Launching a successful YouTube channel without ever showing your face on camera has become a popular approach for creators. While presenting some unique challenges, the anonymity afforded by remaining "faceless" opens up creative possibilities that have led to impressive growth for many channels.
In Q3 2021 alone, the 20 largest faceless YouTube channels generated a cumulative 530 million views per month, a 50% increase year-over-year [1]. The infographics channel The Infographics Show boasted over 14 million subscribers at the end of 2021 [2]. Clearly, audiences respond positively to well-produced, engaging content even without an on-camera host personality.
In this post, we‘ll dive into the essential tools and resources you need to start creating content for a faceless YouTube channel from scratch.
Overview of Key Software, Tools and Platforms
Here‘s a quick look at five critical categories of resources for getting up and running:
- Animation software: Create custom motion graphics and animated sequences to explain concepts or tell stories.
- Stock media libraries: Find videos, images, graphics and audio to incorporate into videos.
- Screen recording tools: Record on-screen activity for tutorials, gameplay videos and visual demonstrations.
- Audio recording/editing software: Produce professional voiceovers and optimize audio tracks.
- Video editing software: Combine visual and audio elements into polished videos.
Now let‘s explore some of the top options in each category in more detail.
Animation Software and Tools
Animated sequences are commonly used by leading faceless channels like Kurzgesagt, TheOdd1sOut and Folding Ideas to explain complex topics or share personal stories in an engaging, illustrated format.
Investing time into honing your animation abilities can really pay dividends in keeping viewers entertained and informed. Some software options to consider:
Adobe After Effects
As the industry standard animation and motion graphics software, After Effects offers the most advanced capabilities but also has a steep learning curve. The tools are endless for those willing to invest the time into mastering them. Monthly subscription fee applies.
Best For: Professional animators and skilled video producers.
Vyond
This cloud-based tool makes it easy for anyone to createbasic animated videos through premade templates and assets. No expertise required. Has tiered subscription plans from $49/month to $199/month depending on usage needs.
Best For: DIY explainer videos, novices looking for a simple starting point.
MotionDen
Offers a large library of pre-animated content like characters, backgrounds, props along with easy drag-and-drop functionality. More affordable than Vyond with subscriptions from $15/month.
Best For: Beginners seeking customization options for characters and scenes.
Animaker
Another user-friendly cloud-based animation maker. Has free version with limited assets or paid plans from $20/month. Better for quick simple videos than highly customized productions.
Best For: Someone looking to test the waters before committing to more advanced tools.
Stock Media Libraries
When producing content without live footage, stock media assets become essential visual elements. Reliable subscription-based libraries with affordable monthly pricing include:
Storyblocks
One of the largest stock media catalogs with over 1 million video clips, templates, images, audio tracks and more. Plans start at $29/month for individuals. Easy to search for and download relevant assets.
Best For: Nearly any video project – huge selection across categories.
Shutterstock
Another leading marketplace with over 400 million media assets. Comprehensive selection of modern, high-quality content. Plans from $29/month with discounts for annual subscriptions.
Best For: Contemporary, stylish videos and photos. Great for lifestyle topics.
Envato Elements
Massive creative asset library focused on video, graphics, web templates, 3D models, fonts and more. Over 1 million video clips available. $33/month for full access.
Best For: Designers and creators seeking templates, graphics and effects.
For more occasional needs, free stock media sites like Pexels and Pixabay offer photos, short videos clips and illustrations licensed for commercial use. These are handy for snippets but may lack consistency or quality for larger projects.
Screen Recording Software
Displaying on-screen activity through screen recordings allows you to demonstrate software, annotate tutorials, capture gameplay and much more.
OBS Studio
The free, open source choice trusted by professional gamers and live streamers. Full control over recording, streaming and audio mixing parameters. Significant learning curve to master advanced settings.
Best For: Flexible recording and live streaming for experienced users.
Screencastify
Chrome extension optimized for quick, easy screen recordings. Capture browser tabs, desktop or webcam footage. Plans from $29/year per person. Limited editing capabilities.
Best For: Fast recordings for social media or basic tutorials.
Loom
Like Screencastify, Loom is a Chrome extension focused on informal screen recordings. Super user-friendly but free version limits recordings to 5 minutes. Ideal for bite-sized explainers.
Best For: Quick video walkthroughs and release notes.
Camtasia
The premium software option for pro-level screen recording and video editing in one suite. Very full-featured but requires monthly subscription after 30-day free trial.
Best For: Polished, professional tutorials and course creation.
Audio Recording and Editing Software
communicating to an audience, quality voiceovers are critical. Investing in proper audio recording and editing tools pays dividends in keeping viewers tuned in. Recommended options:
Audacity
The free, open source digital audio workstation trusted by podcasters and musicians. Provides effects, mixing and noise reduction tools for polishing recordings. Significant capabilities even without spending a dime.
Best For: Enhancing raw vocal recordings in post-production.
Adobe Audition
The most fully-featured pro suite for recording, editing and mixing audio. Integrates smoothly with other Adobe products but requires Creative Cloud subscription. Overkill for basic needs.
Best For: Professional sound engineers and designers.
Auphonic
Web app that optimizes audio through volume normalization, noise reduction, compression and loudness adjustments. Free trial but paid plans start at $11/month. Easy automated sound improvement.
Best For: Quickly improving vocal tracks without advanced audio engineering expertise.
While editing can help, starting with quality vocal recordings is key. Have proper mic technique, record in an isolated space, and capture room tone for mixing. Some recording tips here.
Video Editing Software
After sourcing and creating all your raw content elements, you need professional grade editing tools to bring them together into a cohesive video.
Adobe Premiere Pro
The industry leader for advanced video production and editing. Packed with tools and integrates seamlessly with After Effects and Audition. Steep learning curve but the gold standard for professionals.
Best For: Ambitious creators ready to invest time into mastering pro-level software.
Final Cut Pro
Apple‘s flagship video editor with a simpler interface than Premiere. Limited to Mac users. Lower starting cost since subscription not required, but one time purchase around $300.
Best For: Mac users, especially those already familiar with Apple software.
DaVinci Resolve
Cross-platform editor with excellent color correction tools and free basic version. Can upgrade to paid Studio version for under $300 to unlock premium features. Tremendous value.
Best For: Intermediate to advanced editors not wanting to pay monthly fees.
Filmora
Highly affordable editor designed for beginners but still solid functionality. One time cost under $100. Easy to learn compared to pro suites but limited in advanced effects and features.
Best For: Casual hobbyists and younger creators getting started.
Invest time not just learning the tools but studying editing principles, composition, pacing and more. Stock assets are only as strong as how you utilize them.
Additional Tips and Advice
Beyond just software, here are some additional tips for creating an engaging faceless channel:
- Collaborate with others to incorporate guest voices and expand your content variety.
- Optimize your titles, tags and descriptions for discovery by like-minded viewers.
- Post consistently to build trust and loyalty with your audience.
- Focus on providing value, not promoting products, at least initially.
- Develop a unique identity and style to stand out from the growing competition.
- Interact with your audience through comments and social media to foster a community.
- Diversify your revenue streams with affiliate programs, merchandise and other options beyond just YouTube ad revenue.
Faceless channels represent an exciting opportunity to produce meaningful content without being on camera yourself. With hard work, persistence and the right tools and strategy, you can build an anonymous but thriving channel.
The resources covered above should provide a starting point to begin experimenting and finding the approaches that work for you. What other essential tools would you recommend? Let me know in the comments!
