I Grew a Faceless Instagram Account Using ONLY AI (monetized)
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Introduction
I decided to embark on a journey to explore whether artificial intelligence (AI) could help me build and monetize a faceless Instagram account quickly. Follow along as I document my progress to see if AI can generate 1 million real views and earn our first one thousand dollars online or if the hype surrounding AI is just one big scam.
Finding the Right Keywords
To kick off the project, I consulted ChatGPT for the most popular keywords of 2023. However, I soon discovered its limitation in providing up-to-date information. Luckily, I found that Bard, another AI tool, could offer more recent trending search terms over the last six months. I noted that AI was one of the top-trending topics. To harness this trend, I turned to Name Lix to brainstorm account names centered around AI content creation, ultimately landing on the name "AI Content Creator."
Content Creation Process
With my AI-themed account established, it was time to start posting content. I needed a strategy to create and share content daily, so I returned to ChatGPT, requesting 100 viral scripts for Instagram Reels under 30 seconds. After some fine-tuning on my request, I was thrilled with the results.
Next, I sought ways to automate the content creation process. Instead of detailing this myself, I used one of my AI creations to explain the method. Using three tools—MidJourney for visuals, Eleven Labs for audio, and Studio Didd for video creation—I could produce content in under two minutes. I provided a short prompt to MidJourney (for example, "a classy English butler dressed in a business suit"), created corresponding audio with Eleven Labs, and combined the two in Studio Didd, leading to videos that sometimes went viral with over 20 million views.
Monetization Strategies
While my content garnished attention, I faced the challenge of monetizing the account. Once again, I turned to AI for suggestions. One idea that resonated was starting an AI newsletter, inspired by the success of the Superhuman AI newsletter. I utilized the HubSpot AI campaign assistant to set everything up for free. I created a landing page for sign-ups, customizing it for branding and adding enticing copy to attract subscribers.
The next hurdle was generating content for the newsletter. Utilizing Bard, I quickly created engaging newsletter-style emails on powerful AI tools for creators. Once I had the basics ready, I needed to focus on marketing the newsletter.
Initially, I tried sharing a simple call-to-action on Instagram, asking followers to subscribe, but the response was underwhelming. To increase engagement, I employed polls in my Instagram stories, asking provocative questions about AI’s future. This approach sparked discussions and led to a significant subscriber boost of 74 new email contacts within 24 hours.
After reaching 500 subscribers, I was ready to test monetization. I contacted emerging AI companies about potential partnerships, pitching them on promoting their products in my newsletter. To my surprise, a few smaller companies responded positively. I landed a deal with one brand, which included an up-front base fee and commission for every sale generated through my newsletter.
Conclusion
So, is AI a legitimate pathway to success, or is it merely a scam? While I have yet to earn a million dollars, my results demonstrate that it’s indeed possible to monetize an account using AI tools with minimal effort.
In this phase of the creator economy, I believe we are in a "Centaur" phase. Just like a half-horse, half-human creature, creators who effectively incorporate AI into their work will emerge as the biggest winners. I’m also keen to hear your thoughts on AI’s role in the creator community. Do you believe the day will come when AI surpasses human creators? Feel free to share your insights in the comments.
For those contemplating launching their own projects, my advice is to stay patient, focus on building, and leverage AI where it makes sense. Remember, like any business, success takes time and consistent effort. I'm rooting for you!
Keywords
- AI
- Monetization
- Content Creation
- Newsletter
- Marketing
- Engagement
- Viral
FAQ
Q1: What AI tools did you use to create content for your Instagram account?
A1: I used MidJourney for generating visuals, Eleven Labs for audio creation, and Studio Didd for video production.
Q2: How did you grow your email newsletter subscribers?
A2: I leveraged polls in my Instagram stories to engage my audience, which resulted in a significant increase in subscribers.
Q3: Did you manage to monetize your newsletter?
A3: Yes, I successfully established partnerships with smaller AI companies, leading to both upfront payment and commissions for sales generated.
Q4: Is using AI for content creation a viable strategy?
A4: Absolutely! AI can significantly streamline content creation and marketing processes, allowing creators to focus on strategy and engagement.
Q5: What is the "Centaur" phase of AI?
A5: The "Centaur" phase refers to the collaboration of humans and AI, where creators effectively utilize AI tools to enhance their work and achieve greater success.
