You Can Learn Anything for FREE with AI

Have you ever felt that itch to learn something new? I believe you have! Maybe you want to understand how Instagram marketing works or you’re curious about how AI actually functions or maybe you want to learn how to code with Python.

Whenever we want to learn something new, what we do is – search for online courses related to the topic. But here’s the catch! Those courses often cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars and doesn’t even provide the value it promises to provide. So, even after wasting so much money and time, you can’t get the value you were looking to get from the course.

Well, what if I told you there’s a much smarter and completely free way to learn almost anything at your own pace using tools that you already have? Yep, I’m talking about AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and NotebookLM.

This won’t just be learning but doing nothing type of learning, instead it will be interactive, personalized, and highly effective. You’ll be surprised how fast you can go from knowing nothing to feeling confident in your new skill – all without spending a dime.

So, let me take you through the exact two-step method I use myself to learn a new skill for absolutely free.

Why AI Can be Your Ultimate Learning Buddy?

If you’re just starting out, AI can feel like something out of the world. Here’s why AI can be your best learning buddy:

• It’s totally free. You don’t need to spend money on expensive courses.
• You control the pace. You decide how fast or slow you want to go.
• It’s personalized. You can ask AI anything and get instant answers tailored for you.
• It organizes your learning. No more getting lost in random videos or blog posts.
• It’s up-to-date. AI tools often know the latest tips and trends better than many outdated courses.

This approach puts you in control. You won’t just be a passive leaner anymore.

Phase 1: Learn the Basics Using ChatGPT or Gemini

In the first phase, you’ll learn all the basics of the topic you want to learn. Here you’re not trying to master the skill yet, you’re just trying to understand the “what” and “why” behind it.

Let’s say you want to learn Instagram marketing.
Here’s what you need to do:

• Open ChatGPT or Gemini and paste this prompt:

“Act as a world-class expert in Instagram Marketing. You know everything about algorithms, SEO, and smart tricks. You also know how to explain things simply to beginners like me. I want to use Instagram to grow my clothing business. I’m starting from zero, so help me learn step-by-step.”

• Then ask something like:

“First, can you create a full outline of everything I need to learn, from A to Z—including common beginner mistakes and key concepts?”

• Once you get the outline, ask:

“Now based on that outline, please give me a full beginner guide step-by-step.”

• Finally, tell the AI:

“Recommend 10–15 of the best free YouTube videos or blog posts that match this guide and will help me understand these topics better.”

Now instead of wasting time going through random content, you’ll have hand-picked learning path, tailored – just for you.

Phase 2: Go Deeper with NotebookLM

Once you understand the basics, it’s time to take things to the next level. And that’s where NotebookLM comes into play.

Here’s how you can use NotebookLM, which is a free tool from Google as your personal research assistant:

1. Upload Your Materials
   Add the guide and resources you got from ChatGPT/Gemini—like YouTube transcripts, articles, or PDFs.
2. Expand Your Learning
   Ask ChatGPT for more keywords to find much more targeted content like: “What keywords should I use to find advanced Instagram marketing tips, like ad strategy or viral reel formulas?” Search with those keywords and upload more resources into NotebookLM.
3. Ask Smart Questions
   You can now ask: “What does source #4 say about best posting time?”
   “Tell me the best way to go viral on Instagram reels based on my sources.” The answers will come from the materials you uploaded yourself, so you know it’s legit.
4. Create Custom Guides
   You can also ask: “Create a 3-day action plan to make my first 3 viral reels using the strategies in these documents.”
5. Want audio?
   You can use a free text-to-speech tool on NotebookLM’s summaries to listen to the answer it gives – if you get bored of reading it.

What You’ll Actually Achieve?

You’re not going to become a Instagram marketing guru overnight, but you will go from 0% to a solid 60–70% foundational knowledge very quickly. And more importantly, you’ll know:

• The main concepts and strategies,
• Common beginner traps to avoid,
• What tools you need,
• And how to start taking action, etc. all for $0.

Smart Tips to Go Even Further

• Already know the basics? Jump straight to Phase 2 and start uploading what you know on NotebookLM.
• No ChatGPT Plus? No problem! You can use Gemini for free. Enable features like “URL context” to help it process links better.
• Want to teach others someday? Use this same method to build your own mini-course!
• Set a role in NotebookLM too. For example: “You are my assistant. Help me create a Instagram Marketing strategy based only on these documents.”

When a Paid Course Might Actually Help?

After learning the topic using the above method, you might still want a paid course. But this time, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for!

Here’s when a paid course makes sense:

• You need expert feedback,
• You want a certificate,
• You want live mentorship,
• You’re going for advanced, niche skills, etc.

Now even if you decide to purchase a paid course, you’ll invest your money wisely on buying the course that has exactly the thing you’re looking for.

Final Thoughts

Learning a new skill doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money or watching those boring videos recorded years ago.
With tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and NotebookLM, you get to be in charge of your learning process. You can gain knowledge in such a way that makes learning easier and effective.

All it takes is curiosity, a little effort, and the willingness to ask questions.

So go ahead, pick a skill, open up an AI tool, and get started today. You’ll be surprised on how fast you can learn something new when you’re in the driver’s seat.