Let’s be honest. As a freelancer, what’s the one thing that gives you more stress than a difficult client or a looming deadline? For most of us, it’s taxes.
That dreaded email from the KRA, the confusion around what to pay, and the constant fear of penalties can be overwhelming. It’s especially tough when your income isn’t a fixed monthly salary. One month you’re crushing it, and the next is quiet. How are you supposed to manage your tax obligations with that kind of unpredictability?
Well, what if I told you that you might be leaving money on the table? What if there were simple, 100% legal ways to not just pay your taxes, but to actually save money in the process?
Stop stressing and start saving. Here are three powerful, yet simple, tax strategies every freelancer and small business owner in Kenya needs to know for 2025.
1. Make Withholding Tax Work FOR You
First up is a concept that many freelancers find confusing: Withholding Tax. You might have seen it on a client’s contract—a 5% deduction—but what is it, really?
Think of it like this: Withholding Tax is a client pre-paying a small part of your annual tax bill on your behalf. It’s like a forced savings account specifically for your taxes!
Here’s how it works in simple terms. Let’s say you’re a freelance consultant and you send an invoice for a project worth 100,000 shillings.
When your client pays you, they are required by the KRA to “withhold” 5% of that service fee, which amounts to 5,000 shillings. You receive the remaining 95,000 shillings in your bank account.
But that 5,000 shillings isn’t gone forever. The client remits it directly to the KRA under your KRA PIN. It now sits safely in your KRA account as a tax credit.
So, how does this save you money?
At the end of the year when you file your annual returns, imagine the KRA calculates that your total income tax for the year is 50,000 shillings. Instead of paying the full amount, you get to deduct all the withholding tax credits you’ve accumulated. If you completed ten projects just like the one above, you’d have 50,000 shillings (5,000 x 10) already sitting in your KRA account.
Your tax bill just went from 50,000 down to ZERO.
By operating as a registered business (even a simple Sole Proprietorship), you can turn this tax deduction into a powerful tool for managing your end-of-year tax bill.
2. Turn Your Business Expenses into Tax Savings with VAT
This next strategy is a game-changer, especially if you’re looking to grow your freelance work into a serious business. We’re talking about VAT (Value Added Tax).
Don’t let the term intimidate you. Imagine you have two piggy banks:
Tax Bank #1 is for the VAT you collect from your clients.
Tax Bank #2 is for the VAT you pay on your business expenses.
When you register for VAT, you must add 16% to your invoices. So, if you charge a client 100,000 shillings, you actually invoice them for 116,000 shillings. That extra 16,000 goes into Piggy Bank #1. It’s not your money—you’re just holding it for the KRA.
Here’s the magic part.
Whenever you buy something for your business—a new laptop, an internet subscription, software, or even office supplies—you also pay 16% VAT. That amount goes into Tax Bank #2.
At the end of the month, the KRA asks for the money in Piggy Bank #1. But you get to say, “Hold on! I can subtract everything that’s in Tax Bank #2 first.”
For example:
You collected 32,000 Ksh in VAT from your clients this month (Tax Bank #1).
However, you bought a new office chair and paid 5,000 Ksh in VAT. You also paid for software and paid 3,000 Ksh in VAT. In total, you paid 8,000 Ksh in VAT on your expenses (Tax Bank #2).
So, the amount you actually remit to the KRA is 32,000 minus 8,000, which equals 24,000 shillings.
You just saved 8,000 shillings! You’re essentially getting a discount on all your legitimate business purchases, which encourages you to reinvest in your own growth. Just remember to always get a proper ETR receipt with your business KRA PIN on it to make a claim.
3. The Easiest Money You’ll Ever Save
This last one isn’t a fancy loophole. It’s the most simple, most overlooked way to save money, and it costs you nothing but a bit of discipline: File your taxes on time.
Seriously.
The KRA charges fixed penalties for late filing that can add up quickly.
For an individual or a sole proprietorship, it’s Ksh. 2,000.
For a registered company, it’s Ksh. 10,000.
That’s money you are literally throwing away for no reason. Think about it—saving Ksh. 2,000 is just as good as earning an extra Ksh. 2,000.
Set a reminder on your phone. Put a big red circle on your calendar for June 30th. Do whatever it takes to file on time, even if you have zero income to declare for the year. Avoiding that penalty is the easiest profit you’ll make all year.
Taxes don’t have to be a source of stress. When you understand the system, you can make it work for you.
For more expert tips on freelance, media, tech, and business, make sure to follow me on all social media platforms @cheptionymutai. Let’s level up together!
And if you need video production consultancy services, you can reach out to me here.
The winds of change are blowing through YouTube’s Partner Program—and creators across the globe are about to feel the breeze. In a move that seems aimed at empowering smaller channels while tightening the screws on content quality, YouTube is lowering the threshold for monetization, but with a few new strings attached.
Previously, aspiring creators had to hit 1,000 subscribers and rack up 4,000 public watch hours within 12 months to apply for monetization.
Now, YouTube is opening the gates wider. Channels can now apply once they reach 500 subscribers, three public uploads in the last 90 days, and either 3,000 watch hours in a year or 3 million Shorts views over 90 days.
That’s a huge win for up-and-coming creators, especially those focused on Shorts—the platform’s TikTok-style video format. It acknowledges the evolving ways people consume content and offers a more realistic path to monetization for today’s creators.
💳 But Here’s the Catch…
With easier access comes increased responsibility. YouTube is cracking down on what’s acceptable monetized content. Channels that consistently violate its ad-friendly guidelines may face demonetization or be denied access to the program altogether.
So while you might get in the door sooner, staying inside will take more diligence—especially as YouTube continues to protect advertisers’ interests.
🚀 Why It Matters
This change could redefine what it means to be a YouTuber in 2025 and beyond. Small creators finally have a tangible shot at turning their passion into profit. But more importantly, it’s a reminder that quality, consistency, and community-building still reign supreme in the world of content creation.
So, whether you’re uploading your first gameplay reel or already riding the Shorts algorithm wave, now might be the perfect time to level up.
And that’s it. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.
If you need help to produce quality videos, let me know here.
In Kenya, individuals and business owners typically file two main types of tax returns: Income Tax and VAT (Value Added Tax). Income Tax returns are filed annually and are mandatory for all taxpayers. VAT, on the other hand, is declared monthly and is only compulsory for businesses with an annual turnover exceeding KES 5 million; otherwise, registration is voluntary.
In this article, I’ll explain two expensive mistakes every taxpayer should avoid when filing their returns.
Counter Check The Type of Withholding Tax Client Has Withheld
When a company engages your services, they are often required to withhold tax from your payment. This typically includes both VAT and income tax, depending on the invoice you’ve issued. It’s crucial to pay close attention to these withholdings.
Be careful: some clients might mistakenly withhold 2% VAT even if you haven’t charged them VAT on your invoice. You’ll receive an email notification each time they declare this withholding. It’s crucial to cross-check these notifications immediately. If they’ve withheld 2% VAT but should have instead withheld 5% income tax, KRA will assume you did charge VAT. This could lead to KRA expecting you to pay the 14% difference between the actual VAT rate and the incorrect 2% withheld.
Failure to declare this monthly incurs a penalty of KES 10,000. Neglecting this obligation can lead to prolonged resolution efforts and prevent you from obtaining a Tax Compliance Certificate.
A crucial point to remember is that if a client withholds VAT from you when you aren’t registered for VAT obligations, it can lead to significant issues. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will likely forcefully add the VAT obligation to your account, compelling you to declare the return regardless
It’s crucial to consistently verify the accuracy of any withholding tax declared by clients on transactions you’ve completed. This proactive step helps ensure everything is correctly accounted for.
Expense Data in The Profit Loss Page
For income tax filers, particularly consultants, freelancers, and sole proprietors, the profit and loss account section on the second page of the income tax return excel sheet requires meticulous attention. Errors in data entry here can lead to significant issues.
When classifying expenses for individuals paid daily or per job, who are not permanent employees, the most accurate categorization is often Direct Wages or Contract Labor/Freelance Fees.
While “salaries and wages” typically refers to permanent employees, and “direct expenses” is a broader term, “direct wages” specifically applies when these payments are directly tied to the production of goods or services.
If they are providing services that aren’t directly part of your core product/service creation (e.g., a one-off IT fix), “contract labor” or “freelance fees” might be more appropriate.
It’s crucial to distinguish these from regular salaries and wages for tax and accounting purposes.
If you employ permanent staff in Kenya, you are required to register for P.A.Y.E (Pay As You Earn). This system mandates that you deduct income tax directly from your employees’ earnings and remit these amounts to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
It’s important to note that the PAYE rates starts from 10% for every KES 24,000 and only applies to the first KES 24,000 of monthly taxable income (or KES 288,000 annually). KRA utilizes a graduated tax scale, meaning different portions of an employee’s income are taxed at varying rates, ranging from 10% to 35%. Additionally, a monthly personal tax relief of KES 2,400 is also applied.
For accurate calculations, you’ll need to refer to the latest KRA PAYE tax bands and rates, which are subject to changes based on the Finance Act.
It’s therefore crucial to correctly categorize expenses, especially when it comes to salaries and wages. If your company doesn’t have employees, avoid listing expenses under “salaries and wages.”
Instead, these should be recorded under direct expenses (direct wages). This accurate classification will prevent issues and ensure a smoother process if the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) audits your tax return.
Get A Professional With Accounting Background to Assist
For those new to income tax filing, don’t hesitate to visit your local KRA office where you can get direct assistance with your return.
If you have numerous transactions, it’s highly advisable to consult a professional accountant to assist with your tax filings. While there’s a fee involved, their expertise can save you a significant amount of time and eliminate potential headaches.
Conclusion
We all learn from our mistakes, and when it comes to tax returns, some lessons can be quite expensive. I’ve identified two common and costly errors that taxpayers frequently make. Failing to avoid these can lead to the denial of a Tax Compliance Certificate, a document often required by businesses and organizations before considering you for work.
And that is it from me here. Are there any other costly mistakes that people should watch out for? let me know in the comments section below.
If you need content creation and content marketing services, do not hesitate to reach out to me here.
As a freelancer or business owner, you’ve likely faced the frustrating situation of completing work only for a client to delay or decline payment. That feeling of “turmoil” is all too real.
But what if you could prevent this? Establishing a clear and efficient online payment procedure isn’t just about getting paid; it’s about protecting your time, effort, and bottom line.
In this post, I will walk you through the essential steps to ensuring you get paid reliably online, every time.
Step 1: Lay the Foundation with a Solid Written Agreement
The very first, and arguably most critical, step in ensuring you get paid reliably online is to formalize your working relationship.
Don’t just verbally agree on terms; create a comprehensive written agreement, whether it’s a formal contract or detailed terms of service published on your website and agreed to by the client.
This isn’t about being overly rigid; it’s about establishing clear expectations and demonstrating your professionalism. Your agreement should meticulously outline the scope of work you will deliver, the specific information, assets, or access the client must provide for you to complete the project successfully (and the implications if they don’t).
Furthermore, break down the cost of your service clearly, detailing what the client is paying for.
Crucially, this is where you define your payment terms: specify the total amount due, any deposit requirements, payment milestones (if applicable), the deadline for payment (e.g. within 7 days), acceptable online payment methods, and the exact process the client needs to follow to submit payment.
Having all of this in writing and agreed upon upfront significantly reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and provides a clear reference point if any payment issues arise.
Step 2: Ask For Not Less Than 50% Upfront Commitment Fee/ Down-payment
Implementing a policy of requesting a commitment fee or down payment, ideally around 50% of the total project cost, is a crucial step in safeguarding your income as a freelancer or business owner operating online.
This isn’t about a lack of trust in your clients; rather, it’s a standard professional practice that offers significant benefits for both parties and drastically reduces your risk of non-payment.
Here’s why this step is so vital:
Demonstrates Client Commitment
When a client is willing to invest financially upfront, it immediately signals their seriousness and commitment to the project. This helps filter out potential clients who may not be fully invested or might be more likely to disappear before paying.
Provides Essential Operating Capital
Freelancing and running an online business often involve initial expenses, whether it’s software subscriptions, necessary tools, or simply the time invested in initial planning and setup before the main work is completed. A 50% deposit helps cover these upfront costs, ensuring you’re not out-of-pocket while you deliver the service.
Reduces Your Financial Risk
In the unfortunate event that a client becomes unresponsive or cancels the project midway, having received a significant portion of the payment upfront provides a safety net. It ensures you are compensated for at least a substantial part of the work and time invested, mitigating the impact of potential non-payment.
Improves Cash Flow
Waiting until a project is 100% complete to receive any payment can create unpredictable income streams. An upfront deposit provides an immediate influx of cash, helping you manage your business finances more effectively and providing greater stability.
Sets a Professional Tone
Clearly stating your requirement for a deposit in your initial terms and contract (as outlined in Step 1) reinforces your position as a professional business with established procedures. It sets a clear expectation from the outset and helps prevent awkward payment conversations later.
This 50% figure is a common starting point, striking a balance between securing significant commitment and not being an unreasonable burden on the client.
Depending on the nature and length of your projects, you might adjust this percentage, but the principle of getting a portion of the payment upfront remains a cornerstone of getting paid reliably online. Ensure this requirement is clearly stated in your contract and discussed with the client before any work commences.
Step 3: Leverage Safe and Integrated Payment Gateways to Build Trust
Once your terms are clear and you’ve secured a commitment fee, the next critical step is to make the actual payment process as smooth, professional, and secure as possible for your clients.
Think of a payment gateway as the digital equivalent of a point-of-sale terminal in a physical store. It’s the technology that securely authorizes and processes online payments, acting as a bridge between your website, your client’s bank, and your business bank account.
But it’s not just about functionality; the choice and integration of your payment gateway significantly impact client trust – you are, in essence, using it to “buy” their confidence.
Here’s why this step is essential:
Enhances Security and Professionalism
Reputable payment gateways employ advanced security measures like encryption and fraud detection. By using them, you signal to your clients that you prioritize the safety of their sensitive financial information.
A clunky or insecure payment process can be a major red flag for clients and lead to abandoned payments. A professional, integrated gateway reassures them that their transaction is protected.
Creates a Seamless User Experience
Ideally, your clients should be able to pay you directly on your website or through a secure, branded payment link without being redirected to an unfamiliar third-party site. Seamless integration of a payment gateway provides a smooth and consistent experience, reducing friction and increasing the likelihood of timely payment.
Offers Multiple Payment Options
Leading payment gateways support a variety of payment methods, including major credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes digital wallets or bank transfers. Offering your clients their preferred payment method adds convenience and further builds trust by accommodating their needs.
Automates and Streamlines the Process
Integrated payment gateways automate much of the payment process, from authorization to transfer, reducing manual effort and potential errors. This efficiency benefits both you and your client.
Builds Credibility
Associating your business with well-known and trusted payment gateway brands (like Pesapal, PayPal, Wise, Stripe, Square, etc.) lends credibility to your operation. Clients are often more comfortable paying through gateways they recognize and trust.
By carefully selecting and integrating a safe payment gateway, you’re not just setting up a mechanism to receive funds; you’re actively building a trustworthy and professional image that encourages clients to pay confidently and promptly.
Step 4: Exceed Expectations – Give it Your All and Deliver Exceptional Quality
While the previous steps focused on setting up clear terms and robust payment systems, this step hones in on the absolute cornerstone of consistent online income: the quality of your work.
No matter how well you’ve drafted your contract or how seamless your payment gateway is, consistently delivering high-quality results is paramount to getting paid without hassle and building a sustainable online business.
Think of the payment you receive as a direct reflection of the value you provide. When you “give it your all” and deliver exceptional quality, you not only fulfill the obligations outlined in your initial agreement (Step 1), but you also build significant goodwill and trust with your clients. This goes beyond simply meeting expectations; it’s about exceeding them whenever possible.
Here’s why delivering top-notch quality is so critical for getting paid:
Justifies Your Value and Price
High-quality work clearly demonstrates the value you bring to the client and justifies your fees. When clients are genuinely impressed with the results, they are far less likely to question the cost or delay payment. Your work becomes its own compelling argument for timely compensation.
Minimizes Disputes and Revisions
Poor quality or work that doesn’t align with the agreed-upon scope is the primary reason for client dissatisfaction and payment disputes. By focusing on excellence from the outset, you reduce the need for extensive revisions and the potential for disagreements over whether the work was delivered as promised.
Builds Trust and Credibility (Reinforcing Step 3)
Just as a secure payment gateway builds trust in the transaction process, delivering consistent quality builds trust in your abilities and reliability as a service provider or business. This reinforces the professional image you’ve worked to cultivate and makes clients more confident in continuing to do business with you and, crucially, paying you on time.
Generates Repeat Business and Referrals
Satisfied clients who are thrilled with the quality of your work are your best advocates. They are highly likely to become repeat customers and refer new business to you. This creates a virtuous cycle where your commitment to quality directly leads to more opportunities to get paid.
Creates a Positive Reputation
In the online world, reputation is everything. Consistently delivering high-quality work builds a strong positive reputation, making you a sought-after professional. This can give you more leverage in setting your terms and attracting clients who value quality and are willing to pay for it.
Ultimately, while contracts and payment systems provide the framework, the actual exchange of value happens through the quality of your deliverables. By committing to excellence in every project, you not only honor your agreement but also proactively reduce potential payment friction and lay the foundation for long-term success and financial consistency in your online endeavors.
Step 5: Cultivate Social Proof – Don’t Let Happy Clients Leave Without a Review
You’ve set clear terms, secured an upfront payment, implemented a smooth payment gateway, and delivered exceptional quality (Steps 1-4). Now it’s time to leverage that positive experience to build a powerful tool for future payments: social proof.
This step is all about actively encouraging your happy clients to share their positive experiences through reviews and testimonials.
In the online world, trust is currency, and social proof is gold. Potential clients looking for freelance services or online businesses rely heavily on the experiences of others to make their decisions.
They want to know that you are reliable, deliver on your promises, and provide genuine value. Positive reviews act as powerful endorsements, validating your expertise and significantly influencing a potential client’s comfort level in hiring you and, crucially, in trusting you with their payment information.
Here’s why actively seeking reviews is essential for consistent online payments:
Builds Credibility and Authority
A collection of positive reviews across different platforms (your website, Google My Business, social media, industry-specific sites) immediately builds your credibility with new prospects. It shows that others have trusted you and had positive outcomes, making you a more attractive and less risky choice.
Increases Trust in the Payment Process
When potential clients see that others have successfully worked with you and were satisfied, it extends their trust to the entire interaction, including the payment process. Knowing that happy customers have navigated your payment system and received quality work reduces anxiety for new clients when it’s time to pay.
Acts as Powerful Marketing
Positive reviews are authentic, third-party endorsements that are often more persuasive than your own marketing copy. They highlight the real-world benefits of working with you and can attract clients who are a good fit and are likely to value your services – and thus pay for them willingly.
Provides Valuable Feedback (and Helps You Improve)
While the focus here is on getting paid, the reviews themselves also offer invaluable insights into what you’re doing well and areas where you could improve. This feedback loop helps you maintain and even enhance the quality of your services (Step 4), further reducing future payment issues.
Reduces Hesitation for New Clients
For someone considering hiring you for the first time, seeing positive testimonials from satisfied clients can be the final push they need to commit. This reduces their hesitation and makes the initial payment (like the commitment fee in Step 2) feel less like a gamble and more like a worthwhile investment.
How to Ask for Reviews Effectively
Timing is key. Ask for a review when the client is happiest – immediately after successfully delivering the final product or service, or after they’ve expressed genuine satisfaction. Make it easy for them by providing a direct link to where you’d like them to leave the review. Personalize your request, reminding them of the specific positive outcome you helped them achieve.
Where to Showcase Your Reviews
Strategically display testimonials on your website, particularly on your homepage, services pages, and a dedicated testimonials page. Share them on your social media channels and include snippets in your proposals or email signatures. The more visible your positive social proof is, the more it will work for you in building trust and encouraging timely payments from new clients.
By making the collection and showcasing of positive client feedback a standard part of your process, you leverage the power of social proof to attract better clients, build trust, and ultimately ensure you get paid online consistently and reliably.
Conclusion
Getting paid reliably online as a freelancer or business owner doesn’t have to be a source of stress. By implementing these five essential steps – from setting clear terms and securing upfront commitment to delivering exceptional quality and leveraging positive reviews – you build a robust system that minimizes risk and fosters trust. Follow this guide consistently, and you’ll pave the way for predictable income, stronger client relationships, and the sustainable growth of your online business.
Did I miss a step? Let me know in the comments section.
And if you need video production services, let me know here. Alternatively, you can visit our company website here.
Ever feel like your brilliant video content disappears into the social media ether after just a few fleeting views? You poured your heart and soul into creating it, yet its lifespan seems so short. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way!
What if you could breathe new life into your existing content, transforming it into something fresh that could capture the attention of a whole new audience?
To truly maximize the reach of your video content, consider tailoring it to fit the diverse formats favored by different social media platforms. The two most common video orientations you’ll encounter are landscape and portrait.
Landscape, with its wider aspect ratio, is the traditional video format. Typically sized around 1920 x 1080 pixels (for full HD), it’s ideal for platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and even as embedded content on your website or blog. You can share landscape videos directly to these platforms, often with options for creating playlists or embedding them into articles.
Portrait video, on the other hand, with its taller and narrower frame, has gained significant traction with the rise of mobile-first content consumption. A common size is 1080 x 1920 pixels. This format shines on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Facebook/Instagram Stories. Sharing portrait videos on these platforms is usually done through their dedicated features, often involving vertical scrolling feeds designed for this orientation.
By adapting your original video content into both landscape and portrait formats, you ensure it looks and feels native to the specific platform where your audience is most engaged.
Also, with this, you can create a YouTube short that leads to a long form video.
2. Captivating Snippets: Transforming Video Moments into Engaging GIFs
Want to bring out the essence of your longer videos in a flash? By rendering portions of your video into the universally shareable .
GIF format, you can distill key moments into bite-sized, attention-grabbing visuals perfect for social media. Imagine highlighting a powerful quote, a funny reaction, or a crucial demonstration as a short, looping animation. To amplify its impact, always accompany your GIF with a concise and compelling text description.
This allows you to provide context, ask a question, or add a call to action, making your repurposed content even more engaging and shareable across various social platforms.
3. Picking Key Moments and Sound Bites: Sparking Curiosity
Imagine your longer video as a gold mine of engaging content. Within it lie those sparkling nuggets – the most impactful moments, the most insightful quotes, the most visually arresting segments. By strategically extracting these key moments and concise sound bites, you can craft compelling teasers for your social media audience.
Think of it as creating captivating trailers for your main feature. A short, punchy clip showcasing a surprising revelation, a powerful statement, or a humorous interaction can pique viewers’ curiosity and leave them wanting more. Pair these snippets with text that provides just enough context to intrigue, hinting at the richer content available in the full video.
For instance, if your long-form video features an expert sharing a groundbreaking statistic, a short clip of that moment with the accompanying text, “Did you know X% of [topic]? Find out more in our latest video!”, can be incredibly effective in driving traffic to the complete piece. The goal is to offer a tantalizing glimpse that answers a small part of a question while igniting the desire for the full explanation and deeper understanding found in the original video.
4. Reimagining Existing Videos Into Compelling Mini-documentaries
Let’s reimagine your existing video library! Consider taking raw footage or even polished explainer videos and transforming them into compelling mini-documentaries. By strategically adding a voice-over narration, you can weave a new narrative, provide deeper context, or highlight previously unseen angles.
Think about those behind-the-scenes clips, customer testimonials, or even segments of longer presentations. With thoughtful editing and a well-crafted voice-over, you can unearth the story within your existing content and present it in a fresh, engaging documentary format perfect for capturing attention on social media.
5. Create Keyword Driven Driven Short-Form Videos
Leverage the power of keywords to create engaging short-form video content from existing video content. This approach involves identifying the terms your target audience uses when searching for information related to your business.
For example, a food company that excels in “fried fish” can create a compelling video showcasing the versatility of this product – perhaps different preparations, sides, or even customer testimonials. This targeted approach ensures your videos reach the right eyes and drive relevant engagement.
Conclusion
There you have it.
As we’ve explored, your existing video library holds a wealth of untapped potential for your social media strategy. By creatively applying these five techniques – adapting formats, GIF creation, sound bite extraction, mini-documentary production, and keyword-driven short videos – you can extend the lifespan and reach of your valuable content. Embrace these strategies and discover how to make every video work harder for you.
And that is it from me here. What are some of the additional ways you use to repurpose your video content for social media? Let me know in the comments section below.
Starting a successful faceless YouTube channel without the headache of copyright issues is now easier than ever, thanks to the power of artificial intelligence. In fact, many creators have already paved the way, offering videos and courses that guide you through leveraging AI for this very purpose.
Ready to dive in?
In this article, I will walk you through 7 key steps to start your own faceless YouTube channel using AI.
Step 1: Choose A Theme for Your Channel
To ensure your YouTube videos get noticed, having a well-defined theme is essential. This focus helps you create content that resonates with your target audience and is more likely to be picked up by search engines. Ultimately, optimizing your content for specific keywords (SEO) is the key to being found online.
Have in mind that you will be creating faceless videos. Videos with just voice, background music, videos, animations and images. The key to success in this often lies in tapping into current trends with a theme that resonates with a broad audience.
Once that spark of an idea hits, brainstorm a catchy and memorable name for your YouTube channel and bring it to life! Don’t worry about being a design expert – leverage the power of AI to create a stunning logo or icon and a professional-looking header.
Finally, craft a concise and enticing channel description, and just like that, you’re all set to embark on your YouTube journey.
Step 2: Learn To Write Video Scripts With The Help of AI
Okay, let’s get started on your first Script! The very first thing you’ll want to do is pick a topic that you’re passionate about. Once you’ve got that brilliant idea, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and do some research. Don’t hesitate to use search engines and even explore what AI can offer to help you gather information.
When you’re thinking about what to include in your script, try using the “5Ws and H” method. This basically means asking yourself: Who is involved?
What happened or will happen? When did or will it take place? Where did or will it happen? and Why is it important? And of course, don’t forget the crucial question:
How? Answering these questions will make your research much easier and ensure you’ve covered all the important details.
Once you have developed a script sketch based on thorough research, making sure it addresses the essential 5Ws and H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How), you can leverage the power of AI.
Simply input relevant prompts into your preferred AI writing tool to have it draft your paragraph. AI assistance can further refine your writing, rewrite sections, and ultimately help you organize your complete script professionally.
When crafting your script, it’s crucial to visualize the images, articles, and videos that will enhance your production. Before you move forward, double-check that you can readily access all of this supporting material.
We’ve all heard it: “Practice makes perfect.” But let’s refine that. It’s more accurate to say that iterative practice, combined with thoughtful feedback, leads to perfection. When working on a skill, aim to create at least five different scripts or approaches. Don’t be afraid to tweak these variations and see how even minor adjustments impact the outcome.
Think about the versatility of your work – could these scripts be adapted for different types of videos? Finally, and perhaps most importantly, find someone you trust and share your creations with them. Treat their feedback as gold; it’s the fuel for your improvement.
When ready, you can proceed now and do your first video.
Step 3: Organize Your Content
To truly thrive as a video creator, one of the very first and most crucial steps is to get organized. Start by creating a dedicated folder on your computer named after your YouTube channel. Inside this main folder, establish subfolders to neatly categorize your assets. Consider creating folders specifically for Videos, Audios, Images, and Thumbnails. Within each of these primary subfolders, you can further organize your content with additional subfolders as needed.
Create the following subfolders within your main “Videos” folder:
Done Videos: Once a video is finalized and ready for upload, move it into this folder. The point here is to be organize in a way that you can easily retrieve a folder or item you want. Also when saving files, be intentional. If the image is of an Airplane, name it that.
Screen Recordings: This is where you’ll store all your recordings of your computer screen.
Royalty Free Videos: Keep your collection of stock footage and royalty-free video clips here.
Animations: Dedicate this folder to any animated elements you’ll be incorporating into your videos.
Video Project Files: This crucial folder will house your working project files from your video editing software.
Inside your main “Audios” folder, create these subfolders:
Voice Overs: Store all your recorded voice-over tracks here.
Background Music: Keep your collection of background music tracks in this folder.
Sound Effects: This is where you’ll organize your sound effects for adding those extra touches to your videos.
Inside your main “Thumbnails” folder, create the following subfolders:
Images: Store the individual images you might use to create your thumbnails here.
Done Thumbnails: Once a thumbnail is finalized and ready to use, move it into this folder.
Feel free to create any additional subfolder for each as needed.
Step 4: Do A Storyboard And Gather Video Assets
Creating a storyboard is a crucial step in video production. It helps you visualize your video by determining exactly which image or scene should appear at each point.
Begin by researching relevant videos and images that could enhance your content. Once you find suitable materials, download them to your computer for quick access during the editing process.
Finally, for each distinct screen or scene in your video, take a screenshot and add it to your storyboard.
To elevate your video content, consider incorporating a professional, human-like voice-over. For high-quality text-to-speech generation, we recommend exploring ElevenLabs. A significant advantage of ElevenLabs is that new users typically receive 10,000 credits upon sign-up.
Additionally, their impressive voice changer feature allows you to record your own voice and transform it into a different high-quality voice, maintaining your natural accent. You can sign for free here.
Lastly, use AI to create background music. Alternatively, you can download free background music and sound effects on websites like Pixabay.
Step 5: Learn How to Edit Videos
Finding easy-to-use video editing software is no longer a challenge, as numerous options exist. For those already familiar with video editing, the steps detailed above should be straightforward.
If you’re new to video editing, consider starting with user-friendly online platforms like Canva, Adobe Express, and CapCut.
I highly recommend downloading the free version of Camtasia Studio and taking the time to learn how to edit with it. It’s one of the easiest video editing software options I’ve encountered. Once you’ve become comfortable and proficient, you can always consider upgrading to the paid version for more features.
Step 6: Edit Your First Video And publish
Once you’ve grasped the fundamentals of video editing, your next exciting step is to create and publish your first video! Don’t strive for perfection right away. As you continue to hone your skills and build your channel, your expertise will naturally grow.
When you’re sharing video content on YouTube, remember that optimizing your uploads is just as crucial as creating great videos. To maximize your reach and engagement, it’s essential to follow YouTube’s SEO guidelines. This means paying close attention to key elements like your title, description, keywords, and tags – all of which should be strategically crafted to be SEO-friendly.
Don’t hesitate to leverage the power of AI tools to help you brainstorm compelling and search-optimized titles and write engaging descriptions that encourage clicks and views. By focusing on these SEO fundamentals, you can significantly improve the visibility of your YouTube content and drive more traffic to your blog.
The satisfaction of editing and producing your first video is a powerful motivator to keep creating! Once you’ve experienced that, discover how to maximize your content by repurposing your videos for other popular social media platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Step 7: Create A Content Calendar And Follow It
To truly cultivate a thriving channel, establishing a content creation calendar is paramount. Take the initiative at the beginning of each month to brainstorm and outline your content topics.
This proactive approach allows you ample time to thoroughly research your subjects, develop engaging scripts, and ultimately produce high-quality videos. When you’re just starting out, aim to create main videos in the 1-5 minute range, and don’t forget the power of short-form content!
Extract compelling 30-second clips from your main videos to share as engaging shorts. This strategy helps you reach a wider audience and maximize your content’s impact.
Consider your channel a significant undertaking, and treat it with the dedication it deserves. By committing to your channel’s theme and focusing on effective SEO strategies, you’ll be amazed at the growth you can achieve within a single year.
We’d love to hear about your journey – come back and leave a comment in one year to let us know how things are going!
Conclusion
Launching a faceless YouTube channel is surprisingly straightforward. The best part? You can often get started without spending a dime.
All you truly need is an internet connection and a solid understanding of the video production workflow, especially when you know which AI tools can streamline the process.
If the workflow described above feels lengthy and exhausting, or if you’re short on time but have the budget, consider our company for the job. We handle everything from scripting to publishing, allowing you to focus on what matters most. Request for this service here.
I hope you found this article helpful. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
ElevenLabs has revolutionized AI voice again! In this video, we’re exploring their exciting new features:
Speech-to-Text Transcription: Easily convert audio into editable text.
ElevenReader Audiobooks: Publish your AI-generated audiobooks directly on their platform!
Studio Feature: Fine-tune your audio with precise text-based editing. I’ll show you how each feature works and how you can use them to create incredible audio content. Don’t miss out!
Click here to sign up on ElevenLabs and start enjoying these features for free.
You’re not alone! In this video, I’m breaking down 4 essential YouTube Studio features that every creator should be using to optimize their videos for maximum visibility. Learn how to leverage these tools to improve your SEO, engage your audience, and ultimately, get more views!
If you have any questions and want to talk business, you can reach out to me here.
Are you a business owner or consultant in Kenya looking for new opportunities? Finding and applying for tenders and consultancy projects can be a game-changer for your growth. In this video, I’ll walk you through the process of how to effectively search and find these opportunities online in Kenya. I’ll cover the best websites, search strategies, and tips to help you identify the right projects for your business.
Share your thoughts and feedback on the comments section below here. For all enquiries reach out to us on the contacts page here.
For full video production services, request for services here.
