ETA workflow guide
Faceless videos or AI cartoons? Start with the story.
Choose a faceless video when narration carries the idea. Choose an AI cartoon when characters, actions and spoken dialogue are central. In ETA, the first uses AI still images; the second generates moving character-led scenes.
By ETA · Updated · Based on the current ETA workflows
What is the difference?
A faceless video is a video made without the creator appearing on camera. That describes a presentation style, not a single production technique. ETA’s faceless tool specifically combines AI-generated still images with a narration track and optional timed captions. A cartoon uses animated characters and scene actions to carry the story. ETA’s cartoon tool first produces character references and an editable story, then sends the approved scene instructions to an animation model.
| Production choice | Faceless video | AI cartoon |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | A topic or your own narration script | A story prompt, optionally with up to three character images |
| Visual output | Narrated scenes made from AI still images | Generated character animation guided by cast references |
| Length options | Approximately 30 or 60 seconds | 15, 30 or 60 seconds |
| Language | English, Spanish or French narration | English generated dialogue |
| Captions | Optional captions burned into the MP4 | No automatic subtitles in this workflow |
| Review before rendering | Editable narration and visual prompts | Cast portraits and editable actions, camera directions and dialogue |
| Generation credits | 20 to render; 2 more for AI script writing | 40 for cast and story; animation from 8 credits per second |
| Download | Private 720p MP4 in 9:16 or 16:9 | Private 720p MP4 in 9:16 or 16:9 |
When should you choose a faceless video?
Use the narration-led workflow for a short explanation, a lesson introduction or a story told by a narrator. Start with your own script if exact phrasing matters, or use an idea to request an AI draft. Review claims, names and pronunciation before rendering. Visual prompts should support the spoken explanation, not introduce a second unrelated story.
This is also the simpler choice when you do not need a recurring animated cast. It is not the right fit if you expect full-motion character acting, stock footage selection or automatic publishing to a social account.
See faceless video capabilitiesWhen should you choose a cartoon?
Choose a cartoon when an action or exchange between characters is the point of the video: a small visual joke, a short fictional scene or a character explaining an idea through dialogue. Describe appearance, setting and one clear action per scene. Use your own reference artwork only when you have permission to use it.
Review the cast before buying animation. AI-generated movement, exact dialogue and character continuity can vary. The reference-guided workflow helps establish a cast, but it is not a guarantee that every detail stays identical across all frames.
See cartoon creation capabilitiesHow can you write a useful first brief?
State the audience, one idea, the tone and the desired format. Separate narration from what the viewer should see. For animation, include the character’s motivation and a simple sequence of actions. Avoid asking one short scene to change locations, introduce many people and deliver several paragraphs of dialogue.
Example faceless brief
Create a 30-second vertical explainer for new gardeners about checking soil before watering. Use three clear scenes, a calm English narrator, watercolor-style images and readable captions. End with one practical reminder.
Example cartoon brief
Create a 15-second cartoon about a curious orange cat discovering a toy robot in a sunny workshop. The cat taps it, the robot wakes up and says one short friendly line, and the cat jumps back in surprise. Keep the setting and character designs consistent.
These are illustrative prompt examples, not claims about a generated result.
What should you review before sharing?
- Check every factual statement and any spoken names. AI output is not a source of verified facts.
- Watch for character changes, distorted objects and dialogue that differs from your storyboard.
- Check caption legibility when captions are available, especially on a phone screen.
- Confirm that your images, character designs and publishing use comply with the rights and permissions that apply to them.
- Choose the output orientation before generation and check the completed file before uploading it anywhere else.
Both workflows use credits. Costs depend on the generation stage and, for cartoons, the chosen duration and model. Review the estimate shown in the studio and see pricing and credits. Neither workflow currently auto-posts your video to social platforms.