How to Make Faceless YouTube Shorts with AI (2026)

Five steps to Shorts without showing your face: script, AI voiceover, AI shots, editing in CapCut, uploading with the right label. Plus how to keep the channel eligible for monetization.

A faceless Shorts channel can be made almost entirely with AI: AI reads the script, AI makes the shots, you handle the ideas and the edit. But since 2025 YouTube has cracked down on mass-produced AI channels, so this workflow keeps your own creative input at the center.

1. Write a 30–45 second script

One main idea per Short, with a hook in the first 2 seconds. Use vidIQ to find topics people search for, but write from your own angle.

2. Make the voiceover

For a few lines, CapCut’s built-in voices are enough; for a voice-driven channel use ElevenLabs (Starter includes a commercial license). Keep one voice across the channel.

3. Generate 4–6 AI shots

5–10 seconds each, vertical 9:16. Kling or Seedance suit Shorts and are cheap; reuse the same reference image so characters match between shots.

4. Edit in CapCut

Cut the shots to the voice, add auto captions, music from YouTube’s Audio Library and trim silences. Change the shot every 2–3 seconds.

5. Upload with the right label

Export at 1080×1920 and write a clear title. If shots look realistic, turn on the AI content disclosure at upload.

To stay eligible for monetization

Every video needs your own angle, commentary or story, not just stitched AI shots
Vary the format between videos instead of one template for hundreds of uploads
Don’t use AI likenesses or voices of real people without consent
Rough budget: 4–6 clips per Short; test with daily free credits first

Guide based on official help pages, docs and policies, checked October 30, 2026 — no affiliate links.