There is a lot of talk online about “faceless” YouTube channels, especially with the rise of AI-generated videos. Some people love the idea of staying anonymous, others prefer to be clearly seen on camera. In this post, I want to share my thoughts on face vs faceless YouTube videos, and why I personally believe that showing your face usually gives you a big advantage.
If you are just getting started with YouTube, you might also find my post on how to create a YouTube channel step by step helpful.
What Do We Mean by “Faceless” and “AI” Videos?
This whole subject came up when I was looking at a post where someone was attempting to make a faceless YouTube video. However, what they had really created was more of an AI-style video: stock footage, AI voiceover, and no personal touch.
To me, a traditional faceless video is different. A faceless video could be:
- Someone talking over a screen recording without showing their face.
- A tutorial with voice only.
- Commentary where you never appear on camera.
AI videos are another level again. These are the types of videos where the content is obviously generated by AI – the voice is the same one you have heard on dozens of other channels, the script often feels generic, and the visuals are just there to fill the space.
Personally, when I click on a video and realise it is not a real person talking, but an AI voice I have heard elsewhere, I usually stop watching. I am not the only one. Many people are getting fed up with these AI-style videos and often refer to them as “AI slop”. People want the real deal.
Why Showing Your Face Builds More Trust
I genuinely believe that when you are promoting something, you are the brand. Most of us are not oil paintings, but that really doesn’t matter. What matters is that people can see there is a real person behind the content.
If I am buying something, or taking advice about a serious subject, I like to see the face of the person I am listening to. It feels like you get to know them as you watch more of their videos. If a channel is completely faceless, I find myself asking, “Who is this person?”
Showing your face helps to:
- Build trust with your audience.
- Create a sense of familiarity over time.
- Set you apart from AI-generated content.
- Show your uniqueness – nobody else is you.
I often record with a small picture of myself in the corner while I share my screen. People are mostly interested in the content on the screen, but having your face there quietly reassures them that a real person is behind the video. That alone can make a big difference to trust and engagement.
If you are interested in building a long-term online business, you might also like my post on how making money online really works.
What’s Wrong With AI-Style Faceless Videos?
There are a few problems with many of the modern AI-style videos that are popping up everywhere:
- The same AI voices are used again and again.
- The scripts often sound generic and impersonal.
- It is difficult to create a real relationship with viewers.
- Viewers are becoming more aware and more selective.
From what I understand, YouTube is also starting to downgrade low-quality AI content. I have certainly noticed that I do not see as many of these videos as I used to. When I click on one and realise it is AI, I leave quickly. I want to see a real person and get real experience and opinion, especially if I am researching something serious, like a product review or a business idea.
All of this is another strong reason to show your face. It sends a clear signal that your content is genuine and that you stand behind what you are saying.
Advantages of Showing Your Face on YouTube
Let’s quickly summarise the main advantages of showing your face:
- Trust: People can see who is talking to them.
- Connection: Viewers feel like they get to know you over time.
- Uniqueness: No two people are the same, so your videos naturally stand out.
- Authority: A real person often comes across as more credible than a generated voice.
- Long-term value: You are building a personal brand, not just uploading content.
You do not have to be on full screen. You can do what I do – have your face in a small box in the corner while you demonstrate something. The main focus is still on the content, but your presence is there, and that matters.
If you want to learn more about simple video creation, have a look at my article on why simple videos often work best.
When Faceless Channels Can Work
Despite everything I have said so far, there are situations where a faceless channel can work quite well. For example:
- Gaming channels with commentary.
- Book readings or scripture readings where the focus is on the text.
- Whiteboard or diagram-style tutorials where you need the full screen.
- Certain types of background or ambience channels.
Even in those cases, I still think it can be helpful to show your face at least sometimes, but it is not always essential. The key thing is that you are still providing real value and not just spinning out low-effort AI content.
If You Are Nervous About Showing Your Face
Many people avoid showing their face because they are shy or worried about how they will come across on camera. That is completely understandable. We all start somewhere, and everyone’s first video feels awkward.
Here are a few suggestions if you are nervous about it:
- Practice recording a few videos privately before you publish anything.
- Record on your computer or phone and just get used to seeing and hearing yourself.
- Remember that your first video will be your worst – and that is fine. We all improve with time.
- Start with a small picture-in-picture window instead of full screen.
- Focus on helping your viewer, rather than worrying about how you look.
It is possible to over-practice and overthink things. Sometimes the best approach is to simply hit record and go for it. I have had times where I have tried to re-record a video several times and it actually gets worse. Often the first or second take is the best because it is the most natural.
If you are interested in the technical side of recording, you may find my post on Camtasia screen recording tips useful, as I use Camtasia to create most of my videos.
The Software I Use
I create my videos using Camtasia. I have used it for many years and it works well for screen recording and picture-in-picture style videos. There are other options available, but Camtasia is the one I am most familiar with and can recommend.
If you ever decide to try Camtasia and need a bit of help getting started, feel free to ask. Once you know your way around it, it becomes a very efficient way to create YouTube videos where you can show your screen and your face at the same time.
Conclusion – Face or Faceless?
So, should you run a face or faceless YouTube channel? For me, the answer is clear: if you can, show your face. Faceless channels can work in certain situations, but I believe you give yourself a much better chance of long-term success if people can actually see you, even if it is just a small picture in the corner.
Showing your face builds trust, sets you apart from AI-generated content, and helps your viewers feel like they know the real person behind the videos. You do not have to be perfect, and you do not have to be a natural presenter – you just have to be yourself.
If you would like more help with starting or growing a YouTube channel or building an online business, you may also enjoy my article on how making money online really works.
If you have any questions or comments about this topic, feel free to leave a comment or get in touch. Thank you for reading.