This article explores the five levels of using AI, from basic chatting to advanced automation and agent building. It highlights how most users are stuck at the initial stages and explains how to progress to higher levels where AI can automate tasks, create products, and generate income. Practical examples and tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Miro are discussed to help readers level up their AI usage.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we live and work, yet many people only scratch the surface of its potential. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the five levels of using AI, revealing how the top 1% leverage AI to automate their lives, generate passive income, and create innovative products. Whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your AI skills, this article will help you identify your current level and guide you on how to level up.
Most people are currently stuck at level one or two in their AI usage. This gap separates the average user from those who use AI to automate everything in their lives and make money passively. Ishan Sharma breaks down these five levels of AI usage and shares actionable insights to help you progress.
The first and most basic way to use AI is simply chatting with it. This involves asking AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini simple questions such as planning a trip itinerary, creating a breakup text, or getting recommendations for movies or places to visit.
While these interactions are powerful, they represent only about 10% of AI's capabilities. Most users ask straightforward "how-to" questions and accept the answers at face value. This level is characterized by surface-level engagement with AI.
At this stage, users become power users of AI by leveraging its multimodal capabilities. This means not only chatting but also asking AI to generate images, PDFs, documents, and conduct deep research.
Users learn to write better prompts by setting roles, providing context about themselves and their problems, and specifying output expectations. This level requires a deeper understanding of how to communicate with AI effectively.
However, a common pitfall at this stage is over-reliance on AI outputs without critical evaluation. Users may blindly accept AI-generated content without considering its limitations or verifying accuracy.
The third level involves mastering context engineering. Here, users create projects on AI platforms like Claude, build custom GPTs, and develop specific skills that teach AI exactly how to perform tasks.
For example, Ishan Sharma teaches Claude how to create YouTube thumbnails by providing detailed instructions and preferences. Similarly, he uses Claude to draft Instagram reel scripts by feeding raw information and refining the output over time.
Another innovative use is creating Notebook LM projects that compile extensive data from public talks and podcasts of influential figures like Elon Musk or Bill Gates. This allows users to simulate conversations with these personalities based on their known viewpoints.
Context engineering unlocks the ability to get highly customized and relevant AI outputs, moving beyond generic responses.
At this level, users start automating repetitive tasks using AI tools such as Claude Co-work, Claude Code, and Any.10. Automation can include scheduled workflows that perform tasks like gathering viral tweets, generating content ideas, or managing daily routines.
For instance, Ishan sets up a workflow where Claude Co-work fetches the top 10 viral AI-related tweets every morning and creates multiple reel scripts for his channel. This saves significant time and boosts productivity.
Automation tools integrate with various coding platforms and APIs, enabling users to connect different services and streamline their workflows.
The most advanced level involves creating AI agents and products that can be monetized. Users develop cloud-hosted automations and agents that companies can use to train employees, automate processes, or enhance services.
This stage includes writing code for new apps, integrating payment gateways, and launching products on platforms like the Play Store.
An exciting application is the creation of AI influencers using models like SeeDance 2.0 and Nano Banana. These AI-generated personas can produce videos, build social media followings, and generate income through brand deals and exclusive content.
This level represents the pinnacle of AI usage, where individuals leverage AI not just for personal productivity but as a source of business and innovation.
Miro AI Workspace: Miro offers an MCP server that bridges your workspace with AI tools, enabling automatic mapping of codebases, document creation, and team collaboration. It supports popular coding tools and eliminates repetitive copy-pasting.
Claude Co-work and Claude Code: These tools facilitate automation and scheduled workflows, allowing you to automate tasks on your desktop and online.
Notebook LM: Useful for compiling extensive contextual data to simulate conversations with experts or influencers.
SeeDance 2.0 and Nano Banana: Tools for creating AI-generated video influencers.
Avoid blindly trusting AI outputs, especially for critical life decisions. AI lacks full context of your personal life and perspectives.
Continuously refine your prompts and teach AI your preferences to improve output quality.
Explore automation gradually, starting with simple workflows before moving to complex agent building.
AI offers immense potential beyond simple question-answering. By understanding and progressing through the five levels of AI usage—basic chatting, multimodal use, context engineering, automation, and agent building—you can unlock new opportunities for productivity, creativity, and income.
Where are you currently on this AI usage spectrum? Share your level in the comments and start your journey to becoming an AI power user today.
For those interested in diving deeper, there are detailed tutorials available on creating automations and mastering AI tools like Claude.
Remember, the future belongs to those who harness AI effectively. Level up and transform your life and work with AI!
