How I Stopped Showing My Face on Camera (And Started Scaling My Content)
One creator's journey from burnout to 10x output using AI avatars.
I used to believe that if I wasn't in front of the camera, I wasn't truly connecting with my audience.
For years, I followed the rule: "To build trust, you must show your face."
I spent hours setting up lighting. I bought expensive microphones. I'd record the same 60-second video 15 times because I stumbled over my words or the lighting shifted.
Then last month, I hit a breaking point.
I had a client who needed 12 training videos in one week.
My old self would have panicked. I would have booked a studio, hired an actor, and spent a small fortune.
Instead, I did something different. I used an AI avatar.
The result? I delivered 12 perfect videos in 15 minutes.
The client had no idea it wasn't me on camera. They just knew the content was great, the delivery was flawless, and I was "superhumanly" fast.
The Problem: You Are the Bottleneck
If you create content for a living—whether it's for a course, a YouTube channel, or client work—you know the pain:
You are limited by time. Only so many hours you can film before your voice gives out.
You are limited by logistics. Good lighting, quiet spaces, and "camera-ready" moments are rare.
You are limited by language. You speak one or two languages, but your audience is global.
For years, we accepted these limits. We thought that to be "authentic," we had to be physically present in every single video.
But authenticity is not about being on camera. Authenticity is about showing up with value.
Whether that value comes from a human or a digital twin matters less to your audience than you think.
The Solution: Your Digital Twin
Two years ago, AI avatars were robotic. The lip-sync was off. The voices sounded like GPS navigation.
Today? The technology has matured to the point where most people cannot tell the difference.
There's a platform called Synthesia that lets you create a "digital twin" of yourself. You record yourself once for 2–3 minutes, and within one day, you have an AI avatar that looks, sounds, and moves like you.
From that point forward, you never need to film another video again.
1. Write the script.
I write my script in a Google Doc. I keep it conversational. I don't worry about being perfect because the avatar delivers it exactly as written.
2. Paste and generate.
I log into Synthesia, paste my script, and select my avatar. I click "Generate."
3. Done.
Three minutes later, I have a studio-quality video. No retakes. No editing. No "umms" or "ahhs."
That same script can be translated into 140+ languages. My avatar speaks Mandarin, Spanish, and Hindi—all while sounding exactly like me.
Why This Changed My Business
I used to spend 6 hours a week filming and editing. Now I spend that time actually growing my business.
For my coaching clients: I create personalized video responses in minutes.
For my agency: I produce client content at scale without hiring a production team.
For my own brand: I post consistently across platforms without burning out.
The people who used to laugh at AI avatars are now the ones asking me how I create so much content so fast.
I get this question constantly.
Here is the truth: In 2026, if you are using a quality platform like Synthesia, the avatar is indistinguishable from a real person—unless you try to use it for the wrong things.
AI avatars are not great for emotional, high-stakes sales calls (yet). But for:
…they are perfect. Professional. Consistent. Available 24/7.
Synthesia even has a test on their website. They show you two videos: one real human, one AI avatar. Over 50% of people guess wrong. That's how realistic it has become.
How to Start (Simple Steps)
If you want to try this, here is my advice:
1. Start with a stock avatar.
You don't need to create a custom avatar immediately. Synthesia has a library of 140+ diverse avatars. Pick one and create your first video today. It takes 5 minutes.
2. Create a custom avatar when you're ready.
If you want the avatar to look like you, record 2–3 minutes of footage in good lighting. Upload it, and within a day, your digital twin is ready.
3. Focus on one use case.
Don't try to replace all your video at once. Start with one thing—like your weekly newsletter video or a course module—and expand from there.
AI is not replacing creators. It is replacing the drudgery of creation.
The creators who embrace this will scale to levels that were previously impossible. They will reach global audiences, serve more clients, and do it with less stress.
The creators who ignore it will be left wondering why their output remains stuck while their competitors publish 10x more content.
I'm not saying you should stop being on camera. If you love filming, keep doing it.
But if you are tired of being the bottleneck in your own business, it's time to build a digital twin.
What is your biggest struggle with video creation right now? Is it the time? The cost? The camera shyness?
I'd love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment or reblog with your answer.
P.S. If you want to see the exact AI avatar I use, I made a short video showing my workflow.
