Camera Shy, Cash Rich: Going Faceless on YouTube

by Jon Condit · November 18, 2024

In the last two years many bloggers have faced an uphill battle in getting their blogs to rank, thanks to changes Google’s made in their algorithm. [Thanks Google! ☹]

What’s a blogger to do?

One answer is to build a YouTube channel, but that brings up a super common objection: “I don’t want to appear on camera!”

If you feel this way, we get it. For numerous reasons, most people do NOT want to make videos of themselves talking and doing stuff in front of a camera, but they do want to build a business. They want to get traffic, sell products, get a message out and so forth.

If this is you, then Faceless YouTube videos might be your answer.

“Faceless” simply means the video creator (that’s you) doesn’t appear on camera. This can be achieved through a few different methods, such as:

Voiceover Only: The creator’s voice (or a hired voice artist) narrates the video, but their face isn’t shown.
Text-to-Speech and Animation: AI-generated voices narrate the content while animation, stock footage, or screen recordings provide visuals.
Gameplay or Screen Recordings: The focus is on the game or software being demonstrated, with no need for the creator’s face to be visible.

Faceless YouTube videos offer several benefits for you, the creator, such as reduced pressure and anxiety, enhanced focus on content, simplified production, and increased privacy.

Plus, it’s easier to outsource content creation for your videos, allowing for greater scalability.

What’s not to love?

And these videos open up opportunities for niches where on-screen presence isn’t necessary, allowing you to explore topics like gaming, animation, tech reviews, and more.

Faceless YouTube videos truly are a viable alternative for creators who prefer to remain behind the scenes, prioritize content over personality, or streamline their production process.

Keep in mind that the key to success on YouTube, regardless of format, is to provide value to your audience through high-quality, engaging content.

Which brings up the question… which niches do really well with faceless videos?

10 Proven Profitable Faceless YouTube Niches

These niches are not only making serious money on YouTube right now, but they’re also evergreen, meaning the demand for them will be long term.

1: Top 10/Compilation Videos:

Channels like WatchMojo and TheRichest consistently rack up millions of views with their top 10 and compilation-style videos. These channels often leverage existing content and trends, making them relatively easy to produce without showing your face.

2: Faceless Tech Reviews and Tutorials:

Channels like TechZone and Mrwhosetheboss thrive by showcasing tech gadgets and software without the need for an on-screen personality. This niche benefits from high CPMs due to the appeal to tech-savvy audiences.

3: Luxury Lifestyle and Travel Content:

Channels like Luxury World and Enes Yilmazer generate significant revenue by featuring high-end travel destinations, luxury products, and opulent lifestyles, attracting advertisers in the luxury sector.

4: True Crime and Mystery Stories:

The popularity of channels like MrBallen and Bailey Sarian demonstrates a strong appetite for true crime and mystery content on YouTube. The suspenseful nature of this niche often translates into longer watch times and increased ad revenue.

5: ASMR and Relaxation Videos:

Channels dedicated to ASMR and relaxation content, like Gentle Whispering ASMR and The Relaxed Guy, consistently garner millions of views and subscribers. The soothing nature of this content can lead to extended viewing sessions and higher ad impressions.

6: Gaming Walkthroughs and Gameplay:

While many gaming channels feature on-screen personalities, there’s also a growing niche for faceless walkthroughs and gameplay videos. These can be particularly popular for games with complex storylines or mechanics, where viewers seek guidance and tutorials.

7: Educational Content and Tutorials:

Channels like The School of Life and TED-Ed use animation, voiceovers, and screen recordings to deliver informative and engaging educational content. This niche benefits from the evergreen nature of educational topics and a growing demand for online learning resources.

8: Psychology and Self-Improvement:

Numerous successful channels exist in this space, like Practical Psychology and The School of Life, garnering millions of views and subscribers. The evergreen nature of this content and its appeal to a broad audience seeking personal growth contributes to its profitability.

9: Health and Wellness:

Channels focusing on fitness routines, healthy recipes, and wellness tips, like Chloe Ting and Yoga with Adriene, have a massive following and attract advertisers in the health and wellness industry.

10: AI News and Updates:

The rapid advancements in AI and its increasing relevance across various industries create a high demand for informative and up-to-date content in this niche. Channels like Two Minute Papers and Lex Fridman have successfully capitalized on this trend.

How We Know These are Profitable Niches:

The success of these niches is evident through various indicators:

High view counts and subscriber numbers: Many popular YouTube channels in these niches boast millions of views and subscribers, demonstrating their appeal and potential for monetization.
Strong ad revenue potential: Some of these niches, such as tech reviews and luxury lifestyle, attract advertisers willing to pay premium rates for ad placements.
Low barrier to entry: Many of these formats, like top 10 videos and animation, can be created without specialized skills or expensive equipment, making them accessible to new creators.
Evergreen content: Educational content, tutorials, and certain types of animation can remain relevant and generate views for a long time, providing a sustainable source of income.

But why stop at just 10? We actually uncovered 25 niches in all.

15 More Profitable Faceless YouTube Niches:

1: Finance and Investing Tips

2: Language Learning & Cultural Exploration

3: DIY & Home Improvement Projects

4: Cooking & Recipe Demonstrations

5: Product Reviews & Unboxing Videos

6: Travel Vlogs & Destination Guides

7: History & Documentary-Style Content

8: Book Reviews & Literary Discussions

9: Science Experiments & Explanations

10: Art & Craft Tutorials

11: Music Production & Instrument Lessons

12: Coding & Programming Tutorials

13: Personal Finance & Budgeting Advice

14: Motivational & Inspirational Speeches

15: Meditation & Mindfulness Guides

These niches can all be successful without showing your face on camera, either through voiceovers, animation, stock footage, or screen recordings. The key is to create high-quality content that provides value and engages your target audience.

Are There Even More Profitable Niches? Yes!

If you’re considering a niche that’s not on the list, do your own research. Are there multiple channels doing something similar that have a large subscriber base AND high engagement in the comments section?

If so, there’s a good chance of success for your own channel in that niche.

How Can You Monetize Your Faceless YouTube Channel?

Even without showing your face, there are plenty of ways to monetize your faceless YouTube channel and turn your passion into profit:

1: Traditional Advertising (AdSense):

The bread and butter of YouTube monetization, AdSense allows you to display ads on your videos and earn revenue based on views and clicks.

2: Affiliate Marketing:

Promote products or services relevant to your niche and earn a commission for every sale made through your unique affiliate links. Faceless channels excel at this, as the focus remains on the product itself.

3: Sponsorships & Brand Deals:

Once you have a decent following, brands may approach you for sponsored content or product placements within your videos.

4: Digital Product Sales:

Create and sell your own digital products, such as ebooks, templates, courses, or presets, directly to your audience.

5: Merchandise:

Design and sell merchandise related to your channel’s theme or brand. This can include t-shirts, mugs, stickers, or other items that resonate with your audience.

6: Crowdfunding & Donations:

Platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi allow your audience to support your channel through monthly subscriptions or one-time donations.

7: Channel Memberships:

Offer exclusive perks and content to paying members, creating a recurring revenue stream.

8: License Your Content:

If you create original music, animations, or stock footage, you can license your content to other creators or businesses.

9: Consulting or Coaching Services:

Leverage your expertise in your niche to offer consulting or coaching services to your audience.

10: Live Streams & Super Chats:

Engage with your audience in real-time through live streams, where viewers can purchase Super Chats to have their messages highlighted.

As you get started, keep in mind that success in any niche requires dedication, consistent content creation, and effective promotion. Overnight success is super unlikely, but if you stick with it and enjoy the process of building your channel, in a year or two you can be earning a full-time income without ever stepping in front of the camera.