Learning TYPO3 in 2025: Video courses vs. community vs. AI - What really works?

You may be faced with a decision: learn TYPO3 or upgrade your skills to version 13. You read everywhere that communities are the new gold, AI answers all questions and structured video courses are yesterday's news. Confusing, isn't it?

I've been working with TYPO3 for almost 20 years. The current discussion around AI and communities as learning methods is relatively new - but it's fundamentally changing the learning landscape. Here's my honest assessment.

YouTube and AI: both a curse and a blessing

YouTube has theoretically democratized TYPO3 learning. You can find tutorials on almost anything - from installation to extension development. The problem: most of it is hopelessly outdated. ChatGPT explains complex TypoScript concepts in plain language. Fantastic, right?

The problem: You get answers to questions you ask - but often you ask the wrong questions. TYPO3 13 brings new features like Content Blocks. AI will be happy to explain what they are. But when do you use them? How do you use it to structure a project? What are the pitfalls of migration?

This is where knowledge gaps arise that become expensive later on. A customer calls, the website is broken and you don't know why - because you know individual solutions but don't understand the context.

Communities: Valuable, but not complete

TYPO3 communities are worth their weight in gold. Slack channels, forums, local meetups - the exchange with other developers is priceless. You get practical tips, see real problems and learn about different approaches.

However, communities have other strengths than structured learning. They work reactively: you ask a question when you are already stuck. They are less suitable for systematic basic knowledge. You never know whether your knowledge is complete or whether you are missing important basics.

This can be particularly frustrating for TYPO3 beginners. You ask about Content Elements, get an answer about Fluid Templates, but don't understand the context. The context is missing.

Structured learning: underestimated, but essential

This is where well thought-out video courses come into play. Not the superficial "click here, click there" versions, but ones that show you how to think and solve problems.

A good TYPO3 course guides you systematically through the software. You not only understand the "how", but also the "why". You'll see how Content Blocks interact with Fluid Templates, when you need Custom Content Elements and how to avoid performance problems right from the start. You learn best practices before you develop bad habits.

The international market clearly shows this: while there are hundreds of English-language premium courses for WordPress, TYPO3 is practically invisible. It's hard to say whether this is a reason for the lower international spread - but it certainly doesn't help.

The solution: combination instead of competition

The best learning strategy combines all three approaches:

1. build a foundation: A structured course gives you the solid basic knowledge. You understand the TYPO3 architecture and get to know proven workflows.

2. deepen and update: YouTube and AI help with specific questions and keep you up to date with new features.

3. practice and exchange: communities give you feedback on your projects and show you alternative solutions.

Why 2025 is the perfect time

TYPO3 13 is a turning point. Content blocks, for example, simplify development considerably, but only if you use them correctly. The international TYPO3 community is growing, but there is a lack of English-language learning resources.

Those who systematically learn TYPO3 13 now - or train their team - will have a significant head start. Especially in the international market, where qualified TYPO3 developers are rare.

I am currently working on closing this gap. After years of successful German-language courses , the first comprehensive English-language TYPO3 13 video course is being created. For all those who are already on the waiting list: It will be worth your patience.

My conclusion

Video courses are not dead - they have evolved. Superficial tutorials have had their day, but in-depth, practice-oriented courses are more valuable than ever. They give you the structured foundation that YouTube and communities can't provide.

Mastering TYPO3 means more than just knowing the functions. It means understanding complex projects and developing elegant solutions. You don't learn that from random YouTube videos or fragmented community discussions.

What do you think about it? What's the most effective way to learn new TYPO3 features?

Share your experiences in the comments.