This is a companion guide to the “Build Your First Generative AI Chatbot” video from AI Made Simple. See the full video here.

Introduction

Custom GPTs allow ChatGPT Plus subscribers to create specialized versions of ChatGPT with custom instructions, knowledge base documents, and more advanced features. This guide accompanies the “Custom GPT: Use Cases and Build Tutorial” video on the AI Made Simple YouTube channel.

What is a Custom GPT?

A Custom GPT is a personalized version of ChatGPT that:

• Follows specific instructions you provide
• References your uploaded documents
• Can be tailored to perform specific tasks

Why Use Custom GPTs

Custom GPTs offer several advantages:

1. Increased Accuracy: Reduces hallucinations by focusing on specific knowledge
2. Task-Specific Responses: Tailors outputs to your exact requirements
3. Process Automation: Saves instructions for frequently performed tasks

Example Use Cases

• Election Companion: Look up election information by ZIP code
• Show Randomizer: Suggests random episodes from favorite shows
• Role-Playing Game Master: Creates custom adventure scenarios
• Video Game Assistant: Provides step-by-step game guidance optimized for voice mode
• Decision Helper: Assists with purchase decisions through interactive questioning

How to Build a Custom GPT

Prerequisites

• ChatGPT Plus subscription

Build a Custom GPT with Create Mode (Beginner-Friendly)

1. Go to the “Explore GPTs” section in ChatGPT
2. Click “Create” in the top right corner
3. Select the “Create” tab
4. Describe your desired GPT in natural language
   • Example: “A GPT that will suggest video ideas for my YouTube channel called AI Made Simple”
5. Approve or modify the suggested name and image
6. Continue refining by telling it additional details
   • Example: “I’ve already made videos for creating an AI chatbot in Next.js hosted on Vercel and one on making custom GPTs”

Build a Custom GPT with Configure Mode (More Control)

1. Go to the “Explore GPTs” section in ChatGPT
2. Click “Create” in the top right corner
3. Select the “Configure” tab
4. Fill in the following fields:
   • Name: What users will see (appears at the top)
   • Description: Brief explanation of what your GPT does
   • Instructions: The most important part – determines behavior
   • Conversation starters: Optional clickable prompts for users
   • Knowledge: Upload documents (Word, PDF, code) that your GPT can reference
   • Capabilities: Toggle features (Web Browsing, DALL-E, Code Interpreter)
   • Actions: Advanced – connect to external APIs (optional)
   • Profile picture: Upload your own or generate one with DALL-E
5. Test your GPT using the preview panel 

Best Practices

• Start simple and iterate
• Test frequently
• Use and refine over time
• Remember that working with AI is about improvement, not perfection

For more detailed help, check out the AI Made Simple YouTube channel or interact with the Custom GPT created specifically for this tutorial.