Learn How to Become A Faceless Creator
Clear & Actionable Strategy for New Creators
I started my Instagram channel with the hope that it could help me earn money online and eventually replace my full-time job. Ever since I started working in corporate, my dream was to not work a 9-5 job 😅, be financially independent, and have time and location freedom to spend more quality time with family. So I dove in headfirst in 2024.
After struggling with wrong strategies and self-doubt, I finally found a clear path to monetization that made sense to me. Once I learned how to make the right type of content, everything just fell into place. Brand deals started coming in, and I began earning through paid promotions, affiliate sales and my Beehiiv newsletter. This whole journey not only boosted my income but also helped my self-confidence and opened up a lot of new opportunities for growth.
The initial strategy I explored involved being an "influencer" and showing my face on camera...
I never wanted to show my face on social media and found myself putting off creating content because I hated the idea of being on camera. So, the faceless content strategy just made a lot of sense.
Discovering the AI Surfer Community
I'll be real, I had no clue how to use AI for content until I found the AI Surfer community.
That's where I first learned about AI avatars, faceless video scripts, and a variety of AI advancements and tools I'd never heard of before.
Since joining, I've used their tools (Remixer + Convertwave) to plan content more effectively, write better, and automate more than I ever thought possible.
If you're still stuck in content overwhelm, or just tired of trying to figure this stuff out alone…
No fluff. No ego.
Just people actually taking action and helping each other grow.
If you want real tools, a clear plan, and a community that actually cares, click below and check out the AI Surfer Community.
With this guide below, I wanted to share the strategies I've learned so far to help you get started and cut through the noise of social media with no focus or clear direction on how to get to the desired goal.
I hope that this guide makes the path to monetization clearer and seem more attainable for everyone reading this. If you have further questions feel free to reach out via email!
Setting Up Your Instagram for Growth and Success
01
Create Your Professional Account
Create your professional Instagram account.
02
Generate Your Avatar
Generate your Avatar image if you are going the faceless route like me. If not, just use your face or your brand logo.
03
Choose Your Tools
There are so many tools you can use now to generate Avatar images. ChatGPT, Gemini's NanoBanana, Lenardo AI are all free to use.
Image generators:
Image prompt I used to create my first AI avatar: png render of a young woman sitting at a modern wood desk looking into the camera, the woman is wearing a white cashmere sweater, filmmaker neon pink background, wavy dark brown hair, hands on table, clear skin, texture cinematic, warm, soft lighting, close portrait, smiling, 24mm lens, f/1.4, in the style of a Disney Pixar character.
Optimizing Your Instagram Profile
Pick Your Brand Name
Pick your brand name. It really does not matter. Just something that's simple, isn't already taken and fits the niche. Ideally a name that you can secure a domain for (use GoDaddy or Namecheap to check and ChatGPT or Gemini for ideas).
Add Your Niche Keyword
Add your niche keyword in your name (ex: "AI Tools")
Set Up Email
Add an email specifically for your account/brand for brand deal communications and outreach (it can be a normal gmail account, no need a custom domain when starting out).
Add Your Link
Link to your lead magnet or affiliate link in your bio (it's okay if you don't have one yet, just keep following along)
  • Begin with a clear and simple bio: use mine as reference.
  • Follow and Engage with competitor content to understand your audience and train the algorithm to show more relevant content to your niche for inspiration.
  • Add top creators in your niche to favorites and turn on notifications for when they post. Keep an eye out on their posting times.
Create Proven Content That Keeps Audience Retention
When you first start, you will focus on creating reels. From the competitor list you are maintaining, review their top-performing reels. The last thing you want to do is guess what content works when there is already so much data available on the types of content that are successful on the platform. Use the media sort extension to identify the top-performing reels. The most important aspect you will focus on, and the single most crucial metric, is viewer retention past the first 3 seconds. Your goal is to ensure viewers watch the first three seconds of your video without swiping away. Videos that perform exceptionally well typically have a strong hook that captures the audience's attention immediately.
Additionally, it's important to stay organized and keep away from distractions. Maintain a content calendar and aim to post at least 3 times per week, eventually scaling to daily posting. This structured approach will help you consistently engage with your audience and improve your content strategy over time.
This is not a myth: inconsistent posting does stunt your account growth.
Use the notion template I'm sharing below to plan your content calendar:
Master Hooks
Read this guide on how to master hooks: https://ai.dgmastery.online/hooks-mastery
Download Tools
Identify Top Content
Identify top performing content from your competitors using Media sort and transcribe using the mediaSort transcribe feature.
Content Creation Workflow
  • Paste the original video link and transcript in the notion content ideas section.
NOTE: Do not copy the script word for word!!! You are only using it for inspiration and at most reusing the hook (first sentence).
  • Rewrite the script in your voice, keeping in mind three things:
  1. The hook is the most important part of the entire video. You can use this hook analyzer tool to verify that your hook is decent or reuse a proven hook.
  1. The rest of the script should be rewritten in your voice. Keep it short, concise, and relatable for your audience.
Gather footage to use for your video
  • For the A-roll, I recommend Heygen (if you want to go the faceless/ Ai clone route)
For B-roll (secondary footage) you can go with any of the below options:
  • Grok Imagine (Free) - Creates AI images and videos in seconds (minimal guardrails so you can recreate videos of celebrities)
  • Sora 2 (has watermark but free generations available)
  • unknown link- I personally use this for my videos (limited free generations available).
  • Screen recordings (official ones from the AI companies or create your own with a screen recording tool like Tella.tv or screen studio)
Video Editing & Optimization
Edit Your Video (I use Capcut and Canva)
  • Remove silences in speech
  • Focus on the hook.
  • Change scenes every 3 seconds to increase viewer retention
First of all, I use Capcut to edit most of my videos: https://www.capcut.com/tools/video-editor-download
The key takeaway is that you should spend 70% of your editing on your hook. You are competing with every other creator on the platform so make something that will make people stop scrolling. Make editing cuts every 3 seconds or so to raise your watch time.
This process will definitely take a lot of learning and you might even consider hiring a video editor as time goes on.
To find video assets I first of all recommend you to have some sort of motion background to flip between your A-roll (recording) and the actual stuff you showcase or talk about. Find these by searching for motion backgrounds on Pinterest or Pixabay and download them.
Essential Tools:
Maintain a consistent content schedule
Maintain a consistent content schedule (everyone struggles with this at first!).
Utilize the content calendar
Utilize the content calendar to maintain focus.
Keep it simple
Clarity and simplicity are more effective than complexity.
Monitor analytics
Monitor analytics to refine your content strategy and do more of what works. Evaluate content to find what resonates. Pinpoint why your top posts stood out. Analyze core components of successful posts. Translate insights into strategies.
Utilize Lead Magnets to Build Your Audience
Creating an effective lead magnet is crucial for building your audience. Here are some best practices to consider:
Best Practices for Creating a Great Lead Magnet
Deliver a Quick Win
Deliver a Quick Win: Your lead magnet should be something that can be consumed in 5–10 minutes, providing the viewer with an immediate result or insight.
Be Closely Tied to Your Paid Product/Offer
Be Closely Tied to Your Paid Product/Offer (if you have one): This builds authority and showcases your expertise while naturally leading into your offer.
Trigger Curiosity and Hunger for More
Trigger Curiosity and Hunger for More: For example, if you're a fitness coach, a freebie like "5 Easy High-Protein Recipes" helps the viewer but also makes them want more help with their fitness—cue your paid program.
Call To Action
  • Include a Pitch: If you have or when you have your paid offer, make sure to mention the next step to work with you at the end of the lead magnet. This is why you made it, so don't forget to have a pitch at the end.
Format Tips
  • If it's a PDF: Write the content in a doc, then use a Canva template to design it nicely.
  • If it's a Video: Upload it as unlisted on YouTube and send the link to your email subscribers—or just make it public so more people can find and consume it. Public is generally better.
Platforming
  • Utilize Marketplaces: Even though you might decide on having your freebie as a YouTube video or in your welcome email, add your product on marketplaces like Gumroad. This will attract people naturally visiting these marketplaces, leading to more leads without any extra effort.
What Works Well
  • Effective Formats: From experience, formats like lists (e.g., tools, tips, steps) and quick tutorials solving a common problem often perform great. These work in both PDF and video formats.
  • Experiment with Different Lead Magnets: If you have a few different paid offers in mind, try 2–3 different lead magnets to see what gets the most traction. Use it as market feedback.
Naming Matters More Than You Think
  • Communicate a Clear Outcome: The name and image of your lead magnet are arguably more important than the content itself. Make sure the name communicates a clear outcome and who it's for. For example, instead of calling it "50 Great AI Tools," go with: "50 AI Tools That Will Save Freelancers 100 Hours a Week." See the difference? Now you're attracting the right people—freelancers—who you can later follow up with.
Actionable Steps
  • Start collecting leads from day one.
  • Make the value of your lead magnet clear.
  • Distribute your lead magnet widely.
  • Offer subscription options for quality leads.
  • Use simple CTAs to guide followers.
  • Provide real solutions with each lead magnet.
  • Clarity beats cleverness in lead magnets.
By following these guidelines, you can create a lead magnet that not only attracts but also converts your audience into loyal customers.
Monetization Strategies: From Affiliate Programs to Brand Deals
Platforms
Different platforms offer varying payment structures. While these can be seen as small bonuses, they shouldn't be your primary income stream. If you post reels on Instagram, consider also posting them as Shorts on YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook Reels. Cross-post on Threads. Post everywhere!
Affiliate Programs
Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn money, especially when starting out. Share your affiliate links, and if your viewers make a purchase, you'll earn a commission for directing them to the product. Explore affiliate programs that align with your audience's needs.
Digital Products
Creating digital products like e-books, guides, and courses can solve your viewers' problems and generate income. Gumroad is commonly used in the creator space to create product pages for free. For e-books, write your content in a document, design a cover using Canva, and upload the PDF to Gumroad. For courses, upload unlisted videos on YouTube or Loom and add them to Gumroad. This is a quick way to build and sell digital products.
To convert more people into buying your products, use Gumroad's workflows to create automated emails. Send a follow-up email a few days after purchase, asking for feedback and encouraging customers to give you a shout-out. Use a site like Testimonial.to to gather testimonials effortlessly, which you can then showcase on your product page.
Coaching
Coaching is most effective when you have a large audience and significant expertise in your field. It's not recommended for beginners as a sole solution.
Showcase Your Value to Potential Brands
Demonstrate your value to potential brand partners by consistently creating high-quality content and crafting tailored pitches for brand collaborations.
Traffic Generation
  • Link in Bio: Always include a link in your bio to direct traffic to your products or services.
  • ManyChat: Use automated DMs to engage with your audience. Don't sleep on this!
  • Email Marketing: Start with a free email list using Beehiiv or Gumroad. Beehiiv is particularly effective as you grow. Set up an email sequence to provide value and eventually promote your products. Don't sleep on this either!
Deliver Genuine Value to Convert Followers
Consistently deliver genuine value to your audience to convert followers into customers. Align your endorsements with your brand story to maintain authenticity and trust.
Brand Deals
This will be one of your biggest income sources in the beginning. Reach out to as many companies as possible and showcase any viral videos, ideally with their tool already. If not possible, present yourself as professional and high-value.
Always ask for at least the minimum amount you would accept, allowing room for negotiation and making them feel like they are getting a great deal with you.
Eventually, as your account grows you will no longer need to reach out and brands will start emailing you and DMing you for sponsored posts.
First Email Reply Template:
Hi! Sounds like a great Collab. To proceed, can you tell me more about your budget and timeline for this campaign?
Best,
(Your name)
Cold Outreach:
Hi, I am a content creator within the AI niche & content marketing. I really like your AI tool and would love to collaborate with you on a reel. I have already made a reel about it in the past and my audience seems to love it.Here is the video link: (your video link)And here is my Instagram URL: (your insta url)Let me know if you would be up for collaborating!Best,
(your name)
To-Do List for Landing Your First Brand Deal After Your First 5,000 View Post
  • Send this 5,000 view video to companies you've identified would be good fit for collaboration. This could be software companies for tools you frequently use.
  • Steal my brand outreach emails and make your own version
  • Reach out to all relevant companies to land your first brand deal
  • Do more posts of what worked with similar hooks/topics
  • Apply to Beehiiv Boosts
  • Draft your first $27-$97 digital product
  • Send out one email a week with value and for people to get to know you better
  • Train your custom Email Copywriter
  • Start sharing Instagram Stories more frequently, about you, Q & A, life, etc. (make yourself human - no, you don't have to show your face)
  • Post to all platforms
#1 Priority: Land your first brand deal!!!
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