Best Faceless YouTube Self-Improvement Channels to Start in 2026
📊 Market Intelligence Dashboard
| Metrics | Insights |
|---|---|
| Channels Audited | 32 |
| Opportunity Score | 7.2/10 |
| Average RPM | $10.9 |
| Market Saturation | Medium |
Our data audit identified the most efficient performers in the self-improvement niche. We focus on “Alpha” channels—those generating views significantly higher than their subscriber count, representing the highest growth potential for new creators in 2026.
🏆 Top Performer Leaderboard
Renew & Rise (@RenewAndRise101)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 481.3x | 48.6k | $3 |
“Lists and compilations about football players, their origins, and tributes to those who passed.”
- Winning Strategy: Covers a massive global interest (Football).
- Growth Gap: Football is one of the most saturated niches on YouTube.
Top Benchmark Videos
- The One Habit That Eliminates 95% of Your Problems (330.1k views)
- 6 Things You Should Never Tell Anyone (125.8k views)
- 3 HABITS That TRANSFORM Your LIFE at Any AGE (61.2k views)
BetterU (@BetterU-101)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | 409.2x | 41.3k | $6 |
“Long-form videos testing productivity systems and sharing ‘brain hacks’, often with a psychological angle.”
- Winning Strategy: Unique angle of testing and criticizing self-help advice.
- Growth Gap: There is a gap for content that debunks common self-help myths or reviews productivity methods critically rather than just preaching them.
Top Benchmark Videos
- Learn Anything So Fast It’s Almost Unfair (432.4k views)
- The only way to start self improvement. (331.9k views)
- The CIA’s Secret Learning Method (It Works Scary Fast) (298.7k views)
ClarityGrit (@ClarityGrit0)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5k | 111.0x | 724.6k | $7 |
“High-production gaming documentaries covering history of games, companies, and industry developments. Cinematic storytelling with extensive research.”
- Winning Strategy: Cinematic production quality and deep research
- Growth Gap: Established but growing market
Top Benchmark Videos
- Everyday Things You Do That Slowly Lower Your Intelligence (623.9k views)
- Signs of High IQ People Show Without Even Realizing It (18.8k views)
- 5 Real Ways to Grow Your Intelligence Every Day (3.1k views)
Sci-Fi Adventure (@SciFiAdventureX)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33.0k | 10.5x | 346.3k | $20 |
“High-quality cinematic videos featuring nature, cityscapes, or abstract visuals with deep, philosophical voiceovers.”
- Winning Strategy: Exceptional audio quality and scriptwriting.
- Growth Gap: While popular, there is always room for well-written, faceless content in this niche as the audience is constantly seeking new voices.
Top Benchmark Videos
- He Kissed a 1000-Yr-Old Alien Statue in a Joke It Opened Its Eyes and Said: You Doomed Your Species (359.6k views)
- They Said the Caged Alien Giantess Would Kill Anyone Who Fed Her He Did. Now She Won t Let Him Go. (271.2k views)
- Nobody Dared Bid for the Wild Alien Girl Until a Human Raised His Hand and Never Lowered It (189.7k views)
Zendicay (@Zendicay)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42.9k | 8.6x | 370.1k | $6 |
“Motivational/educational videos focusing on systems, habits, and personal development. Uses stock footage and energetic narration.”
- Winning Strategy: Clear, actionable advice.
- Growth Gap: Self-improvement for ‘creatives’ or ‘artists’ is less saturated than for ‘entrepreneurs’.
Top Benchmark Videos
- How to Master ANYTHING in Life | Polymath Guide (1.4M views)
- Why Generalists Beat Specialists | Jack of All Trades (1.1M views)
- How to Achieve ANYTHING in Life | Systems & Habits (25.3k views)
Closed Stacks (@ClosedStacks)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19.7k | 6.7x | 131.4k | $10 |
“Videos about the benefits of reading, how to read better, and comparisons between physical books vs audiobooks.”
- Winning Strategy: High engagement rate relative to views.
- Growth Gap: The intersection of reading habits and modern productivity is growing. Most reading channels use facecam.
Top Benchmark Videos
- One Habit to Instantly Improve Reading Comprehension (255.9k views)
- How To Be A Better Reader (188.7k views)
- The Secret To Reading More Books (177.2k views)
Curiosity Code (@CuriosityCode_official)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 77.7k | 5.9x | 460.3k | $15 |
“Medium-length psychological/self-help videos (5-10 minutes) featuring IQ tests, brain exercises, and psychology facts. Uses graphics, animations, and engaging narration.”
- Winning Strategy: Viral potential with IQ test format, high engagement
- Growth Gap: Science-based psychology content is underserved compared to vague self-help. Specific cognitive health, brain science, and mental wellness topics are underserved. IQ test format has viral potential.
Top Benchmark Videos
- 7 Simple Brain Exercises to Boost Your Brain Power and Focus (2.9M views)
- Only 9% Can Pass This IQ Test Can You? (1.7M views)
- 4 Powerful Hacks to Study Smarter and Boost Your Grades (10.9k views)
Antidote (@Antidote_thechannel)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 133.0k | 3.3x | 436.6k | $25 |
“High-quality 2D animation summarizing self-help and philosophy books. Often 20-90 minutes long, serving as an alternative to reading the book.”
- Winning Strategy: Exceptional production value and retention metrics.
- Growth Gap: Crowded space, but dominated by ‘talking head’ summaries. Animated summaries are a premium product with less competition.
Top Benchmark Videos
- The Psychology of Money in 33 minutes | Animated Book Summary (2.0M views)
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene | Complete Animated Book Summary (1.3M views)
- The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene | Detailed Animated Book Summary (894.3k views)
DemoGod (@DemoGodST)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1k | 3.1x | 16.0k | $8 |
“Stoic philosophy applied to modern life problems. Uses stock footage of nature, cities, and minimalist animations with calm narration.”
- Winning Strategy: Evergreen content that remains relevant for decades.
- Growth Gap: Extremely saturated, but demand is high.
Top Benchmark Videos
- Vecna’s Entire Story Explained (1.2M views)
- The ENTIRE Stranger Things Timeline Explained (Seasons 1-5) (166.0k views)
- Every Stranger Things Season 5 Spoiler Explained (150.9k views)
What s The Next Level (@WutNexLev)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55.6k | 3.1x | 171.9k | $8 |
“Short to medium-length animated explainers using stick figure visuals to break down complex psychological and productivity concepts.”
- Winning Strategy: Unique visual storytelling that is memorable and shareable.
- Growth Gap: Stick figure animation is a distinct visual style that cuts through the noise of generic AI videos. It appeals to viewers tired of over-polished but generic visuals.
Top Benchmark Videos
- 8 Tiny Japanese Habits That Make a Massive Difference (1.6M views)
- The Japanese Student Routine That Helps You Remember EVERYTHING (1.1M views)
- Did you wake up tired? These 4 Habits Changed My Life (340.1k views)
Know a Bit More (@KnowaBitMoreOfficial)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41.9k | 2.0x | 82.4k | $12 |
“Short, punchy videos listing tips, hacks, and psychological insights for daily life.”
- Winning Strategy: High click-through potential due to listicle format.
- Growth Gap: Saturated market but volume works here. Quality is more important than uniqueness.
Top Benchmark Videos
- 34 Unethical Manipulation tactics exposed in 18 minutes (763.7k views)
- 39 Real-Life Cheat Codes That Instantly Make People Like You (559.6k views)
- 41 Signs you’re actually very attractive (based on science) (191.2k views)
Mr No Plan A (@MrNoPlanA)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72.3k | 1.5x | 110.0k | $8 |
“Black screen with text or simple stock footage, narrating advice on dealing with toxic people, building discipline, and mindset shifts.”
- Winning Strategy: High retention and shareability (shorts format friendly).
- Growth Gap: Well-served niche, but always in demand.
Top Benchmark Videos
- Watch This for 6 Minutes and You’ll Outsmart 90% of People (it’s that simple). (878.7k views)
- How to Win People s Respect (Even If You Don t Say a Word) (767.2k views)
- Do This Once & Watch How People Treat You Differently (700.0k views)
Mr. Know A Little (@Mr.KnowALittleYT)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 104.0k | 0.6x | 59.7k | $15 |
“Cinematic, long-form motivational videos (30-40 mins) using slow-motion footage, epic music, and voiceover to convey stoic philosophy and discipline.”
- Winning Strategy: High production value with cinematic visuals and a strong, consistent message. Titles are compelling.
- Growth Gap: The stoicism and motivation space is highly competitive.
Top Benchmark Videos
- The One Choice That Will Determine Your Next 5 Years (2.4M views)
- 15 Habits That (Silently) Transform Your Life Forever (856.3k views)
- The Perfect Morning Routine For Self Improvement (193.1k views)
Rational Raymond (@rationalraymond)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5k | 0.5x | 5.3k | $12 |
“Narration-over-stock-footage or simple graphics videos focused on providing actionable habits and productivity tips.”
- Winning Strategy: Consistent upload schedule builds algorithm favorability.
- Growth Gap: Highly saturated. Most ‘growth’ here is incremental rather than explosive.
Top Benchmark Videos
- The Best Daily Routine for Students (Stop Doing It Wrong ) (211.7k views)
- 15 Tiny Habits That Quietly Transform Your Life (166.3k views)
- 15 Boring Habits That Quietly Rebuild Your Life (2026) (129.0k views)
The Simple Nerd (@TheSimpleNerd)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3k | 0.4x | 1.0k | $8 |
“Short to medium psychological explanation videos focusing on social behavior and self-improvement. Simple visual presentation.”
- Winning Strategy: Clear focus on practical psychology
- Growth Gap: Highly saturated market with established creators. Differentiation is difficult.
Top Benchmark Videos
- Why Some People Never Gossip (865.5k views)
- These HABITS are RUINING your LIFE! (144.0k views)
- Why Some People Give Up on Others Silently (119.6k views)
Unbothered (@beunbothered)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20.8k | 0.3x | 6.8k | $6 |
“Short to medium philosophical/motivational videos. Uses stock footage and calm narration to discuss mindset and psychology.”
- Winning Strategy: Calming aesthetic and voice.
- Growth Gap: Extremely saturated market.
Top Benchmark Videos
- The Art of Rest: LEARN how to REST so WELL (917.3k views)
- The Kind of Rest That Makes You Immune to Burnout (56.0k views)
- The LAZY way to be more PRODUCTIVE (it actually works) (13.8k views)
Bob Explains (@BobExplaining)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6k | 0.2x | 2.1k | $20 |
“Short to medium videos using stock footage, B-roll, and text overlays to present relationship advice. Mostly generic visuals representing the concepts.”
- Winning Strategy: Consistent output and clear, actionable titles.
- Growth Gap: Oversaturated. Top creators dominate search and recommendations.
Top Benchmark Videos
- 8 Women You Should NEVER Date! (Avoid These Red Flags) (717.0k views)
- Flirting With a Girl is Easy, Actually (NO BS GUIDE) (184.4k views)
- How to Text a Girl for the First Time and Create Attraction (77.9k views)
The Blunt Guy (@TheBluntguyy)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.6k | 0.2x | 2.0k | $8 |
“Direct, no-nonsense self-help advice often in short to medium-length videos with minimal visuals.”
- Winning Strategy: Authentic, direct communication style.
- Growth Gap: Massively popular niche with huge competition.
Top Benchmark Videos
- How to Force Yourself to Do Hard Things (Even When Every Cell in Your Body Resists) (418.8k views)
- 7 Morning Habits That Will Change Your Life (4.5k views)
- How I Force myself to STUDY… (3.4k views)
ThatGuy (@thatguytalk)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 177.0k | 0.2x | 29.2k | $6 |
“Practical advice on social skills, career development, and life improvement.”
- Winning Strategy: Practical, actionable advice
- Growth Gap: Popular niche but has room for unique angles
Top Benchmark Videos
- Learn How To Actually Study Before It s Too Late (3.5M views)
- How to Get Anyone to Talk to You First (Without Begging for Attention) (1.5M views)
- The Secret to Mastering Small Talk (No Matter How Shy You Are) (1.4M views)
Stoic Spring (@StoicSpring)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46.4k | 0.2x | 7.0k | $15 |
“Long-form audio tracks with calming visuals (nature loops, abstract motion graphics) for meditation, sleep, and affirmations.”
- Winning Strategy: Extremely high RPM and long watch time potential.
- Growth Gap: Saturated, but the high RPM makes it worth targeting.
Top Benchmark Videos
- The Lack of Friends Means That | Stoicism | Stoic Lessons (606.5k views)
- 5 Smart Responses That Will Silence Anyone | Stoicism | Stoic Wisdom (468.9k views)
- JUST SAY THESE 6 WORDS AND YOU LL ATTRACT ANYONE | Stoicism | Stoic Wisdom (441.7k views)
SpeakPowerDaily - Podcasts (@SpeakPowerDaily-Podcasts)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43.8k | 0.1x | 6.0k | $8 |
“Audio-focused podcasts with static images or simple text overlays, targeting intermediate English learners (B1-B2).”
- Winning Strategy: High RPM niche and clear value proposition for learners.
- Growth Gap: Many ESL channels show faces or use chaotic visuals. A calm, podcast-style approach for intermediate learners is a blue ocean.
Top Benchmark Videos
- Let s Talk About Healthy Habits English Listening Practice for B1 Learners (469.4k views)
- Stop Wasting Time: Learn English with Podcasts the Right Way | SpeakPowerDaily (87.6k views)
- Focus On You Every Day: Simple Rituals to Reclaim Your Life (82.6k views)
Unf*ck Everything (@UnfuckEverythingYT)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32.3k | 0.1x | 4.0k | $15 |
“Raw, direct-to-camera style narration (faceless) offering advice on self-improvement, targeting men.”
- Winning Strategy: Consistent upload schedule.
- Growth Gap: Oversaturated market.
Top Benchmark Videos
- The Psychology of People Who Are Lazy but Ambitious (1.3M views)
- 35 Years of Life Lessons in Just 5 Minutes (742.9k views)
- Life After 40 for Men: The Truth They NEVER Tell You (62.0k views)
Blunt Motivation (@bluntmotivation)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67.2k | 0.1x | 7.0k | $12 |
“Short, punchy educational videos (1-4 mins) using simple animations to give study tips and productivity advice.”
- Winning Strategy: High engagement and retention; strong hook delivery.
- Growth Gap: Student niche is competitive, but the specific ‘no-nonsense’ style is effective.
Top Benchmark Videos
- Getting ADDICTED to STUDYING is Easy, Actually (2.3M views)
- How to force yourself to LOCK IN for exams (in 2 minutes) (24.0k views)
- How To Remember Everything Like The Japanese Students (Study Less) (23.6k views)
Jamie Social (@JamieSocial)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 171.0k | 0.1x | 16.3k | $10 |
“Stick-figure animated videos explaining social psychology, communication tips, and relationship dynamics.”
- Winning Strategy: Simple, scalable production method with high demand topics.
- Growth Gap: There is a massive audience seeking advice on modern social struggles (e.g., ‘Gen Z social rules’, ‘How to date in 2024’). Current channels are often too generic.
Top Benchmark Videos
- How To Never Get Angry Or Bothered By Anyone (4.5M views)
- How to (Mostly) Never Run Out of Things To Say (940.7k views)
- Be So Calm It Makes People Nervous (720.9k views)
Your Brutal Bestie (@yourbrutalbestie)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81.1k | 0.1x | 7.3k | $10 |
“Animated (usually stick figure) videos offering blunt, ‘brutal’ truth advice on dating and relationships.”
- Winning Strategy: Strong branding (‘Brutal Bestie’) that resonates with an audience tired of sugar-coated advice.
- Growth Gap: The format is effective, but the market is crowded. Success depends on the quality of the script and the strength of the brand voice.
Top Benchmark Videos
- Marriage Explained in 8 Minutes (708.6k views)
- Compatibility Explained in 8 Minutes (525.9k views)
- How Smart People Pick Partners (Like Business Deals) (387.2k views)
Blunt Guy (@ItsBluntGuy)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34.8k | 0.1x | 2.3k | $6 |
“Direct, no-nonsense self-improvement content focusing on discipline, mindset, and hard truths.”
- Winning Strategy: Direct, authentic communication style
- Growth Gap: Established niche with many creators
Top Benchmark Videos
- How to STUDY so FAST that it feels ILLEGAL (698.4k views)
- Daydreaming Is KILLING Your Discipline (281.6k views)
- 15 Brutally Honest TRUTHS That Give You an Unfair Advantage in Life (279.7k views)
Warren Buffet school (@WarrenBuffetSchool-l4b)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34.0k | 0.1x | 2.0k | $4 |
“Simple videos explaining Stoic principles and life advice using text and stock footage.”
- Winning Strategy: Consistent posting schedule.
- Growth Gap: Oversaturated niche.
Top Benchmark Videos
Stoic True Wisdom (@Stoic_True_Wisdom)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 161.0k | 0.1x | 8.3k | $2 |
“Single animated short stories.”
- Winning Strategy: Creative freedom.
- Growth Gap: Saturated market.
Top Benchmark Videos
- 8 Smart Responses That Will Silence Anyone #ancientphilosophy #stoic #stoicphilosophy #stoicism (454.9k views)
- The Psychology Behind People Who Don t Like Guests #ancientphilosophy #philosophy #stoicism (210.9k views)
- Why Staying Home Is the BEST Thing You Can Do Stoicism (198.9k views)
After Skool (@AfterSkool)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7M | 0.0x | 177.0k | $25 |
“Animated videos explaining complex philosophical, psychological, and motivational concepts using narration and simple animation.”
- Winning Strategy: Excellent production quality and strong engagement on popular topics.
- Growth Gap: This is a core saturated niche in faceless automation. No underserved aspect here.
Top Benchmark Videos
- Nikola Tesla - Limitless Energy & the Pyramids of Egypt (10.5M views)
- Why Don’t Country Flags Use The Color Purple? (10.4M views)
- MASS PSYCHOSIS - How an Entire Population Becomes MENTALLY ILL (8.6M views)
VULTUS (@VULTUS-US)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48.7k | 0.0x | 2.2k | $8 |
“Cinematic slideshows with quotes from philosophers (Nietzsche, Machiavelli) over moody stock footage.”
- Winning Strategy: Captures a high-value, loyal demographic.
- Growth Gap: Highly competitive but high demand.
Top Benchmark Videos
- The 3 Dark Personality Types (Which One Are You, Really?) - Machiavelli (374.0k views)
- Why Detachment Makes You Irresistible Machiavelli (206.4k views)
- The 12 Machiavellian Laws That Control Your Life - Machiavelli (194.5k views)
Chucklebone (@chuckle_bone)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2M | 0.0x | 33.4k | $12 |
“High-energy, short-form videos (6-8 minutes) with punchy editing, focusing on actionable self-improvement tips and mindset shifts.”
- Winning Strategy: Excellent pacing and editing; titles and thumbnails are optimized for high CTR.
- Growth Gap: The self-improvement for young men niche is extremely saturated.
Top Benchmark Videos
- SUPER MARIO BROS PS2 :Chucklebone (26.7M views)
- BATMAN’S ARCH ENEMY : Chucklebone (18.7M views)
- THE LAST OF THEM: Chucklebone (17.6M views)
RelentlessDude (@RelentlessDudeofficial)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53.4k | 0.0x | 1.0k | $20 |
“Short-form (6-8 mins) educational videos explaining psychology concepts and self-improvement tips with simple visuals.”
- Winning Strategy: Consistent upload schedule and clear educational format.
- Growth Gap: Saturated niche with established creators. The format is standard and lacks unique differentiation.
Top Benchmark Videos
- Build a Mind So Strong It Scares People (704.2k views)
- 5 Questions Liars Always Ask - DON’T TRUST THEM (472.4k views)
- How To Never Get Angry Or Bothered By Anyone (451.9k views)
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