Creating content as an introvert
A guide (+ checklist) for my fellow introvert creatives who want to show up without feeling awkward.
Let’s get this out of the way first:
I’ve never put my face on camera. Not once. Not even for five seconds. No talking to the screen. No pointing at floating text on a TikTok. Not even a “hi.”
I’ve made Reels and TikToks before, yes.
But I’ve always managed to hide behind something: Music, images, videos or some “soft” aesthetics.
And even that felt like a lot.
I’ve probably shared three photos of myself online in the past two years.
To be fair, that’s partly because I don’t have many I like.
But mostly because I don’t enjoy being online in that way.
Which, when you’re trying to build a presence online, can be… tricky.
Especially when most of the advice sounds like this:
“Show your face.”
“Talk to the camera.”
“Just be yourself, but more confident.”
”Do what others in your niche do.”
Ah. Cool. Thanks.
But I wouldn’t even call myself shy. It just depends.
Put me in front of a camera and ask me to film a video for people I don’t know? Absolutely not. My brain short-circuits. I forget how to form words. I hate it.
But sit down with me in real life, with coffee or tea, in a quiet space?
I’ll talk your ears off, I’ll laugh too loudly and I’ll probably overshare.
I’m not shy in that setting. Not even a little.
But content creation?
For strangers? On the internet?
That’s a completely different thing.
And if you’re introverted, or even just a bit shy, you probably know the feeling. Creating content as an introvert can feel awkward and uncomfortable.
Sometimes even embarrassing.
You’re probably not insecure.
But something about being “visible” online in a performative way just doesn’t sit right.
And honestly, I don’t think it has to.
Let’s talk about what it can look like instead.
How do you create content when you’re introverted, shy, and kind of don’t want to be seen?
Don’t force yourself into formats that feel awful.
But you don’t stay stuck in fear, either.
There’s a way to show up that doesn’t drain you.
But you might need to try a few things first.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me at the start:
Most advice around content creation was not made with people like us in mind.
It’s built for people who like to talk. Who gain energy from attention.
Who don’t feel weird watching themselves in a video.
So if you're introverted, sensitive, and already a bit unsure, it's very easy to assume you're "just not cut out for it."
You're not loud enough.
Not confident enough.
Not enough of a “personal brand.”
I call bullshit.
You’re just trying to do it the extrovert way.
And you don’t have to.
What I do and what might work for you too
Let me walk you through the things that actually help me show up feeling less awkward.
1. I choose my formats intentionally
My primary content format is writing.
It’s what I love most. It’s where I feel natural, expressive, and like myself.
If you love visuals? Make visuals.
If you like talking but hate being on camera, try voiceovers.
Or a podcast. Or a video with quiet text and music.
You don’t have to speak directly to anyone to say something meaningful.
There are so many ways to share what you do, you just need to find the ones that don’t drain you.
2. I batch when I have energy, and rest when I don’t
Creating content every single day?
That’s a fast track to content burnout, especially if you're introverted.
Instead, I create in focused blocks.
One to three days of research, writing, designing, and scheduling.
Then I’m done for a week. Sometimes a whole month. Sometimes two.
Batch creating gives me more space.
It removes things like “write a Substack Note” or “make a Pinterest pin” from my daily to-do list.
I can step back, slow down, take a breath, focus on other thing and still be showing up.
That’s the kind of consistency I can actually stick with.
3. I repurpose everything
When I write a Substack post, I turn it into a Pinterest pin, a couple Notes and a short LinkedIn post.
If I write a blog post on my French blog, I’ll often mention it on Substack too, but at the very least, it becomes a few new Pinterest pins.
Then I reshare everything again a few weeks (or months) later.
No one remembers what you posted two months ago.
And if they do? It means it was worth repeating.
Repurposing makes sure your good ideas keep working for you, without having to start from scratch every time.
4. I use tools to reduce friction
I like structure. I actually need it. But only if it stays simple.
If it gets too complicated, I’ll avoid it, and that’s the end of consistency.
Here’s what I use:
Canva templates, so I’m not reinventing the wheel every time I design a pin.
Metricool, to schedule my Pinterest content in batches.
Trello, to track ideas, break big tasks into smaller ones (I love checkboxes), build strategies, and keep everything important in one place.
Google Sheet, where I plan all my Substack content. I’ve got a calendar view, publish dates, reshare dates, post status, and more checkboxes. (Love them!)
5. I keep an open mind
Right now, I can’t imagine doing a podcast or even adding audio on Substack.
But I also know… one day I maybe will.
Maybe I’ll film something for a Pinterest course with my face in a tiny corner of the screen. Maybe I’ll hate the first take. Maybe I’ll redo it ten times. But I also know I’ll get through it, and it might feel surprisingly… okay.
Maybe I’ll invest in a professional photo shoot at some point. So I can have a few images of myself that I actually like and feel good about sharing. Maybe I’ll post them on LinkedIn. Maybe I’ll use one in a newsletter.
I’m not forcing it and I’m not rushing it. But I’m open to it.
To trying things when I feel ready and to pushing myself when it feels meaningful.
To doing the uncomfortable thing and surviving it, and maybe even liking it enough to do it again.
That doesn’t mean I have to love it.
But I don’t want to close myself off entirely either.
Because sometimes growth looks like saying “not yet.”
And sometimes it looks like trying something just to prove you can.
That openness? It’s an important part of the system too.
Platform matters so choose wisely
Some platforms feel like constant performance. And it’s not for everyone.
Others are calmer and actually designed to be “more quiet” and therefore more suited to thoughtful creators.
Here are the ones that tend to work best for introverted creatives:
Pinterest
Great if you love visuals and want your content to work in the background. It’s searchable, long-term, low-pressure, and so easy to batch.
Perfect for driving traffic to your blog, newsletter, or website, without being “social.”
Substack
Ideal if you enjoy writing and want to build a more intimate connection with your audience. You can grow slowly and steadily, without needing to post every day or understand an algorithm.
Blog / Medium
Perfect for long-form writers or educators who want to create timeless, high-quality content. Blog posts can be repurposed into social media posts, carousels, pins, and a newsletter.
Instagram (but not the algorithm hacking version)
Skip the Reels. Focus on carousels, images, or stories if you like them.
Use it as a visual portfolio for your art and creations.
LinkedIn (with lots of boundaries)
It can actually be great if you like writing and don’t take it too seriously. You can share behind-the-scenes, lessons learned, ressources, valuable tips or small thoughts.
But yes, you’ll also scroll past things that make you cringe and want to throw your phone across the room. That part is inevitable.
Avoid platforms that drain you. That’s why you won’t find me on Instagram or TikTok.
Pick one or two platforms that match your strengths, your energy, and your long-term goals.
You really don’t need to be everywhere but you do need to show up consistently.
Your presence is more powerful when it’s sustainable and your content will be better when you genuinely enjoy creating it.
Checklist: Find your introvert-friendly platforms & formats
→ What format feels natural, and sustainable, to me?
Writing? Audio? Visuals? Quiet videos with music or captions?
Maybe it’s Instagram carousels with soft branding and one photo of you, maybe it’s never showing your face at all. What medium makes you feel like you?
→ What type of content do I enjoy consuming, and why?
This often reveals how you want to create.
→ What makes me feel fake or uncomfortable?
This is what you get to skip.
→ What platforms match my energy and pace?
Do I prefer search-based platforms? (like Pinterest)
Do I want space to write and reflect? (Substack, blogs)
Do I want to be seen less, or slower?
Which ones feel too loud, and which ones feel calm enough to try?
→ How often do I want to create?
Once a week? Every other day? Monthly batches?
→ What tools will help me make this easier?
Templates? Schedulers? Idea banks? Anything that helps you start faster and think less in the moment will be helpful.
→ What’s one piece of content I could repurpose this week?
Start with something you already made, turn it into 2–3 things.
Final thought
Creating content as an introvert isn’t about hiding behind 3,000-word blog posts or an Instagram carousel. It’s about protecting your energy, and showing up on your own terms.
It might take a little trial and error.
You might end up liking formats you thought you’d hate.
And if you’re showing up in a way that feels true to you, even once a week?
That counts.
Speak soon,
Maude
