Are YouTube Automation Channels Legit or a Scam?

YouTube automation channels also known as "faceless" channels have faced a lot of scrutiny whether they are legitimate or a scam.

In this article, I will discuss if automated YouTube channels are legit or not. Spoiler alert - they are 100% legit and you're going to find out the reasons why, backed with proof.

I have immersed myself in automated channels by setting up two of them myself as well as buying a lot of YouTube Automation courses that taught me everything I know. Just knowing there are courses that teach this stuff should squash any doubt on its legitimacy. Makes sense right?

8 Reasons Why YouTube Automation Channels are Legit

1. Legality and Fair Use

Automated channels use copyrighted digital material for fair use on their channels. Fair use permits the user to use limited copyrighted material without needing permission from the rights holder. 

The use of this material needs to be transformative, meaning you take something and modify it by offering commentary, parody, or education. In other words, you are free to use other material as long as you put your own spin on it. You can't get in trouble by doing this.

2. Many Success Stories

One of the best reasons to call YouTube automation videos legit is if people are really making money with them.

As a member of Matt Par's Tube Mastery and Monetization, one of the best YouTube automation courses out there, I have seen many student success stories within the Facebook group. I know these are legit and not fabricated because these have been posted by real people. I had to blur the names because I don't want you guys harassing them. Just kidding, haha.

These are just a few of the testimonials I found in the Facebook group. There are many more. And, most people don't want to post their successes because they don't want the attention, so it's understandable.

If you want to join Matt Par's program, watch this webinar first. It's a hack to get the course at 50% off. 

So as you can see, people are having financial success with YouTube automation. That means with a bit of effort, you should be able to. 

3. Passive Income Opportunities

Creators that have automated channels enjoy passive income in a variety of ways. 

• YouTube ads: Once enrolled in the YouTube partner program, you'll earn money based on views. This all happens in the background, and even in your sleep.
• Affiliate Marketing: If you include affiliate links to related products, you can make passive income this way as well. Every time someone clicks one of your links and makes a purchase, you will earn a commission.
• Sponsorships and Brand Deals: This one isn't truly passive but if you have brands that pay you monthly for sponsoring products, it can be considered passive income.

Many creators with automated channels enjoy passive income as I mentioned above, so more points for these channels being legit.

4. Great for Introverts

Not all, but I think most creators who want to make money from YouTube but don't want to show their face on camera have found huge success on YouTube with automated videos.

These channels offer a platform for introverts to express their creativity and share their knowledge without the stress of being in the spotlight.

5. Diverse Content Possibilities

Automated channels allow you the possibility to create content in just about any niche. It's not limited to just a few. 

Check out these automated channel ideas to help get you started.

6. Low Barrier to Entry

Most legit business opportunities aren't going to cost you an arm and a leg up front. Because you won't be going on camera, you don't need a camera, lighting, or any special equipment. In fact, all you need is a computer with an internet connection, video editing software, and maybe a tool like VidIQ.

You can buy video editing software or even use free versions like Hitfilm.

In other words, you could start this business 100% free of cost.

7. Substantial Market Demand and Viewer Engagement

It's proven that people love consuming content on automated YouTube videos. The proof is in the amount of views these channels get and how many subs they have. 

Automated channels like Spill, Gameranx, Bestie, and many more have millions of subscribers and millions of views. This tells you that people just don't watch "talking head" videos and love to consume content that doesn't necessarily need someone talking to the camera. It's just another reason why automated channels are legit!

8. Ability to Scale

Automation channels allow you to scale at a much greater rate than traditional vlogging. Not only that, but you can outsource some, if not all of your content. You can't do that if you are the "face" of your channel.

These channels have a broad appeal due to the diverse content range which can attract viewers all over the globe. This is because you can reach an international audience as they are not limited by language or cultural barriers often associated with personality-driven content.

3 Reasons Why YouTube Automation Channels Could be Perceived as a Scam

This one is a little difficult, but I will try to keep this balanced here and point out how automated channels could be considered a scam.

1. Content Originality Concerns

Since there is a dependence on existing digital material, there could be an issue with repetitive or generic content that might turn off some. Your repurposed content may have already been viewed by someone so it could cost you engagement.

Some people may question the authenticity of content that relies on pre-existing material so it's important to show that you are making your videos transformative, meaning you are adding your own opinions and viewpoint on what is being shared.

2. Fake Engagement

Some automated channel owners might employ bots or use services to "buy views" which is not only fake, but it's also against YouTube's Terms and Service policies. This behavior can get your channel banned or suspended.

3. Clickbait and Misleading Thumbnails

Some faceless automation channels might resort to using clickbait tactics, exaggerating or misrepresenting the content of their videos to boost views. This will only result in a lack of trust and the gradual downfall of your channel.

As you can see, there are a lot more reasons why Automated channels are considered legit than a scam. The legit channels are thriving and I've given some examples above. For ones that deceive by using scam tactics, obviously, those will fail in time.

Best Practices for YouTube Automation

1. Adherence to YouTube Policies

To keep your automated channel out of trouble, make sure you are following YouTube's terms of service policies. Since you'll be repurposing existing content, make sure that you're not violating any copyright rules. I talked about this above under "legality and fair use."

2. Content Originality and Quality

Even though you will be using existing digital content, add unique value to it through narration, text overlay or unique insights and creative editing. Don't just copy and paste other people's work without doing anything else.

As for quality, ensure that your videos have high production values — good visuals, clear audio, and "good enough" editing.

3. Ethical Use of Automation Tools

Use tools for automation tasks such as video editing, scheduling posts, or analyzing data. Do not use them for things like buying likes, commenting, or anything else that violates YouTube's terms of service.

4. SEO and Audience Engagement

Ensure that your YouTube SEO is on point. This means that you should focus on things like finding keywords, getting your keywords in the title, accurate descriptions, utilizing tags, and so on.

Audience engagement is a part of YouTube SEO too because the more your audience engages with your video, YouTube will reward you by showing it more.

5. Regular and Consistent Posting

There's no guideline for how many videos you should post and when. However, I think at least 1-2 a week would work best.

The key here is to keep your content fresh so that your subscribers keep watching your videos and you have the chance to bring in new ones with your content. YouTube also rewards those who post regularly, so keep it fresh!

6. Analytics and Improvement

Regularly review your channel's analytics to understand what works and what doesn't. Adjust your content strategy accordingly.

You should also stay updated with YouTube trends and algorithm changes, adapting your content to stay relevant.

7. Diversification of Content and Revenue Streams

Although you should stick to a central theme for your automated channel, don't be afraid to experiment with a diversification of content. For example, if your channel is about food, talk about famous chefs or maybe a famous restaurant rather than just posting videos on dishes.

For revenue, consider affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and merchandise as additional income sources.

8. Legal and Financial Responsibilities

I'm no lawyer, so if you're uncertain about the legality of your content regarding fair use and copyright, you can seek professional advice. Also remember that depending on where you live, money you earn on YouTube is taxable so you'll need to be transparent and accurate with any financial reporting or tax obligations.

9. Community Building and Networking

To ensure the growth of your automated channel, build up your community by engaging with them regularly. Although collabs are usually done with branded channels (where they show their face) you might have an opportunity to collab with other channels in your niche.

Best Course For YouTube Automation Channels

The best course for YouTube Automation channels in my opinion is Matt Par's Tube Mastery and Monetization.

As I mentioned before, I am a member myself. You can read my review here.

Matt Par makes over 40K a month across 9 different automated YouTube channels. It would make sense to learn from a guy who's actually very successful making these channels right?

The course gets frequent updates, has a lot of bonuses and downloadables, an active support group and many success stories of Matt's students.

You can do it yourself without buying his course by following my guide on how to start a YouTube Automation channel if you are tight on funds.

However, I have a great hack for you. You won't find a coupon code or discount for Matt's course on his homepage. But... if you watch the webinar, you'll get the course at 50% off. Not a bad deal for trading some of your time.

Wrapping This Up

So now you know if YouTube Automation channels are legit or not. While some things can make them scammy like using tools to buy likes or comments, the legit aspects of automated channels far outweigh the illegitimate ones.

So what are you waiting for! Get your cash cow automated YouTube channel set up today!

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