The Truth About Faceless YouTube Channels: Are They Really Worth It?
Faceless YouTube channels are everywhere right now. If you’ve seen the headlines about creators making six figures a month without ever showing their face, you’re not alone. The “faceless YouTube gold rush” is ON — and as a YouTube coach who’s been in this industry for nearly a decade, I have some strong thoughts.
Let’s start with the basics: faceless YouTube channels use AI-generated scripts, stock footage, and robotic voiceovers to pump out content that feels…automated. And sure, it sounds like the dream — passive income, no camera anxiety, no editing stress. But before you jump in, let’s get honest about what’s really going on.

Faceless YouTube Is Booming, But It’s Getting Crowded
Searches for “faceless YouTube channel” have exploded by over 6,200% in the past five years. “YouTube automation” is up over 300%. And yes, early adopters like Jake Tran and Make Money Mat are cashing in.
But here’s the truth: the space is already saturated. The earnings are shrinking. Most channels now earn an average RPM of just $4–$8 per 1,000 views — not exactly the passive income empire gurus promise.
No Face, No Brand, No Longevity
Without your face, voice, or story, your content becomes…replaceable. Anyone with a bigger team or more money can copy your niche and beat you with volume and production quality. YouTube’s recent updates even penalize overly templated, AI-generated content that lacks originality.
And if you’re relying solely on AdSense, you’re missing out on the other three revenue streams I teach in my YouTube Monetization Diamond: brand deals, affiliate income, and your own products or services. These all require a personal brand — something faceless channels can’t easily offer.
The Smart Way to Use AI for YouTube
Don’t get me wrong — I love using AI to enhance content. I teach my clients how to use AI tools to streamline their process, write better scripts, and level up their content. But replace yourself entirely? That’s a recipe for burnout and limited growth.
Want to build a sustainable YouTube channel that grows with you? One that attracts real opportunities like partnerships, speaking gigs, and passive income from multiple sources? It starts with YOU — your story, your face, your voice.
Resources
- Register for my FREE Masterclass
- CLICK HERE to get the Audience Attraction System
- Add your name to the YouTube Bootcamp waitlist so you are notified when space becomes available!
- Add your name to the 1:1 Coaching waitlist!
YOUTUBE OPTIMIZATION PLUG-IN I RECOMMEND
TubeBuddy [Use the code ErikasBuddy to get 20% off]
MY FAVORITE BUSINESS TOOLS
Course Creation: Looking to create a course? Kajabi is the BEST platform hands down. I use this for my course after extensive research on all the other platforms.
Live Calls and Interviews: I use Ecamm for my podcast interviews, both audio and for YouTube that you see here on YouTube. It makes it super easy to share my screen and create the split-screen with my guest. I’m not super techie and this software is really easy to use!
Webinars and Live calls: I use Zoom.us for my group coaching calls in my private membership group for female YouTube creators. It’s also the software I use to record my Road to 100k YouTube Subscribers Masterclass!
THE BEST YOUTUBE/PODCASTING EQUIPMENT
After interviewing HUNDREDS of successful YouTube creators, and being asked all the time what equipment I recommend for YouTubers, I created a list! Click here to see all my recommended equipment for YouTubers!
Podcast Music Credit: Boop by x50 @x50music
Music provided by Free Music for Vlogs youtu.be/o52xQkQWzyU
*Erika Vieira is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.amazon.com.
**Disclaimers: all opinions are my own, sponsors are acknowledged. Links in the description are typically affiliate links that let you help support the podcast at no extra cost.SaveSave
Author: Erika Vieira
Marketing and sales expert Erika Vieira is the host and producer of the #1 influencer strategy podcast, The YouTube Power Hour. The podcast, with over 100 episodes and hundreds of thousands of downloads is dedicated to content creators who are looking to start, improve and grow their unique influence online. Erika works with influencers on personal branding, content improvement and defining a niche via customized strategy sessions, channel critiques and business support. She also loves makeup, beauty and her family and believes anyone who has the drive and passion can find success online. Feel free to send her a message here.