I’ve been seeing a lot of buzz about people starting "faceless" YouTube channels using generative AI tools for scriptwriting and voiceovers. As someone with a full-time job, I'm curious if this is actually a sustainable side hustle or just hype. What specific AI video tools are you guys using to automate the editing process, and how long did it take before you saw your first dollar in ad revenue or sponsorships?
3 answers
I started with AI-generated stock footage channels and it’s been steady. Using tools like InVideo or Sora (for b-roll) makes the workflow so much faster than traditional editing.
It is definitely more than just hype, but the "passive" part takes a lot of upfront work. I started a channel in the tech niche back in late 2023. I use ChatGPT for the scripts and Midjourney for the visual assets, then piece them together in Descript. The key is finding a high-CPM niche like finance or SaaS. It took me about five months to hit the 4,000 watch hours required for the YouTube Partner Program. Currently, I’m clearing about $1,200 a month. Don't expect overnight success; the algorithm still rewards quality over pure AI quantity.
Kimberly, that is an impressive monthly return! Are you finding that YouTube's new AI disclosure labels are affecting your click-through rates at all, or do viewers not really care as long as the information is solid?
Jeffrey, to answer your question, I haven't noticed a drop in CTR because of the labels. Most viewers are there for the value. If your AI voiceover sounds human enough—I use ElevenLabs—people stay for the story. The disclosure is just a formality now; transparency actually builds a bit of trust with the tech-savvy crowd.
I agree with Megan. Speed is the biggest advantage here. Bradley, if you can produce three videos a week using these tools, you'll outpace the competition easily.