Start a Horror Narration Channel: Complete Setup Guide (2025)

Horror narration is one of the most loyal audiences on YouTube. Channels like Mr. Nightmare and Corpse Husband have built empires with creepy stories and chilling voices. Here's how to start yours.

Why Horror Works

• High retention: People listen until the end for the scare
• Binge-worthy: Viewers watch multiple videos in one session
• Evergreen: Horror content doesn't age
• Low competition: Most can't nail the voice/atmosphere
• Loyal audience: Horror fans subscribe and return

Finding Horror Stories

Free Sources

• r/nosleep: Original horror fiction (need author permission)
• r/LetsNotMeet: Real scary encounters
• r/creepyencounters: True stories
• r/Glitch_in_the_Matrix: Unsettling reality glitches
• Creepypasta Wiki: Classic horror stories

Important: r/nosleep Rules

r/nosleep stories are copyrighted by their authors. You MUST:

1. DM the author for permission
2. Credit them in video and description
3. Share revenue if they request it

Many authors say yes - they want exposure. But always ask first.

The Voice Setup

Your voice is everything in horror. Here's how to nail it:

AI Voice Settings for Horror

In ElevenLabs:

• Voice: "Adam" or "Josh" (deep, masculine)
• Stability: 0.35-0.45 (more variation = more creepy)
• Clarity: 0.70-0.80 (clear but not sterile)
• Style Exaggeration: 0.3-0.5 for subtle emotion

Post-Processing

In Audacity or your DAW:

• Light reverb (room size 20-30%)
• Slight bass boost (+2-3 dB at 100Hz)
• Gentle compression to smooth dynamics
• Remove any background hiss with noise reduction

Audio Atmosphere

Sound design separates amateur from pro horror.

Essential Sound Layers

1. Ambient drone: Constant low hum (barely audible)
2. Environmental sounds: Rain, wind, creaking
3. Tension builders: Rising tones before scares
4. Accent sounds: Footsteps, whispers, doors

Free Horror Sound Sources

• Freesound.org - Massive library
• YouTube Audio Library - Some dark tracks
• Epidemic Sound - Premium horror music
• Myuu's Channel - Free horror music (credit required)

Visual Style Options

Option 1: Static Images

Simple, effective, and fast to produce.

• Dark, atmospheric photos
• AI-generated horror scenes
• Slow zoom/pan for motion
• Subtle vignette effect

Option 2: Animated Visuals

More engaging but more work.

• Fog/particle overlays
• Flickering light effects
• Subtle glitch effects
• Shadow movements

Option 3: Black Screen

Yes, some channels use mostly black screens.

• Forces focus on audio
• Ultra-low effort
• Works for audio-focused audience
• Add occasional text or minimal visuals

Video Structure

Single Story Format (10-20 min)

1. Cold open (0:00): Jump into the scariest moment
2. Intro (0:15): "This story was submitted by..."
3. Story (0:30-end): Full narration with building dread
4. Outro: "If you have a story..."

Compilation Format (15-30 min)

1. Hook: Tease the best story
2. Story 1: Start medium-scary
3. Story 2: Build intensity
4. Story 3: Peak horror
5. Buffer story: Slightly lighter (optional)
6. Final story: End on highest note

Script Enhancement

Use ChatGPT to enhance stories for narration:

Enhance this horror story for YouTube narration:

- Add sensory details (what do they see, hear, feel?)
- Build tension with pacing
- Add "..." for dramatic pauses
- Enhance the scary moments
- Keep the original plot but make it more cinematic

[paste story]

Thumbnail Strategy

Horror thumbnails that work:

• Dark backgrounds (black/dark blue)
• Single creepy focal point
• Red or green accent colors
• Minimal text (2-4 words max)
• Eyes in darkness (always creepy)
• Slightly blurred/distorted imagery

Growth Strategy

Title Formulas

• "True Scary Stories That Will Keep You Up Tonight"
• "3 Horrifying [Location] Encounters"
• "The Most Disturbing Story I've Ever Narrated"
• "Something is Wrong with [Place/Person]"
• "I Work as a [Job]. This is Why I Quit."

Posting Schedule

• Best days: Friday-Sunday (people binge at night)
• Best times: 8 PM - 12 AM (when they're in bed)
• Frequency: 2-3 videos per week

Monetization

Recommended Stack

See our complete Horror Narration Stack.