How to Start Faceless YouTube With AI, Step by Step
Built only from the steps described in 4 sourced Faceless YouTube cases. Each step is attributed to the case it comes from; we do not add steps of our own.
How they started
Pick a repeatable format
Long, slow-paced history videos that viewers play for extended periods.
From Adavia Davis, step 1. $40,000 to $60,000/mo, Independently Documented
Create a recurring character
A consistent AI-generated host gives the channel a recognisable identity.
From Jonathan Laramy ("Chloe VS History"), step 1. Not disclosed, Self-Reported
Script
ChatGPT writes the dialogue.
From Mark Lawrence I Garilao (FUNTASTIC YT), step 1. $9,000 in one month, Self-Reported
Pick a niche
Choose a faceless format suited to AI production.
From Blake (@blakeryanunscripted), step 1. $4,635 a month, Self-Reported
What they did next
Script with Claude
AI drafts long scripts for each episode.
From Adavia Davis, step 2. $40,000 to $60,000/mo, Independently Documented
Narrate with ElevenLabs
An AI voice reads the script so no one needs to record audio.
From Adavia Davis, step 3. $40,000 to $60,000/mo, Independently Documented
Script the episode
Claude helps draft scripts for long-form history episodes.
From Jonathan Laramy ("Chloe VS History"), step 2. Not disclosed, Self-Reported
Generate visuals and motion
Image and video models create scenes, which are then edited into a long video.
From Jonathan Laramy ("Chloe VS History"), step 3. Not disclosed, Self-Reported
Animate
KlingAI generates the animation.
From Mark Lawrence I Garilao (FUNTASTIC YT), step 2. $9,000 in one month, Self-Reported
Edit and post
One or two videos a day.
From Mark Lawrence I Garilao (FUNTASTIC YT), step 3. $9,000 in one month, Self-Reported
Produce with AI
Use AI tools for scripts, voice and visuals.
From Blake (@blakeryanunscripted), step 2. $4,635 a month, Self-Reported
Iterate on what works
Adjust based on early performance over 60 days.
From Blake (@blakeryanunscripted), step 3. $4,635 a month, Self-Reported
How they grew
Assemble through a pipeline
The TubeGen pipeline turns script and audio into finished videos across several channels.
From Adavia Davis, step 4. $40,000 to $60,000/mo, Independently Documented
Faceless YouTube: common questions
How much do people make with Faceless YouTube and AI?
Across the 3 of our 4 sourced cases that report a monthly figure, amounts range from $4,635 to $50,000 a month, with a median of $9,000. These are what each source reports, not typical results.
How much does it cost to start?
Production costs of $60 to about $1,070 per video in our documented cases. 2 of 4 cases disclose a startup cost.
How long until the first dollar?
Depends on reaching YouTube Partner Program eligibility. This comes from what our cases report.
Which AI tools do these cases use most?
Claude (2 cases), ElevenLabs (1 case), ChatGPT (1 case). Only tools named in the sources are counted.
How reliable are these income figures?
1 of 4 cases are independently documented, meaning a news outlet says it reviewed records. 3 are self-reported. Every case links its source.
What are the main risks?
YouTube can demonetize mass-produced or repetitive content. Per-video production costs can be high before a channel earns anything. Popular niches attract many copycat channels.
How many of these cases say when they made their first dollar?
1 of 4 cases state a time to first revenue. For example: Blake (@blakeryanunscripted): "Within 60 days, per the video title". The rest do not say, so treat any single timeline as one example, not a norm.
What went wrong or held these cases back?
4 of 4 cases list limitations or risks drawn from their sources. Examples: Adavia Davis: Fortune frames this kind of content as part of the debate over low-effort AI content; platform policy could change; Jonathan Laramy ("Chloe VS History"): No revenue figure is disclosed; Mark Lawrence I Garilao (FUNTASTIC YT): YouTube has tightened rules on inauthentic, mass-produced content. Each case page lists them in full.
Does a faceless AI YouTube channel still work in 2026?
It can still be monetized, but YouTube tightened the rules. On July 15, 2025 YouTube renamed its "repetitious content" policy to "inauthentic content" to make clear it covers repetitive or mass-produced videos. Its monetization policies list "AI-generated content made with generic or unoriginal templates giving the impression of mass production" as not allowed to monetize, while using AI to edit scripts or create unique visuals for an original narrative is allowed. Source: YouTube Help, "YouTube channel monetization policies" (support.google.com/youtube/answer/1311392), checked 2026-10-20.
Do I have to report this income to the IRS if I never get a 1099-K?
Yes. The IRS says that whether or not you receive a Form 1099-K, you must report all income from selling goods or services on your tax return. Payment apps and online marketplaces must send a 1099-K when payments for goods or services total over $20,000 in more than 200 transactions, but they may send one for lower amounts. Source: IRS, "Understanding your Form 1099-K" (irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k), checked 2026-10-20. General information, not tax advice.
Do I owe self-employment tax on side hustle income in the US?
According to the IRS, you must pay self-employment tax and file Schedule SE if your net earnings from self-employment were $400 or more. The rate is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security and 2.9% Medicare), and you may need to pay estimated taxes quarterly. Source: IRS, "Self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare taxes)" (irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes), checked 2026-10-20. General information, not tax advice.