Research shows that with an investment of around $250 per video, some creators have generated returns upward of $20,000 per video through effective automation strategies. That’s some 

cash. Although it may seem unbelievable, these figures are based on actual performance data from established automated channels. 

, a YouTube automation expert who made seven figures in one year. He manages more than 20 faceless YouTube channels, each optimized to scale revenue, by dedicating just one day a week to oversee the entire process.

 to get an inside view of the automation world. In this guide, we’ll explain how to start your YouTube automation journey and get paid!

YouTube automation concept – creator working at her desk using AI tools

YouTube automation is the process of outsourcing the daily tasks required to run one or more YouTube channels. Successful channels often build a dedicated team—comprising a thumbnail designer, scriptwriter, video editor, and voiceover specialist—to ensure high-quality video production.

Others use a mix of human creativity and artificial intelligence. There are plenty of AI tools on the market now, and they do a decent job of video editing, voiceover, and other creative tasks.

Learn more about automated video content creation

How Much Does it Cost to Start a YouTube Automation Business?

There’s no perfect answer to this question, as it truly depends on the number of channels involved, the topics they cover, and the level of consistency on YouTube. 

However, when we spoke to Noah, he said it took him about 12 videos at an average cost of $100 per video to break even. He also said beginners might need around 35 videos and $3,000-$3,500 to start seeing returns from automated content.

How Much Money Can You Make from YouTube Automation?

This number varies, but if we’re talking about the 

 payout possible, it’s well over $100,000. In fact, Noah made twice that in one month with his automated channels.

“In November 2022, I did around $200,000 in YouTube AdSense revenue,” he says.

And in just 90 days, he made $500,000 with automated content!

How to Do YouTube Automation with a Faceless Channel

Ready to get started? We’ll teach you how to choose the right topics, stand out on YouTube, and build a solid team that understands your automation goals! Watch the video for an in-depth explainer, or scroll down to read the tips and tricks.

Did you know that some YouTube channels earn more money because of the topics they cover? It’s true! Some niches are extremely valuable and bring in thousands of dollars per month, if not hundreds of thousands.

sports, celebrities, and crime-related content because they lead to higher RPMs.

“Some of these channels, especially in Q4, can get insanely high RPMs. I’m talking $14 to $15 RPMs,” Noah says.

 and is an estimate of what a creator makes from ad revenue and fan-funding on YouTube. An RPM of $10, for example, means you made $10 for every 1,000 video views on your channel.

According to experts, focusing on American viewers can significantly boost monetization since advertisers are willing to pay higher rates in this market. They live in a bigger market and advertisers pay more to capture their attention (and money).

2. Find a ‘Content Gap’ in Your Niche

Analyzing YouTube trends with a magnifying glass on mobile

You can’t beat the best channels until you know what they are, what they do, and where you fit in. So, the next step is to find a gap in the YouTube market. Essentially, you’re figuring out how to “niche down” so you aren’t targeting broad, oversaturated topics that are hard to break into.

This part can be tedious, but Noah shared some tips to speed up the process.

For unbiased research, use your browser's incognito mode to review competitor video views and uncover potential content gaps.

Go to YouTube and type your niche into the search bar. For example, you might type the word “basketball.”

Look for videos with high views that belong to small channels. Chances are, those channels were just created and may be automated.

If you can only find two or three channels with high views and low subscribers in your niche, those videos may represent a content gap on YouTube. This means people enjoy those videos, but few channels are supplying them! Make similar videos so you can stand out and 

Mobile view of a successful YouTube automation channel

Starting a faceless channel on YouTube is just as competitive, if not more, than starting a regular channel. So you need to learn how creators make automated content that feels fresh and entertaining. You should also know how and why those videos get millions of views.

The best plan of action is to study the competition

 in your niche. Watch their popular videos and take note of what makes them successful on YouTube, whether they have good storylines, emotional appeal, or superb editing. Try to emulate all of that goodness within your content.

Which topics are missing from the conversation? 

You can answer this question by looking at channels in your niche that aren’t directly competing with your videos. If their content is related to yours (and performed extremely well), try those concepts on your channel too.

“Normal YouTubers, they would usually create topics based on [their] feelings, but you really want to make decisions based on data and what did well in the past,” Noah says.

Now that you’ve found a lucrative niche and some video topics, it’s time to build your team! You need about four people to run a YouTube automation channel:

For scriptwriters, Noah suggests hiring someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about your niche. After all, they’re building the framework of your YouTube videos. You want them to be good!

For voiceovers, you don’t necessarily need a human. You can generate AI voiceovers using tools like 

According to Noah, finding a good thumbnail designer and video editor are the hardest parts of YouTube automation. An editor who spruces up videos 

 to hold viewers' attention is the best person for the job. Likewise, a thumbnail designer who provides a simple, attractive, and emotional snapshot of your content is a fantastic choice.

You can find both creatives, including scriptwriters, on 

Your videos may be automated, but that doesn’t mean the work ends! You are the “director” of your channel, so it’s on you to understand the audience more and more each day. You want to improve your content, 

, and influence the YouTube algorithm to recommend your videos.

 from your YouTube videos and incorporate them into future content.

Regularly monitor your comment section to gather real-time feedback and identify what aspects of your content are resonating with your viewers. What is it about your content that pushes them to comment, like, or subscribe?

And, of course, frequently review your YouTube Analytics to identify trends, optimize content strategies, and improve overall viewer engagement and retention.

YouTube automation is legit when you do it the right way, and it’s totally worth it considering the money you could make. But keep in mind that YouTube does not reward repetitive, low-educational content. 

If you’re automating a channel using wind or rain sounds on a loop, there’s a strong chance you won’t get monetized. You can use AI in the process, but make sure you’re creating original content viewers find engaging — preferably, something that has a 

The Truth About AI: Can YouTube Automation Ruin Your Channel?

Automate Your Channel Faster with AI Content Generator

YouTube automation is the golden topic of 2024, and for good reason. But even with the perks, it’s still time-consuming to direct a team of people, on or off YouTube.

That’s where the AI Content Generator for YouTube comes in handy. With this tool, you can generate 

 for your video — and not just any old blueprint. The generator will give you basic assets to carry out your vision, including

A video title, description, and video script created by AI Content Generator

 for free today and start creating professional-level videos with automated efficiency!

Understanding the Fundamentals of YouTube Automation

YouTube automation is all about delegating the day-to-day tasks required to manage a channel so that you can focus on high-level strategy and growth. This process involves outsourcing activities like video editing, thumbnail creation, scriptwriting, and voiceovers to either freelancers or AI tools. 

The primary goal is to maintain a steady stream of high-quality content without the need to be involved in every step, freeing up your time while still engaging your audience effectively. By leveraging a mix of human creativity and automation software, you can scale your channel, tap into high-paying niches, and build a sustainable, hands-off revenue stream. 

Understanding these fundamentals allows you to evaluate which tasks to automate, how to set up an efficient workflow, and what tools or personnel to invest in for maximum impact.

Successfully automating your YouTube channel requires a balance between efficiency and content quality. Best practices include clearly defining your niche, researching your competition, and identifying content gaps that your channel can fill. 

It’s crucial to build a dedicated team of professionals or reliable freelancers to handle specific tasks—whether it’s scriptwriting, video editing, or creating eye-catching thumbnails. However, pitfalls exist: relying too heavily on automation without adding a personal touch can result in generic or low-engagement content. 

Additionally, using reused content without sufficient transformation may lead to copyright issues or demonetization. To avoid these risks, always ensure your content is original, adheres to YouTube’s guidelines, and resonates with your target audience. Regularly monitoring your analytics will help you spot trends and adjust your strategy accordingly, so you remain competitive and compliant.

YouTube automation expert Noah Morris surrounded by falling money 

Happy young man with $500,000 text and flying cash illustrating big financial success

Learn what YouTube automation is and follow our step-by-step guide to launch your automated channel. Discover expert tips to start earning and potentially hit up to $500K in 90 days!

How to Start a YouTube Automation Channel (Earn up to $500K in 90 Days!)

Are you ready to grow your YouTube channel and become a top-rated influencer? Great news: You're in the right place! Getting noticed as a small creator isn't easy, but we're here to ease the journey with a list of 

That's right — we're going to hand-deliver 10 keywords that are super popular but surprisingly uncompetitive. You won't have to battle the big channels to stand out for these topics, which is crucial for getting more views on YouTube.

By the way, these keywords come from a new tool called 

. It shows you rising topics on YouTube, their monthly search volume, competition scores, and so much more. 

vidIQ's rising keywords tool with search volume, volume change, and competition

As you explore these topics, keep an eye on the

. The higher it is, the more views you can get!

 is a new handheld gaming device launching on November 15. It's an extension of Sony's flagship console, the PS5, and is designed to bring that gaming experience to the palm of your hand.

vidIQ shows a keyword score of 71 for playstation portal

is a new TV show about the mysterious death of a student at the fictional Northford High. As the plot thickens, the victim's twin sister embarks on a quest for the truth while unveiling curious secrets.

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 76 for the topic Senior High

, inspired by the renowned manga and anime series, 

. The game features tough enemies, exciting quests, and formidable bosses that (sometimes) require special abilities to defeat. "

" are codes that players can run to automate "abilities" for efficient gameplay.

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 82 for the topic peroxide scripts

 after Darin Harris, 29, stole 67 copies of the game and uploaded 45 minutes of gameplay online. The video gained traction, and then Darin was arrested and charged with felony theft and other infractions.

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 68 for the topic Starfield leak review

? Well, you're in luck! The creators have released chapter 1092, and people are discussing it in online forums, social media groups, and, yes, even on YouTube! This chapter dives into the chaos of Egghead Island, where intense battles ensue.

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 70 for One Piece 1092

  into the Pacific Ocean. This waste comes from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, which was damaged after a tsunami hit the area in 2011. The United Nations approved the decommissioning process of the plant (expelling radioactive water), but there's been controversy. In fact, China has banned all Japanese aquatic products in response. 

vidIQ shows a keyword score of 71 for Japanese nuclear water topic

 is making waves in the smartphone market, especially among vlogging enthusiasts. This device is the first in its category to have a front-facing camera that shoots video in Ultra HD (4K/60FPS). With this upgrade, content creators will move beyond taking selfies to filming high-quality, cinematic vlogs.

vidIQ shows a keyword score of 69 for the topic Infinix Zero 30 5G 

 is a TV show that builds upon the success of 

It's about the life of Abdul Karim Telgi, who orchestrated a massive stamp paper scam that rocked India. The 2003 version aired for the first time this month, which is why it's trending!

A graphic showing the. YouTube video player

Minimalist video player interface with play button, progress bar, and like icon in red and white.

Discover the best trending topics to grow a small YouTube channel in record time!

10 Trending Topics to Grow a Small YouTube Channel [September]

 is no small feat, especially in the bustling world of YouTube where countless videos are uploaded every minute. But guess what? A group of rockstar creators from our very own vidIQ community didn't just reach it — they smashed it in a mere 30 days! With a blend of creativity, flair, and unwavering dedication, they've skyrocketed their channels to new heights.

So, to our trailblazing YouTubers, we're rolling out the red carpet and raising our glasses: 🥂 Cheers to joining the Elite 10K Subs Club! 🥂

Remember, being part of the vidIQ community means you're on a journey to stardom using 

. Whether you've hopped aboard to jazz up your videos, hunt down the perfect keywords, or spark fresh video ideas, this celebration is all about you. Here's to every victory, big and small! 🎈🎊

Top Channels Passing 10,000 Subscribers in September

 creates edits of funny soccer moments, challenges, pranks, and more.

Subscribers at the beginning of August: 9

Subscribers at the beginning of August: 27

3. मंत्र का Gyan (Gyan of Mantra)

 is a channel that shares religious talks and inspiration.

Subscribers at the beginning of August: 21

 is a composer, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who covers songs from popular bands and artists.

Subscribers at the beginning of August: 12

 is a religious channel that answers deep questions about life.

Subscribers at the beginning of August: 49

 guides viewers through the art of mantra meditation.

Subscribers at the beginning of August: 11

 is a hub for personal growth, courage, and empowering words that help people overcome their challenges.

Subscribers at the beginning of August: 28

Subscribers at the beginning of August: 17

 creates videos about useful tips and facts.

Subscribers at the beginning of August: 202

 does creative DIY (do it yourself) projects.

Subscribers at the beginning of August: 48

Congrats to everyone who had amazing subscriber growth last month! 🥳 If you want to see your channel grow, don't forget to 

 and get robust tools, data, and video ideas.

A graphic showing the words 10,000 subscribers 

10,000 subscribers milestone badge with stars on dark background celebrating growth

Can you believe it? These amazing YouTubers hit 10,000 subscribers in a mere 30 days! Keep reading to discover rising creators and soak up some inspiration.

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 10K Subs [September]

Have you ever wondered why thousands of viewers will watch a YouTube Short but not the longer videos on a creator’s channel? It’s a common issue, and one that has bothered YouTubers since the beginning of the Shorts era. After all, long-form videos are easier to monetize. Why 

YouTube knows this, and that’s why the platform is introducing 

. These are persistent links that appear near the bottom of the screen, sending viewers to a long-form video 

YouTube creator pointing to a long-form video link in a Short

This update comes after a recent change on YouTube that 

 from every part of a Short: the comment section, the description, and even the live chat. So this update, which restores 

 link capacity, is sure to excite creators.

How to Put Related Links in Your YouTube Shorts

Content option in YouTube Studio navigation

2. Find the Short you want to edit, then click the pencil icon beneath it.

Pencil icon the the right of a YouTube Short

Related video section of the video edit page

4. Browse your content to select a long-form video to link inside of your Short.

Video selector for choosing related videos

Need a quick tutorial? Watch this video to see each step in real time.

Linking out to long-form videos from your Shorts is a smart move, but truthfully, 

. That means you can add a link to your latest livestream, a recent long-form video, and other Shorts on your channel! 

Shorts, Longs, and Lives: How to Compare YouTube Views from All 3

The tool is fairly new, but you have some freedom when deciding which videos to recommend (although we suggest sticking to long-form videos).

On a mobile screen, related links look like video titles instead of buttons you can tap. They're positioned right below the title of a Short, and they have a small, white play button icon.

Example of a content link, which appears below the YouTube Short video title

Look closer, and you'll notice there is also some some 

. Viewers can click those words — pulled directly from the recommended video — to watch suggested content.

not everyone has access to related links.

 You’ll have to verify your YouTube channel first to unlock advanced features (like adding related links in Shorts).

And finally, you can only add related links 

. But we’re guessing it’s only a matter of time before YouTube enables this feature in the mobile app.

The idea of connecting long-form videos to Shorts isn’t just intriguing; it’s incredibly exciting! But how do you get people to click on related links in the first place?

make sure the video you’re recommending is related to the Short.

For example, imagine that someone is watching a Short about growing organic bananas. The content link should be closely related to that topic 

 complement the Short that viewers just watched. A lengthy guide to growing organic bananas, which is relevant and helpful, would be an excellent choice.

 that drives viewers to your related link. Ask them to tap the link below, then physically point to its location near the bottom of the screen. Do all of this while explaining 

 they should tap the link, and you’ll get more views.

With YouTube's new related links, you've got another chance to boost your channel's overall views. Think of it as a bridge between your usual videos and those snappy YouTube Shorts you’re posting right now. Or even a bridge that goes from Shorts to livestreams!

Of course, you need more YouTube Shorts views if you plan on sending viewers to the rest of your content. So, here’s an awesome guide to help you crush it!

A smart phone showing YouTube Shorts logo

Smartphone displaying YouTube Shorts logo with black and red earphones on red background

Clickable links are returning to YouTube Shorts, but this time, they’ll send viewers to long-form videos on your channel. Keep reading to learn more!

YouTube Unveils 'Related Links' to Connect Shorts and Long-Form Videos

Hey there, awesome creators! Are you scratching your head, wondering, 

Why are my YouTube Shorts not getting views?

 Or, have you sheepishly thought to yourself, 

You're not alone, and those are great questions to ask. Now that 

 is a real thing, everyone wants to make money from short, snappy videos! YouTube has set new milestones for this journey, and you need to reach both before applying to the YouTube Partner Program (and earn ad revenue from Shorts):

Attract 10 million public Shorts views in a 90-day period.

, but the path above is tailored to Shorts creators.

Best of all, you don’t have to do any of this alone! We'll walk you through a 90-day plan to skyrocket your Shorts views and hit that dreamy 10 million mark. Let's dive in!

A magnifying glass held over a smartphone showing youtube logo

The first part of any “Shorts takeover” is to research until you go 

. Hang out on TikTok, Reddit, or even YouTube Shorts themselves to understand which topics are trending and why. You can also use Google Trends and other free tools to identify what’s hot right now.

: Make a list of at least 20 trending topics you could create Shorts around. This is the first step in figuring out how to get 10 million views on your YouTube Shorts.

Now that you have some viral trends to lean on, the next step is turning them into viral YouTube ideas. This can be challenging at first, but we have a few suggestions! Start by pulling inspiration from this list of 

9 videos that perform well as YouTube Shorts

 Aim for at least 30 ideas. The more unique they are, the less you'll have to wonder why your YouTube Shorts aren’t getting views.

Man filming a YouTube Short while holding an amplifier

The Shorts landscape is pretty competitive right now, so creating a viral video may take some time. Your best bet is to post numerous videos throughout a 90-day period. So, pick up your camera, get creative, and record those brilliant ideas you crafted in week one!

 Aim for at least 15 Shorts to start with. Batch-recording takes some effort (even for YouTube Shorts), but we 

 you can do it! Plus, we have a few tips to help you out.

Script your intros beforehand while pulling inspiration from these 

. Remember, a compelling intro can be the difference between an explosive Short and one that gets swiped away.

 If it evokes a strong emotion, you're on the right track. 

 can significantly boost your views on YouTube.

Use the Shorts audio library to find trending tracks that fit the mood of your video. Music can give your Shorts a noticeable boost (because of a popular song and artist) and help you stay relevant for a few months.

Do you want views from people watching your content on mute and those who crank the volume up high? If so, be sure to add YouTube captions to your Shorts! Make them bold, and place them somewhere near the bottom of the frame. This alone will make your content more accessible and viewable.

YouTube Shorts have a maximum length of 60 seconds, and surprisingly, you should aim to use most of that time! 

A recent study showed that Shorts around 50 seconds performed better

 than all others. So, make them a bit lengthy, but remember to cut out scenes that aren’t engaging or slow down the action.

It may seem like titles aren’t important for YouTube Shorts, but they make a huge difference when you put some effort into writing them. After all, video titles appear in a prominent area, and people do see them!

 for all of your Shorts (and save time). If you need more help, here's an excellent guide for crafting 

 Hashtags aren't necessary for Shorts, but pay attention to those that keep popping up in your niche. That may indicate a trending topic, and on YouTube, we like those 

Things are heating up now! It’s time to publish your first batch of Shorts so you can see which videos work and which ones don't.

 To get all 15 out quickly, upload a few Shorts each day for the next week.

Now that your Shorts have been published for a while, dive into your YouTube analytics. Make a list of the top 3 things that viewers seem to enjoy so you can double-down on those in your next batch of Shorts. Also, try to identify the topics, titles, introductions, and music tracks people resonated with the most, using 

Getting 10 million Shorts views might seem impossible, but plenty of creators have done it. Here’s a 90-day plan to break through and monetize your channel!

Lydia Sweatt

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

How to Start a YouTube Automation Channel (Earn up to $500K in 90 Days!)

10 Trending Topics to Grow a Small YouTube Channel [September]

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 10K Subs [September]

YouTube Unveils 'Related Links' to Connect Shorts and Long-Form Videos

How to Get 10 Million YouTube Shorts Views: A 90-Day Plan

Just Got Monetized on YouTube? 4 Tips to Boost Your AdSense Revenue

This Money-Making Feature Is Leaving YouTube Soon

10 Trending Topics to Grow a Small YouTube Channel [August 2023]

4 Steps to Revive a Stagnant YouTube Channel

3 Ways to Discover Viral YouTube Video Ideas

Creating Global Content: 4 Tips to Get YouTube Views Worldwide

10 Trending Topics to Grow a Small YouTube Channel [July 2023]