChatGPT Plus)
- Editing: DaVinci Resolve (free) or CapCut (free)
- Thumbnails: Canva (free)
- Music: YouTube Audio Library (free)
Total: $25/month
Output: 10-15 videos/month, 2-3 hours per video
- Script: ChatGPT Plus ($20/mo)
- Voice: ElevenLabs Creator ($22/mo)
- Visuals: Pexels (free) + Midjourney ($10-30/mo) + Storyblocks ($30/mo)
- Editing: Adobe Premiere Pro ($21/mo) or DaVinci Resolve (free)
- Thumbnails: Canva Pro ($13/mo)
- Music: Epidemic Sound ($15/mo)
Total: $131-166/month
Output: 15-25 videos/month, 1.5-2 hours per video
- Script: ChatGPT Plus ($20/mo)
- Voice: ElevenLabs Pro ($99/mo)
- Visuals: Storyblocks ($30/mo) + Midjourney ($60/mo)
- Editing: Adobe Premiere Pro ($21/mo)
- Thumbnails: Canva Pro ($13/mo) + Photoshop ($21/mo)
- Music: Epidemic Sound ($15/mo)
- Automation: TubeChef or similar ($18-$117/mo)
Total: $297-$396/month
Output: 30-60 videos/month, 45-90 minutes per video (with automation)
Mistake 1: Editing as you go
- ❌ Editing one video at a time is inefficient
- ✅ Batch create 5-10 videos, then batch edit
Mistake 2: Overthinking scripts
- ❌ Spending 2 hours perfecting a script
- ✅ ChatGPT draft → 15-minute human refinement → done
Mistake 3: Too many visual changes
- ❌ Changing visuals every 2 seconds (looks chaotic)
- ✅ Change every 5-7 seconds (maintains flow)
Mistake 4: Robotic AI voice
- ❌ Using default free voices (sounds bad)
- ✅ Invest in ElevenLabs or Play.ht ($5-22/mo)
Mistake 5: No script structure
- ❌ Rambling, unorganized scripts
- ✅ Hook → Main content (3-5 sections) → Conclusion
Mistake 6: Ignoring SEO
- ❌ "Cool video title" without keywords
- ✅ Keyword-first titles, optimized descriptions
Mistake 7: Bad thumbnails
- ❌ Low-effort, text-heavy, cluttered
- ✅ High contrast, 3-5 words max, compelling visual
If you want to go from 90 minutes per video → 30 minutes per video, use full automation platforms.
Automation platforms (like TubeChef handle:
- Script to voiceover conversion (automatic)
- Visual asset matching (AI selects relevant stock footage/images)
- Video assembly (automatic syncing, transitions, text overlays)
- Background music addition
- Exporting ready-to-upload video
You provide: Script or topic
Platform outputs: Complete video file
Use automation if:
- ✅ You want to upload daily (30+ videos/month)
- ✅ You're running multiple channels
- ✅ You value time over full creative control
- ✅ Your content is informational/educational (not heavily stylized)
Stick with manual if:
- ✅ You want complete creative control
- ✅ Your niche requires unique visual style
- ✅ You enjoy the editing process
- ✅ You're only uploading 5-10 videos/month
The ChatGPT + AI video workflow is proven:
- Thousands of creators use this exact system
- Videos generated this way get millions of views
- Channels built this way earn $5K-$50K+/month
- It's 6-10x faster than traditional production
- It's 90% cheaper than hiring freelancers
The workflow:
- ChatGPT generates ideas + scripts (15 min)
- AI voice generates narration (5 min)
- Stock footage + AI images for visuals (15 min)
- Manual editing syncs everything (30 min)
- Canva creates thumbnail (10 min)
- ChatGPT optimizes SEO, upload (10 min)
Total: 85 minutes per video (or 30 minutes with full automation)
Next step: Pick one video idea. Follow this workflow start-to-finish. Publish your first AI video this week.
Ready to streamline even further? Tools like TubeChef automate steps 3-5, reducing your workflow to just script writing, review, and upload (20-30 minutes total per video).
What's your biggest workflow bottleneck? Drop it in the comments!