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So, you want to make money on YouTube, but the idea of being in front of the camera makes you cringe? You’re not alone! Some of the videos most watched on YouTube don’t even show a single face. In fact, faceless videos have become a goldmine for content creators who’d rather stay behind the scenes. You don’t need to have a flashy personality or be a trained presenter to rack up millions of views. Instead, focus on content that grabs attention without ever revealing who you are.
With over 2 billion active users worldwide and a massive audience in the UK, there’s a huge opportunity here. Whether you’re camera-shy, value your privacy, or just want to try a different style, faceless videos can bring in views and ad revenue if you know what types work best. Let’s dive into the 5 most popular faceless video formats that rake in views on YouTube—and how you can use them to start earning.
5 Faceless Videos Most Watched on YouTube!
1. Top 10 Lists – The Classic Crowd-Pleaser
You’ve probably watched more “Top 10” videos than you can count. And guess what? You’re not alone. These videos consistently pull in viewers by ranking everything from the “Top 10 Scariest Places in the World” to the “Top 10 Greatest Football Goals of All Time.” They’re popular for a reason—people love lists. It’s easy content to consume and even easier to create.
The beauty of this format is that you can cover practically any topic that interests you. You can add stock footage, photos, and voiceovers, and you’re all set. Imagine creating a “Top 10 British TV Shows to Watch in 2024” video—no need to film yourself, just find clips and images to illustrate your points, and let your script do the talking. It’s like making a list for a friend, only this time, that friend is millions of potential viewers.
Pro Tip: Keep your lists interesting by offering something unique. If everyone’s doing “Top 10 Fastest Cars,” you could switch it up to “Top 10 Weirdest Cars That Actually Exist.” It’s about standing out just a little.
2. Compilation Videos – Music, Memes, and More
Compilation videos are everywhere on YouTube, and for good reason. Whether it’s the funniest TikTok videos, the best moments in football, or even soothing background music compilations, these videos consistently attract high views. Why? Because they’re entertaining and can be consumed without too much mental effort.
Take “Best of British Comedy” compilations, for example. You can collect clips from TV shows or comedians and piece them together into one long video. As long as you respect copyright rules, it’s a fairly straightforward way to produce content that people love to binge-watch. And if you’re more into music, creating “Relaxing Rain Sounds for Sleep” or “Chill Indie Playlist for Studying” is a solid way to rack up hours of watch time.
Pro Tip: Always check for copyright-free music and clips, or use public domain footage to avoid getting your video taken down. YouTube’s copyright rules can be tricky, so play it safe.
3. Tutorials and How-Tos – Help People Solve a Problem
How many times have you turned to YouTube to figure out how to do something? From “How to Boil an Egg” to “How to Fix a Leaky Tap,” tutorial videos are some of the most watched content on the platform. If you can explain a process clearly and show steps through footage, illustrations, or screen recordings, you can create valuable content without ever showing your face.
For example, you could create a tutorial on “How to Use Public Transport in London,” with footage of the Tube and buses. Or a screen-recorded guide on using popular UK services like the NHS website or government portals. The great thing about this format is that once you help someone solve a problem, they’re more likely to subscribe and come back for more useful content. It’s like being the helpful mate everyone needs.
Pro Tip: Make sure to include a clear introduction explaining what viewers will learn, then jump straight into the steps. No one likes wasting time on long intros when they’re looking for a quick solution.
4. Gameplay Videos – Let Your Gaming Skills Shine
Gamers, this one’s for you. Gameplay videos have exploded in popularity, with countless channels dedicated to everything from walkthroughs and strategy guides to funny “Let’s Play” videos. The best part? You can remain completely faceless by focusing on the game itself. Even channels with millions of subscribers sometimes just have the player’s voice narrating over the gameplay, without ever showing their face.
For UK audiences, you could focus on popular games like FIFA, Call of Duty, or even something a bit more niche like Football Manager. Walkthroughs, top tips, or simply playing the game while sharing entertaining commentary can all attract views. It’s like inviting people to watch you play without the awkwardness of having to entertain guests at your place.
Pro Tip: If you’re not the best player, don’t stress—sometimes a funny or informative commentary is more valuable than top-tier skills. It’s all about keeping your viewers entertained.
5. Whiteboard Animations and Explainers – Educate and Entertain
Ever noticed those videos with simple doodles on a white background, explaining everything from “How the Stock Market Works” to “The History of London”? These whiteboard animation videos are hugely popular because they simplify complex topics in an engaging way. And here’s the kicker: you don’t need any special drawing skills to create them.
There are plenty of software options available that let you make whiteboard animations with drag-and-drop features. Think about creating content on “The Most Interesting Facts About British History” or “How the NHS Was Founded”—topics that resonate with a UK audience. It’s like teaching a mate something new, only through animations that do all the hard work for you.
Pro Tip: Make sure your script is well-researched and packed with interesting facts. A good whiteboard animation isn’t just visually appealing; it’s also informative.
How to Monetise These Faceless Video Formats
Now that you’ve got some ideas, let’s talk about making money from these videos. There are several ways to monetise faceless content on YouTube, and it’s not all about ads.
Ad Revenue: Once you reach 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, you can join the YouTube Partner Program and start earning from ads.
Affiliate Links: Mention products or services in your videos and share affiliate links in the description. You could earn a commission for every sale made through your link.
Sponsorships: As your channel grows, brands may want to collaborate with you. Even faceless channels can attract sponsorships, especially if you focus on a specific niche.
Merchandise: If you’ve built a loyal audience, consider selling merchandise. Think of it like opening a mini online shop for your fans.
Crowdfunding: Platforms like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee allow fans to support your content directly. This is a great option for educational or tutorial-based channels.
It’s a bit like building a little business—you’ve got multiple streams of income, all feeding into the same pot.
Faceless videos aren’t just a workaround for camera-shy creators—they’re a thriving content genre in their own right. Whether you’re making “Top 10” lists, creating soothing compilation videos, sharing helpful tutorials, or diving into gameplay, there’s a massive audience waiting. With YouTube’s monetisation options, you can turn these faceless formats into a serious income stream.
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