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Dan Britain and YouTube Academy : Support

You want to start a YouTube channel but you don't have the time to film your own videos or you don't want to show your face... that's ok. Many channels make great videos, earn and grow without ever filming a thing themselves.

With YouTubes Fairuse policy you are able to take footage from other videos, movies, stock footage and create videos using these (but only in certain ways... we'll explain all.. be careful and respectful, it has to be Fair Use. ). Also, this is not copyright law, that is something else... I'll explain in the course.

Read more

You want to start a YouTube channel but you don't have the time to film your own videos or you don't want to show your face... that's ok. Many channels make great videos, earn and grow without ever filming a thing themselves.

With YouTubes Fairuse policy you are able to take footage from other videos, movies, stock footage and create videos using these (but only in certain ways... we'll explain all.. be careful and respectful, it has to be Fair Use. ). Also, this is not copyright law, that is something else... I'll explain in the course.

I'll show you how to get these video clips, what the fair use policy means (you have to add to content, like a movie review channel would using movie clips so you don't get a copyright strike from YouTube); how to download these videos from online; get copyright free music, stock footage, edit these, sound effect and so much more.

If you're not sure what types of videos you want to make, what niche of genre; that's OK too. I have 10 examples of youtube niches that don't use their own recorded video footage and are successful and with the practice exercise in this course i'll show you exactly how to find out what you should be making videos about and how to do this.

 I must emphasize, please familiarize yourself with the YouTube fairuse policy. Yes you can use footage from other video but you must add to it, commentate or change it substantially and be adding (very important, not just using the content) to the content (think like a movie review channel showing clips); do not just copy big chunks of video.  Link to the fairuse policy in the first lecture description or search "YouTube Fairuse Policy" on Google. There is a whole lecture on this later in the course. As a rule please use original footage only or stock footage legally purchased and you have rights; but the fairuse policy does exist (different to copyright as explained later). If you are using other footage, adhere to the fairuse properly, add to it, discuss it... try not to if possible.

Covered in this course:

What's YouTube Fair use

Ideas about what to make a channel/videos about

How to find the niche YOU should make about

How to find and download videos step-by-step

How to find music to use (free and paid)

How to get sound effects (free)

Finding people to edit/create these for you

Editing advice

Thumbnails (where to create these)

How youTube works

How to grow (making and upload schedule calendar)

Step-by-step uploading to youtube

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Youtube fair use policy
  • Ideas about what to make a channel/videos about
  • How to find the niche you should make about
  • How to find and download videos step-by-step
  • How to find music to use (free and paid)
  • How to get sound effects (free)
  • Finding people to edit/create these for you
  • Editing advice
  • Thumbnails (where to create these for free)
  • How youtube works
  • How to grow (making and upload schedule calendar)
  • Step-by-step uploading to youtube

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to the course! Yes you can make a YouTube channel without showing your face or actually filming any video yourself.

There are many channels that do this with huge success and in this course we'll go through 10 of those channel types that do this, see how they do it, work out the type of channel you could/should make and how you do this exactly (how to download and find footage, music, research) and so much more.

** I must emphasize, please familiarize yourself with the YouTube fairuse policy! Yes you can use footage from other video but you must add to it, commentate or change it substation ally and be adding to the content (think like a movie review channel showing clips); do not just copy big chunks of video. 

Read more

There's not a lot you need for this course other than a laptop/phone and internet connection. It's all in the research and planning! This is all explained in this course - let's go!

Whilst this student planned to use online footage and "add" to it with commentary to follow YouTube fairuse policy, it does not protect that from copyright law if the owner wanted to file against the content (explained in the fairuse lecture). It would be best practice to protect yourself to use paid for stock footage that you have a license for or free public domain footage you are able to use, to avoid YouTube or 3rd parties having an issue with your content and ultimately affecting your channel and monetization. To be safe, I'd always suggest and recommend using stock footage you are able to use and stay on the side of caution to align with YouTube's policy and 3rd parties ownership and respect. I don't wand any of you to get in trouble with YouTube or a 3rd party, please be careful and respectful!

Let me explain how I grew and others too... what makes your channel grow out of over 3.7 million videos uploaded to YouTube everyday?!

First lets understand how YouTube works. It's not as simple as "upload something good" and it will do well. If that was the case we'd all be YouTubers. We need to think about CTR and watch time... I'll explain

No one thinks about this... as a business (and remember YouTube is a business) what do they want from content uploaded? Let's help give YouTube what they want and they'll naturally share us more and we'll grow

You can use other recorded footage from online, movies, TV shows, other youTube videos and stock footage... this however is not copyright law, that's something else. What is allowed for fairuse on YouTube may still be against copyright law depending on your location. As a rule use stock footage you have a license for or make sure you adhere to the fairuse policy. If you violate these you may be removed or unable to apply for monetization.

** I must emphasize, please familiarize yourself with the YouTube fairuse policy! Yes you can use footage from other video but you must add to it, commentate or change it substation ally and be adding to the content (think like a movie review channel showing clips); do not just copy big chunks of video. 

Also, if you are using someones footage, contact them first if possible and ask and credit them too :)

Let's start to look at different channel types/niches/genres that don't use any videos they create themselves and how they are successful

Channel niche/genre type that doesn't film or show their face - 1

Channel niche/genre type that doesn't film or show their face - 2

Channel niche/genre type that doesn't film or show their face - 3

Channel niche/genre type that doesn't film or show their face - 4

Channel niche/genre type that doesn't film or show their face - 5

Channel niche/genre type that doesn't film or show their face - 6

Channel niche/genre type that doesn't film or show their face - 7

Channel niche/genre type that doesn't film or show their face - 8

Channel niche/genre type that doesn't film or show their face - 9

Channel niche/genre type that doesn't film or show their face - 10

Channel niche/genre type that doesn't film or show their face - think about a "channel hybrid" they can be hugely successful and unique

With this exercise (in resources download the sheet we use in their lecture) and follow along as we work out what type for channel you should make

YouTube earnings are not all adrevenue - there are many ways and here's some I use across my channels and others use to maximize channel earnings

By FAR the most important part of your channel development is research. You NEED to know what works in your genre, it'll save you years in the growth of your channel. See what others have done and imitate, then innovate. Follow along and use the resource to start your own research

Here's how you can download videos to use in your edits

See the paid and free stock footage platforms I use to get great stock footage for videos so you don't have to film a thing

You'll need a voiceover (for most channel), lets see how we can do this ourselves, use a computer generated voice or hire someone to do this

FREE and safe music sources to get your music for videos that won't get you a copyright claim (remember if you use copyright music, all adrevenue will go to the song owner).

Here's how you can simply and for free download sound effects for your videos

If you can edit, great use the software you are comfortable with; if not there are cheap options online to get and editor and here's my advice

Thumbnail - the most important part of getting successful on YouTube - if no one clicks it doesn't matter how good your video is, no one will see it. Here's how to create thumbnails for free

Let's work out - so you can launch with maximum success - when you will film, research, edit and release your videos with the production schedule I use

ALL the answers to your channel growing and getting better are in your analytics. You need to obsess for what went well and didn't - her's the analytics you need to look out for.

Learn how to set up your channel step by step to make sure you're doing it correctly and if you're stuck, here's your answer

Step one, lets get you a GMail account so you can set up your YouTube channel.

The main piece of branding for your channel, let's get this right and set the tone for your channel

Let's make sure viewers and YouTube know what your channel is about and who to share your content with.

An often overlooked element for a channel, a trailer can really help turn a chance viewer into a subscriber

You want to earn on YouTube?... here's how you set up monetization

You need to know your way around the YouTube dashboard to understand how to set up your channel but also make changes and upload.

This is the area for your content and how you can make mass changes or access specific video analytics.

The dreaded comments. They're crucial, all engagement is good but learn how to filter these and how even negative comments are actually great for you channel.

Understand the settings area inside YouTube

After thumbnails, perhaps the most important part of a video is titles. Use a title that ranks and get clicks

An important part of your upload as it helps clarify for YouTube what your video is about and who they should give impressions to.

tags are the metadata behind YouTube videos helping YouTube understand what your videos are about and so with whom to share them with.

Cards are great to link to external products or to other content.. use them to help earn more and get more views.

Use endscreens to keep a viewer watching your content and help with your channels over all watch-time.

Perhaps the most important part of your channel is the thumbnail. If no one clicks this, no one will even see your video. Let's get this right!

You want the optimum release time, a time when most of your audience are online. this will make sure the video gets an instant boost in engagement and help your video get more impressions by YouTube. here's how you know what time to release for your channel.

Step-by-step guide to uploading your video on youtube so you don't miss any important steps like tags, cards, endscreens etc

Make your channel more appealing and easier for people to find your content with an optimized layout

It's not just adrevenue that is your only way to earn money on YouTube. I have used many other funnels from my videos - check out and see my top specific suggestions here.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the YouTube Fair Use policy, which is essential for creators who want to use existing content responsibly and avoid copyright issues
Provides advice on finding a niche, which can help new content creators focus their efforts and attract a dedicated audience
Covers thumbnail creation, which is a crucial skill for attracting viewers and increasing click-through rates on YouTube
Discusses various monetization strategies beyond ad revenue, offering creators diverse income streams to support their channels
Emphasizes the importance of researching successful content, which can save creators time and effort in growing their channels
Highlights the use of AI for automating tasks, which can help creators streamline their workflow and improve efficiency

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Reviews summary

Faceless youtube channel basics

According to learners, this course provides a clear and practical guide for starting a YouTube channel without showing your face or filming original content. Students found the step-by-step instructions and advice on finding a niche and content sources particularly helpful. The recent update on using AI tools was frequently praised as a valuable addition, keeping the course current with practical tips. While many appreciate the accessible approach, some reviewers raised concerns or found the explanation of YouTube's Fair Use policy potentially misleading or risky, emphasizing the need for careful application or preferring safer methods like stock footage. Overall, it's seen as a solid starting point, though some feel certain areas could benefit from more technical depth.
Instructor is knowledgeable and engaging.
"The instructor is engaging and clearly knows their stuff about YouTube."
"I appreciate the instructor's expertise and enthusiasm throughout the lectures."
Provides helpful methods for choosing a channel niche.
"Loved the niche selection exercise, it was very helpful in finding my topic."
"The guidance on finding a profitable and sustainable niche was clear and actionable."
Recent section on using AI is valuable and current.
"The AI section is a great update, really practical tips for current methods."
"Loved the new AI modules, they really helped me with scripts and titles."
"The recent AI update section brings fresh, valuable insights for content creation."
Offers clear, step-by-step instructions for beginners.
"This course is clear, precise and step by step perfect for beginners."
"The course is very practical, easy to follow, and gives you the tools and knowledge you need to start immediately."
"The course covers all the basics you need to get started step by step."
"I really liked the step by step guide on how to upload videos correctly."
Could include more detail on editing or technical aspects.
"Some parts could be more in-depth, particularly on editing software options."
"While great for strategy, it doesn't go deep into the technical side of video editing."
Advice on content sourcing is controversial and potentially risky.
"The most questionable point here is the legality of using footage from movies, TV shows, or other YouTube videos under 'fair use.'"
"The instructor mentioned using other people's videos and applying 'fair use', this practice could lead to legal issues."
"The Fair Use section should come with a stronger warning that it's not a get-out-of-jail-free card and is highly subjective."
"Better stick to stock footage or public domain content to be safe."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Make YouTube Without Showing Your Face (Step-by-Step Guide) with these activities:
Review YouTube's Fair Use Policy
Solidify your understanding of YouTube's Fair Use policy to avoid copyright strikes and ensure your channel's longevity.
Show steps
  • Read the official YouTube Fair Use policy documentation.
  • Analyze examples of videos that successfully utilize fair use.
  • Identify potential pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Read 'YouTube Secrets' by Sean Cannell and Benji Travis
Learn proven strategies for growing a YouTube channel, including content optimization, audience engagement, and monetization techniques.
View YouTube Secrets on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, taking notes on key strategies.
  • Identify actionable steps to implement on your channel.
  • Prioritize strategies based on your channel's specific needs.
Read 'The YouTube Formula' by Derral Eves
Gain a deeper understanding of the YouTube algorithm and learn how to optimize your videos for maximum visibility and engagement.
View The YouTube Formula on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on the algorithm-related chapters.
  • Experiment with different optimization techniques on your channel.
  • Track your results and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Design Three Different YouTube Thumbnails
Master the art of creating eye-catching thumbnails that entice viewers to click on your videos.
Show steps
  • Research successful thumbnails in your niche.
  • Use free online tools to create three different thumbnail designs.
  • A/B test your thumbnails to see which performs best.
Create a Content Calendar for Your Niche
Plan and schedule your video content in advance to maintain consistency and optimize your upload schedule.
Show steps
  • Research trending topics and keywords in your chosen niche.
  • Brainstorm video ideas based on your research.
  • Create a detailed content calendar with titles, descriptions, and upload dates.
  • Schedule time for research, video creation, and promotion.
Produce a Short 'Best Of' Compilation Video
Practice your video editing skills by creating a compilation video using stock footage and royalty-free music.
Show steps
  • Gather stock footage and royalty-free music.
  • Edit the footage together to create a compelling narrative.
  • Add text overlays, transitions, and sound effects.
  • Optimize the video for YouTube search and discovery.
Participate in a YouTube Content Critique Session
Get valuable feedback on your video ideas, thumbnails, and channel branding from other aspiring YouTubers.
Show steps
  • Join an online community or forum for YouTubers.
  • Share your video ideas and thumbnails for feedback.
  • Provide constructive criticism to other members.

Career center

Learners who complete Make YouTube Without Showing Your Face (Step-by-Step Guide) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
YouTube Channel Manager
A YouTube channel manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a YouTube channel, including content scheduling, audience engagement, and channel growth. This course can help build a foundation in understanding the YouTube platform. The course’s deep dive into YouTube's fair use policy, content creation, and monetization are directly applicable to this role. A YouTube channel manager will also find the course’s guide to uploading videos and optimizing content to be very useful. The course also provides a step-by-step guide for managing a channel, from setting it up to creating a content plan.
Content Creator
A content creator develops and produces engaging material for various platforms, typically focusing on a specific niche or subject. This course is designed for those interested in creating YouTube content without showing their face. It's particularly useful for learning how to find and utilize existing footage under fair use guidelines. The course's instruction on finding video clips, music, sound effects, and editing techniques can be directly applied to the daily tasks of a content creator. Understanding YouTube's fair use policy, as taught in the course, is essential to avoid copyright issues. The course's emphasis on research and scheduling also helps in content strategy.
Video Editor
A video editor is responsible for assembling raw footage into a cohesive and engaging final product. This course provides a foundation for video editing, emphasizing techniques that can be used to enhance pre-existing content. The course covers essential editing skills, from downloading footage and integrating music and sound effects, to creating dynamic videos using existing assets. As a video editor, knowing how to find resources and music, as taught in the course, is incredibly valuable for sourcing materials quickly and efficiently. The course also helps video editors understand the importance of creating content that fits specific platforms.
Freelance Video Producer
A freelance video producer creates video content for clients on a project basis. This course can help freelance video producers create content for YouTube-based projects, especially if filming isn't an option. The course explains how to use pre-existing footage, find music and sound effects, and edit videos, which are all valuable skills for a freelance video producer. The course can help them increase the scope of their work by understanding the fair use guidelines when using pre-existing content. In addition, the course can help them create videos efficiently and professionally for their clients.
Social Media Manager
A social media manager oversees a brand's social media presence, creating and curating content, and engaging with audiences. The skills taught in this course are useful for managing a YouTube channel, including content creation, scheduling, and understanding analytics. This course offers a step-by-step guide for uploading videos and understanding the platform's algorithm. A social media manager would also find the lessons on thumbnails and video optimization valuable for reaching a wider audience. This course can help a social media manager to create a solid content plan.
Digital Content Strategist
A digital content strategist develops and implements strategies for creating and distributing online content. Those in this role are responsible for identifying trends and understanding target audiences. This course provides insight into the YouTube algorithm, content planning, and how to maximize a channel's potential. The course’s focus on niche identification, research, and production schedules can all help a content strategist. Understanding the importance of watch time and click-through rates, as covered in the course, can ensure that the content strategy is effective.
Multimedia Producer
A multimedia producer creates content using various media, including video, audio, and graphics. This course is helpful for a multimedia producer by providing techniques for using existing footage to create compelling videos, which is a valuable skill. This course includes instructions on gathering footage, music, and sound effects, as well as editing advice. The course's instruction on content planning and video optimization are particularly useful for someone in this role. This course can help a multimedia producer to create content that reaches a broader online audience.
Online Educator
An online educator creates and delivers educational content through online platforms, often using video formats. This course is useful for an online educator looking to use existing content to create educational videos. The course provides guidance on using YouTube’s fair use policy, which is important when repurposing content for educational purposes. The course’s lessons on video editing, optimizing content, and understanding the YouTube algorithm are also essential for an online educator who uses video.
Digital Marketer
A digital marketer develops and implements marketing campaigns across various online channels. The course helps a digital marketer understand the YouTube platform, which can be a critical part of many marketing campaigns. This course is useful for understanding how content is created for YouTube without filming original video. Learning about video optimization, content scheduling, and analytics, which are covered in the course, allows a digital marketer to make informed decisions when launching marketing campaigns on YouTube. The course can help them create engaging videos that support marketing goals.
Online Course Creator
An online course creator develops and markets online courses. This course may be helpful for online course creators who want to use video on platforms like YouTube to promote their online courses, or include video in their course delivery. The course teaches various video creation and editing techniques that can be used when creating promotional material or producing videos for courses. This course covers how to use existing footage, as well as music and sound effects. An online course creator will find the lessons on video optimization helpful for reaching a wider audience.
Instructional Designer
An instructional designer develops educational materials and learning experiences. This course may be helpful for an instructional designer who wants to create video-based educational material for a course or training program. The course's teachings on video editing techniques coupled with information about YouTube's platform provide valuable insight for those in this role. The lessons on content structure and the planning of video production taught within the course can allow an instructional designer to use video in their training programs effectively.
Podcast Producer
A podcast producer is responsible for the creation and distribution of podcasts. This course may be useful for podcast producers who want to expand their reach by making video versions of their podcasts on YouTube. The course's teachings on video editing and optimization can be applied to videos of podcasts. The course's instruction on finding music and sound effects, as well as video editing, are applicable to podcast producers. The course’s insights on fair use, content planning and scheduling can greatly assist those looking to use video for their podcasts.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a remote location. This course may help a virtual assistant who wishes to offer services related to YouTube channel management. The course provides guidance for a number of tasks related to managing a YouTube channel, including content creation, uploading videos, and optimizing content. The lessons on research, content planning, and video optimization can help a virtual assistant offer a wider range of services that are highly sought after. The course's step-by-step instructions can greatly assist in managing a YouTube channel.
Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist manages a company's public image, often utilizing various communication channels. This course may be helpful for a public relations specialist who needs to promote a company or initiative through YouTube, in situations where filming original content is not an option. The course teaches how to use existing footage, music, and sound effects to create promotional videos. The course can help a public relations specialist who wants to create content for YouTube to enhance their campaigns.
Archival Footage Researcher
An archival footage researcher locates and organizes existing film and video footage for use in various projects. This course may be of some use to an archival footage researcher by teaching about fair use policies and best practices in content usage. Knowing how to find stock footage, music, and sound effects, as well as understanding copyright limitations, can help an archival footage researcher. This course can help an archival footage researcher learn how to use pre-existing content efficiently and responsibly.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Make YouTube Without Showing Your Face (Step-by-Step Guide).
Dives deep into the YouTube algorithm and provides a data-driven approach to channel growth. It offers insights into optimizing videos for search, increasing watch time, and building a loyal audience. It is commonly used as a textbook by industry professionals. The book adds more depth to the course by providing a scientific understanding of YouTube's inner workings.
Provides a comprehensive guide to growing a YouTube channel, covering topics such as content strategy, audience engagement, and monetization. It offers practical advice and actionable tips that can be applied to channels that don't show faces. It useful reference tool for understanding YouTube best practices. The book adds breadth to the course by providing a more holistic view of YouTube channel management.

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