Growing up, my dad worked in tech, so I was always the first to try out new gadgets. That’s how I got early access to AI.
In 2024, I went to Arizona State University to study digital marketing. But after my freshman year, I realized I didn't need a degree to build a career in the space I loved most. I started posting AI tutorials on TikTok in May 2025. One of my first videos hit a million views. I dropped out, went full-time, and for the last few months, I’ve been making six figures a month.
Here is the exact playbook I used to get there.
1. I targeted an audience no one else was serving
When I started, every AI creator was talking to developers and tech bros about the complex, technical side of AI. I realized there was a massive gap in the market.
I didn't want to teach 20-somethings. I targeted middle-aged Americans, ages 30 to 65. I showed them how to use ChatGPT for everyday tasks: writing better emails, prepping for job interviews, selling items on Facebook Marketplace, and finding discount codes. I made AI practical, not technical.
2. I stole a viral format and made it better
When you have zero audience, don't try to reinvent the wheel. Look at what is already going viral, and put your own spin on it.
My first million-view video came from watching another creator's viral AI hack. I thought, *“If only they talked faster and had a better hook.”* I filmed the exact same topic, sped up my pacing, and nailed the hook. It went viral.
3. I mastered the "Curiosity Hook"
Speed matters. If I see a trend, I film and post within 24 hours. But the secret sauce is the hook.
* **Rule #1:** Always name the AI tool in the first 3 seconds.
* **Rule #2:** Use curiosity. Instead of saying, "Here is how to use ChatGPT for resumes," I say, *"What happens when you ask ChatGPT to rewrite your résumé?"*
4. I ignored brand deals until I had leverage
For my first few months, brands were emailing me to sponsor videos. I ignored them. I wanted to build trust with my audience first.
Once I hit 80,000 followers, my dad gave me a reality check: *If they want to pay you to talk about a tool you already recommend, take the money.* I replied to an email with a high rate, and they accepted. That first deal paid $2,400 for two videos. Today, brand deals make up 100% of my income, and I've done over 100 of them. (Pro tip: Don't use AI to read your contracts like I did at first. Hire a legal team).
5. I hired a team the second I got bogged down
When I hit 100,000 followers last August, I knew I wasn't going back to college. I also knew I needed to scale.
I resisted hiring an editor for a long time, but outsourcing video editing was life-changing. The hours I used to spend staring at a timeline are now spent filming three times as many videos. **My golden rule:** Hire help the moment repetitive tasks stop you from doing the work you are actually best at.
My motto is to make AI as simple as possible. It’s a complex, intimidating topic for a lot of people. But you don't need a computer science degree to use it. Simply understanding how to leverage these tools for your daily life puts you ahead of 99% of the population.