How to build your Creator Series Engine
The step-by-step guide I used to plan consistent YouTube videos without burning out.
In my latest video, I shared how I use the Creator Series Engine to plan my YouTube videos without overthinking or running out of ideas.
Here’s the full guide with the 3 steps I mentioned, plus examples, templates, and prompts to help you build your own.
Choose Series
Start with one or two lanes. These are searchable content (tutorials) and personal content (vlogs or behind the scenes). Add more once you’ve got your rhythm.Examples: Davinci Resolve for Noobs by Daniel Batal, 30 videos in 30 days by Adrian Per.
Build Seasons
Think in goals or challenges. For example, “Road to 100 videos”, “13-week camera confidence challenge”, or “Learn X in 30 days”.Plan Episodes
Use frameworks like StoryBrand or fill-in-the-blank templates.
Example outline for storytelling: Character → Problem → Struggle → Solution → Lesson → Next Step.
Can be used for tutorials, promotional videos, even vlogs.Create Templates
This is your repeatable format you’ll follow for each video. Script outlines, Canva thumbnail templates, even DaVinci Resolve project templates. Create a swipe file of title formats (like “How I _” or “I Tried _ for 30 Days”, “I built/I created _”).Make It Easy to Manage
Batch ideas, batch record, batch edit. Rotate series weekly.
Bonus Tips
Tip 1: Capture Ideas
Save click-worthy titles and thumbnails to an “Inspiration” playlist.
When you’re ready to film, pull one and make it your own in Canva.
Tip 2: Use YouTube Studio
Try the new Ask Studio feature.
Prompt for video ideas: Find the top 10 videos in the last 90 days with high CTR and high impressions with over 100 views.
Use those as a base for your next videos.
Prompt for intros: List videos published within 90 days with the highest audience retention at the 30-second mark.
You can go check out those videos to find a pattern. Or, list videos with the lowest so you know what to avoid.
Tip 3: Refresh Your Channel Homepage
Add a “Currently Uploading” section like CrashCourse does, and show your 3–4 active playlists or series. It tells your new viewers exactly what your channel’s about.
Remember to create a playlist for each series and add it to your end screen so viewers can binge. Perfect for when you don’t have another related video to link to.
Tip 4: Create compilation videos
If you have related video content, compile it, update old information, or add new insights. An easy way to gain watch hours.
Tip 5: Add a Promotional Series
If you use YouTube for business, create one video a month that highlights your product, service, or client project without being salesy. And don’t forget to use your affiliate links!
If you found this helpful, stay tuned for weekly systems and workflow breakdowns for freelancers and YouTube creators.