The Truth About YouTube Automation

In partnership with

🧠 The Big Picture: The Creator Economy Is Systematizing

We’re officially in the “systems era” of the creator economy.

Creators are no longer just posting content—they’re building workflows, hiring VAs, stacking AI tools, and launching automated channels that scale like mini media companies.

At the center of this shift?
YouTube automation.

It’s pitched as the ultimate passive hustle:
Faceless videos. AI-written scripts. Editors on Fiverr. No filming. No talking.

But here’s the truth: YouTube automation isn’t passive income.
It’s a content business—with all the costs, tools, and strategy that come with it.

Let’s break down how it actually works—and how to make it worth your time.

What YouTube Automation Really Looks Like

When people talk about “automation,” they’re usually referring to this stack:

• Scripts written with ChatGPT or Jasper

• Voiceovers done with ElevenLabs or Fiverr

• Videos edited in Opus Clip, Descript, or by virtual editors

• Publishing automated with Repurpose.io

• Optimization handled through vidIQ or TubeBuddy

On paper, it sounds easy.
But every layer adds cost—and without strategy, most of these videos get buried.

Help Me Keep This Going (Name Your Price)

If this newsletter helped you avoid a scam, make a smarter bet, or just taught you something new—you can support it.

There’s no paywall. But every upgrade makes a real difference.

Even $5/month helps me keep sharing the truth about the creator economy—without fluff or hype.

You can also help by checking our this weeks sponsor listed at the bottom of this newsletter. Even a simple click to check them out can go a long way 😉

Real Examples (That Show the Gap Between Views & Revenue)

Loved Dogs

• 647K subs

• 2M+ views per short

• Monthly revenue: ~$932

Even with massive reach, this channel makes less than $1,000/month—because it only posts Shorts. And Shorts don’t contribute much to monetization.

AI-Powered Film Clips Channel

• 518K subs

• Monthly revenue: $6,577

• Tools + VA budget: ~$838/month

• Uses edited movie clips with voiceover for commentary

This channel earns 7x more—not because of sub count, but because it:

• Posts long-form content

• Adds unique value to repurposed clips

How People Are Really Making Money

YouTube ad revenue isn’t the full picture—especially if you’re just starting.

What actually drives income:

• Affiliate links (products, software, Amazon gear)

• Digital products (Notion templates, PLR ebooks)

• Channel flipping on Flippa

• Niche targeting (topics like finance, SaaS, and AI have high CPMs)

• Paid communities or courses after initial traction

And yes—some creators just use their faceless channels to drive traffic to their Shopify, Etsy, or KDP storefronts.

How to Make It Work (Without Getting Burned)

YouTube automation can be legit—if you approach it like a lean content business.

Here’s what actually moves the needle:

• Use tools like vidIQ to find search gaps

• Build repeatable systems with Descript, Repurpose.io, and ElevenLabs

• Focus on value and SEO—not just aesthetics

• Layer monetization from day one (even before you’re eligible for ads)

• Budget at least $100–$300/month for tools, VAs, and software

Volume matters. Strategy matters more.

What This Means for the Creator Economy

For Brands:
Don’t sleep on faceless content channels. Many are run by ex-agency folks, niche experts, or operators who know how to drive conversions.
Instead of just paying influencers, think about acquiring or sponsoring automated media assets in your category.

For Entrepreneurs & Side Hustlers:
This is one of the lowest-barrier digital business models out there. No inventory. No customer service.
But it takes real time, smart tools, and consistency to win. Use SEO tools to find underserved niches before you dive in.

For Content Creators:
You already have an edge—if you’re creating long-form podcasts, TikToks, or YouTube videos, you can repurpose that into faceless content at scale.
Let automation expand your reach, not replace your voice.

Want More? 🎧

This issue is based on my latest Side Hustle Review Podcast, where I go even deeper into:

• The tools I actually use

• What automation gurus won’t tell you

• How to evaluate a channel before buying it

• My own failed (and working) automation experiments

🎙️ Youtube

🎙️ Spotify

The creator economy is changing fast.
It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing it smarter.

See you next week,
—Ryan

Brands are closing deals with Trucks, Pickleball, and Drones

After launching, AntiMetal sent real pizzas to CFOs across NYC - with QR codes to their landing page.

It was weird. It was brilliant. It worked.

They landed Brex, Mercury, and Ramp.

This is how the best brands win the top of the funnel:

Anvara is the marketplace where you can discover, activate, and measure high-impact IRL placements. Think:

• Branded Pizza Boxes

• Music festivals

• Truck Wraps

• Pickleball Sponsorships

We make it easy to be everywhere that matters, without lifting a finger.

Most brands wait for access.

We’re giving you a way in - Now.

Claim your invite.