One of the most common things I hear from new clients is:
“Do I really have to be on camera for my business videos?”
And the short answer?
Not always.
You can absolutely create valuable, effective video content without putting your face front and centre. So if you’re camera-shy, unsure about how you come across, or simply don’t want to be the ‘face’ of your brand — this post is for you.
Let’s break down why people feel this way, when being on camera helps, and what you can do instead.
Why People Worry About Being on Camera
You’re not alone if the idea of talking to a lens makes you uncomfortable. The most common things I hear are:
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“I hate how I look/sound on camera.”
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“I don’t know what to say.”
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“I don’t want to come across as salesy or awkward.”
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“I just don’t think I’m ‘that person’.”
Even confident business owners who are great in meetings and pitches can freeze up when the red light comes on.
It’s completely normal — and a big part of my job is helping people overcome that.
When You Don’t Need to Be on Camera
There are plenty of ways to create content that doesn’t involve you sitting under the lights. Here are a few tried-and-tested options:
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Voiceover + Visuals – Use your voice to narrate while showing your product, process, team, or space.
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Client Testimonials – Let your customers tell your story. It’s powerful and totally hands-off for you.
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Team-Focused Content – Showcase your staff, franchisees, or partners to share insights and expertise.
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Text-Led or Animated Videos – Combine motion graphics with captions and stock footage for explainer-style videos.
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Product Demos or B-Roll-Focused Edits – Show what you do rather than explain it yourself.
All of these are legitimate, engaging ways to communicate your message — and not a single shot of you is required if you don’t want it.
When It Does Help to Be on Camera
That said, there are moments when being visible really moves the needle.
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Building trust – People buy from people. A short video of you explaining your approach can go a long way in making someone feel confident in hiring you.
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Humanising your brand – Especially for service-led businesses, seeing the face behind the name adds warmth and credibility.
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Standing out – In a competitive industry, your personality might be the thing that sets you apart.
But again — it doesn’t have to mean long talking-head videos. Even a short intro at the start of a testimonial video can make a difference.
Finding the Middle Ground
There’s a spectrum between “I’m never appearing on video” and “I need to become a YouTuber overnight.”
Here are a few comfortable middle-ground options I often recommend:
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Voice-only – Narrate with visuals overlaid
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Appear briefly – Record a short intro or closer, but let the visuals or other voices carry the bulk of the video
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Informal clips – Phone-shot snippets or behind-the-scenes footage can feel more relaxed than sitting in front of pro lights
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Interview style – Have someone off-camera prompt you, so it feels like a conversation rather than a speech
And of course, my job is to help you feel comfortable throughout the whole process. No pressure, no judgement — just guidance and support.
So, Do You Have to Be on Camera?
No.
Not always.
Not if it doesn’t feel right.
And certainly not until you’re ready.
There are loads of ways to make video content that reflects your business and builds your brand — with or without you in front of the lens.
If you’ve been putting off making a video because you don’t want to be on camera, let’s have a chat.
There’s probably a format that works perfectly for your message and your comfort level.