Faceless Video Ads: Benefits, Tools, and Best Practices

There is a new trend in the vast world of social media and video production -  faceless videos. As the name suggests, faceless videos are created without revealing the creator’s face. Instead, the creators use stock footage, animations, screen recordings, synthetic AI, or other visuals. Paradoxically, faceless videos still can display a face; however, instead of a real one, they are avatars or AI-generated persons.

Let’s dive in and take a closer look at what trends of faceless videos mean in the context of advertising, what their benefits are, and what tools to use in order to create one.

Why Choose a Faceless Video Ad?

There is a strong argument against faceless video ads that cannot be ignored: Advertising that features the face is supposed to be more appealing, trustworthy, and emotionally engaging. 

In practice, however, not every video ad that contains a face is necessarily good or selling. Hence, a faceless video ad is not equal to a bad video ad. 

Faceless videos, in their turn, have a range of benefits over videos with faces. In fact, they can be a solution for various challenges. Here’s what they address:

Focus

Faceless videos often help the audience focus solely on the ad's substance and message. By removing the human face, these videos create a more neutral and universally relatable experience, allowing viewers to engage more deeply with the core content, visuals, and storytelling.

Anonymity & Privacy

Privacy - in real life and on the Internet - is becoming more and more crucial. Not many nowadays are willing to put their face on display as the face of a brand, especially when things can take an unexpected turn. 

Also, many creators simply prefer not to be on camera but still want to share information about the product or service. Faceless videos can be a suitable solution for this.

Scalability

Faceless videos are easier to mass-produce and customize. Tools that offer AI-generated content and stock content facilitate the video-creating process.

Lower Production Costs 

Previously, creating videos required hiring actors and paying them. Very often, this could be a challenge for small businesses with limited budgets. 

With faceless videos, there’s no need for professional filming setups, actors, or expensive editing, making content creation more accessible and cost-effective.

Types of faceless videos in ads 

There are many ways to convey messages in video ads without using faces. It all comes down to creativity. Here are some ideas that showcase how to make a faceless video ad:

Faceless video + Voiceover 

Video ads without actors can still be impactful. This approach remains effective, especially for educational, business, and storytelling content. By using high-quality footage (Stock footage can work as well) paired with a voiceover, brands can create engaging and professional-looking videos without the need for an on-camera presence.

For example, Spotify’s Wrapped campaign video August about Taylor Swift’s album features a 30-second visual of a listener’s room, creatively showcasing their love for the album without showing any people. 

Another recent example is a Heinz campaign, "I'm Still Here, Too," which creatively demonstrates the product without using actors.

Animation Videos

Animation has gained vast popularity in video ad production. Animated ads often focus on engaging storytelling rather than direct sales messaging. This approach makes them feel more like entertainment or informative content rather than a typical ad.

One of the recent examples of animated faceless video ads is Ocado and its Value Worth Talking About Campaign. 

AI-Generated Avatars & Voices

In recent years, synthetic AI tools have made significant advancements. Today, AI-generated voices sound incredibly realistic, and AI avatars are nearly indistinguishable from real people. These technologies have seen widespread adoption in video advertising, especially in social media.

Customer service

These videos serve a dual purpose: Guiding users on how to use a product while simultaneously promoting it. Additionally, a wealth of user-generated content (UGC) helps achieve the same goal by providing authentic, peer-driven insights. 

A great example of this approach is Adobe Photoshop. Not only does the company produce tutorial videos, but countless users also create and share their own, further expanding its educational ecosystem.

Tools to make a faceless video

Now, let’s take a look at various tools that help to automate and make faceless video production easy:

Stock Footage

Pexels – Free stock footage and images with high-quality visuals.

Storyblocks – Subscription-based service with a large library of HD and 4K stock videos.

Artgrid – High-quality cinematic stock footage with unlimited downloads for a subscription.

AI Footage Generation

Runway ML – AI-powered tool for generating and editing video content, including text-to-video features.

Pika Labs – AI-powered tool for generating realistic or stylized video footage from text prompts.

Kaiber – AI-driven video generator that transforms images and prompts into unique animated clips.

AI Video Editing

Descript – AI-powered video and audio editing tool with automatic transcription and overdubbing.

VEED.io – AI-based online video editor with automated subtitles, background removal, and effects.

CapCut – AI-powered editing tool with smart cuts, background removal, and dynamic effects that are great for social media videos.

AI Avatars:

Synthesia - Synthesia offers a platform that enables businesses to create videos featuring realistic AI avatars. Companies like Amazon, Tiffany & Co., and IHG Hotels & Resorts have utilized Synthesia's technology for internal communications, training, and marketing purposes.

Vyond – A powerful tool for creating animated videos with customizable characters and templates, great for marketing and business content.

AI voiceover

ElevenLabs - Known for hyper-realistic AI-generated voices with natural intonation. Offers multilingual support and the ability to clone voices.

Murf AI - Provides lifelike AI voiceovers with over 120+ voices in multiple languages. Allows voice customization, pitch adjustments, and tone control.

👉 See more AI tools on Lab51’s AI Gallery

Whether a video is faceless or features on-screen personalities, its success isn’t solely determined by its content. Many factors influence the effectiveness of a marketing campaign. One critical yet often overlooked element is ad placement, particularly on platforms like YouTube and CTV. Ensuring your ad appears with the right content is just as important as the video itself.

Here is where PXLSTRM makes a difference. We leverage our patented AI algorithms to optimize ad placement and drive real results. Our campaigns typically increase view-through rates by +100 % and deliver a 70% performance boost for our clients. 

With the right strategy and technology, your video ads cannot only be seen but also make an impact.