Outsourcing Faceless Video Production: Complete Guide

Want to scale your faceless channel without burning out? Here's how to build a team and outsource video production effectively.

When to Start Outsourcing

• You're monetized and can reinvest revenue
• You have a proven format that works
• You're bottlenecked on time, not ideas
• You can afford $200-500/month minimum

What to Outsource First

1. Video Editing (Highest Impact)

• Takes 3-10 hours per video
• Most time-consuming task
• Easy to train with clear SOPs
• Cost: $20-100 per video

2. Thumbnail Design

• Critical for CTR
• Designers are affordable
• Can batch order multiple
• Cost: $5-25 per thumbnail

3. Scriptwriting

• Research-heavy work
• Requires niche understanding
• Harder to find good writers
• Cost: $30-100 per script

4. Voice Recording

• If using human voice
• Or AI voice generation management
• Cost: $20-50 per video or flat monthly

Where to Find Freelancers

Video Editors

• Fiverr: Budget option, $20-50/video
• Upwork: More vetted, $50-150/video
• OnlineJobs.ph: Filipino editors, affordable long-term
• YouTube editor communities: Reddit, Discord
• Editvideo.io: Specialized for YouTubers

Thumbnail Designers

• Fiverr: $5-30 per thumbnail
• 99designs: Higher quality, higher price
• Design Pickle: Unlimited designs, flat monthly fee
• Twitter/X: Many designers advertise services

Scriptwriters

• Upwork: Best for quality writers
• Contently: Professional content writers
• Problogger Job Board: Writers looking for work
• Your audience: Superfans sometimes make great writers

Creating SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)

Why SOPs Matter

• Ensures consistency across all videos
• Makes training new team members easy
• Reduces back-and-forth communication
• Protects your brand quality

What to Document

SOP Format

1. Record yourself doing the task (Loom)
2. Write step-by-step instructions
3. Include example files
4. Store in Notion or Google Drive
5. Update based on feedback

Hiring Process

Step 1: Create Test Task

• Give a small paid task ($20-50)
• Provide clear instructions + examples
• Set deadline (24-48 hours)
• Evaluate 3-5 candidates

Step 2: Evaluate Results

• Quality of work
• Ability to follow instructions
• Communication responsiveness
• Meeting deadline
• Attention to detail

Step 3: Trial Period

• Start with 3-5 videos
• Provide detailed feedback
• See if they improve
• Assess reliability over time

Communication & Management

Tools

• Slack: Daily communication
• Trello/Notion: Task management
• Google Drive: File sharing
• Frame.io: Video review with timestamps
• Loom: Quick feedback videos

Best Practices

• Weekly check-ins for ongoing projects
• Clear deadlines with buffer time
• Feedback in video format when possible
• Document all decisions
• Pay on time, every time

Pricing Models

Per-Video

• Best for starting out
• Clear cost per video
• Flexibility in volume
• Can shop around

Monthly Retainer

• Set number of videos/month
• Better rates typically
• More committed relationship
• Predictable costs

Full-Time Hire

• Dedicated team member
• Full availability
• Higher commitment
• $500-2000/month for overseas talent

Cost Breakdown Example

Scaling Your Team

Phase 1: Solo + 1 Editor

• You: Scripts, strategy, voice
• Editor: Everything post-voice

Phase 2: Add Designer + Writer

• Writer: Research + scripts
• Designer: Thumbnails
• You: Review, voice, strategy

Phase 3: Full Production Team

• Project manager
• Multiple editors
• Writers for different series
• You: Creative direction, growth

Protecting Your Channel

• Never share passwords: Use YouTube's Brand Account roles
• Contracts: Simple agreements for work-for-hire
• Backup everything: Keep copies of all raw files
• Multiple freelancers: Don't depend on one person

Common Mistakes

Outsourcing transforms a side hustle into a scalable business. Start with editing—the biggest time sink—then expand as revenue allows. The goal is to spend your time on strategy and growth, not repetitive production tasks.