You’ve always been curious about voice-over work. You don’t need to memorize lines and there’s a wide range of opportunities like commercials, audiobooks, video games and podcasts but aside from recording a demo and reaching out to agents, you’re not sure how to begin.
You learn that the industry is growing quickly thanks to new technology. As businesses find it cheaper to create websites and advertise online, the need for voice actors keeps increasing. Explainer videos, promos and company intros are now in high demand because people expect video content as the norm.
Check If Voiceover Work Fits You
Voice acting offers flexibility and creativity but comes with challenges like rejection and working alone. You’ll need clear speech, acting skills, and tech knowledge to succeed in areas like commercials, animation, or audiobooks, where demand is growing. If you enjoy reading aloud and imagining an audience, it might suit you. Start by practicing for free to test it out.
Consider your strengths, such as a unique tone or accent skills, which clients value. Try different styles like warm narration or energetic ads to find what fits. Begin with small local jobs to build confidence before pursuing bigger roles.
Voice acting can feel isolating since you’re often in a booth alone, so balance it with networking or hobbies to stay motivated. This competitive field requires patience and self-reflection. Take breaks, manage stress, and focus on improving. If you’re committed, voice acting can be a rewarding and flexible career.
Learn To Improve Your Voice First
If you want to start landing voice acting jobs, here are four steps to help you improve your skills.
1. Work with a Voice Coach
If you’re serious about voice acting, working with a coach is essential even if you’ve already invested in drama school. A coach helps you understand what’s expected for different types of reads, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve your skills. While some people get booked just for their natural voice, training ensures your success is intentional, not just luck. Plus, it helps you discover which type of work suits you best. For example, I never imagined corporate explainer videos would become one of my biggest income streams, but once I realized it, I focused on excelling in that area.
2. Record a Professional Voice Demo
Your voice demo is like your business card because it showcases your talent to potential clients. If you’re thinking of recording it yourself on your phone, think again. Research professional demos on agency websites, ask for recommendations, and only book a session once you’re confident in your abilities. Recording a demo too early can lead to mistakes but I learned this the hard way when I listened back to my first demo and cringed at some parts. Training beforehand is key. The person recording your demo will guide you, but they won’t teach you the basics.
3. Connect with Other Voice Professionals
Networking is crucial in the voiceover industry. Join organizations like The VoiceOver Network, Gravy for the Brain, or Voiceover Kickstart, which offer webinars, workshops, and resources for actors at all levels. These platforms are great for learning about rates, performance techniques, equipment, and more. They also let you connect with like-minded professionals and stay updated on industry trends. Building relationships with others in the field can open doors to opportunities and help you grow as a voice actor.
4. Build a Home Studio
Thanks to technology, you can now record high-quality voiceovers from home. To get started, you’ll need basic equipment like a microphone, pre-amp, and editing software, which might cost a few hundred pounds. Learn how to use your gear and create a soundproof, acoustically treated space for recording. When I started, I used a makeshift setup with a duvet and a random oar (don’t ask!) but it worked well enough to land my first job. Over time, invest in a proper vocal booth to ensure your recordings have a polished, professional sound.
How To Get Voiceover Jobs That Will Pay You
Getting voiceover jobs takes a mix of planning, hard work and creativity. The more you actively promote yourself and look for chances, the better your chances of getting regular work. Here’s how you can improve your efforts to succeed:
Pay-to-Play (P2P) Sites
Platforms like Voices.com, Bodalgo, and Voice123 are popular with beginners because they offer a constant flow of audition opportunities. For a monthly or yearly fee, you can look at job listings, send your demo, and compete with other voice actors for projects. While these sites can be useful, especially when you’re just starting, they often have lower-paying jobs because so many people are competing for them. To stand out:
- Customize your auditions to fit what the client wants.
- Apply quickly before too many people submit their auditions.
- Focus on areas where you’re really good, like explainer videos, e-learning, or character voices.
Freelance Marketplaces
Freelance websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour let you create a profile to show off your skills and services. Clients can hire you directly for their projects. These platforms are great for building a portfolio and gaining experience, but they also have some challenges:
- There’s a lot of competition, so it’s important to price your services correctly.
- Some clients might not value your work enough, so be firm about your rates and set clear limits.
- Use these platforms to try out different styles and types of work while collecting reviews to build trust.
If You Want To do well:
- Write a strong profile that shows what makes you special and the areas where you excel.
- Create service packages for specific needs, like short scripts for ads or longer recordings for audiobooks.
- Provide excellent service to encourage clients to come back and recommend you to others.
Build Your Own Personal Brand
Direct marketing is a great way to find high-paying, long-term clients. It means building an online presence and reaching out to people who might need your voiceover services. Here’s how you can do it:
- Create a Professional Website
Your website should act as your online resume. Include a clear and well-written bio that highlights your experience and skills. Add links to your voice demos, organized by type, like commercials, audiobooks, or animation. Also, make sure to provide your contact information and a simple way for clients to request quotes or book sessions with you. - Leverage Social Media
Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube are great for promoting your work. Share short clips of your recent projects, post helpful voice acting tips, or create behind-the-scenes content to connect with your audience. On LinkedIn, reach out to decision-makers in industries that often hire voice actors, such as advertising agencies, video production companies, and e-learning platforms. - Cold Outreach
Identify businesses or individuals who might need voiceover services and contact them directly. For example, email local marketing agencies to offer your services for their video campaigns, and include a link to your demo. Call small businesses to suggest explainer videos or phone greetings, explaining how these can benefit them. Reach out to podcasters or authors who need narrators, introducing yourself and highlighting your skills. Always be polite, clear, and professional in your communication. - Networking
Attend industry events, join online forums, and take part in webinars to connect with people who can refer you to opportunities. Word-of-mouth recommendations are highly valuable in this field. For example, I got my first motion-capture session for a virtual reality game because a colleague recommended me to a studio. Building relationships may take time, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Focus on Trending Niches That are in Demand
Some areas of voiceover work are in higher demand and offer better pay. Think about focusing on these:
- Corporate Explainer Videos: Many companies need professional narration for things like training materials, product demos, or internal communications.
- E-Learning Narration: Schools and training providers often look for clear, engaging voices to bring their courses to life.
- Animation and Video Games: If you’re good at accents, character voices, or expressive delivery, this creative niche can be both fun and rewarding.
- Audiobooks: With platforms like Audible growing, audiobook narration is becoming a popular market, especially for fiction and non-fiction titles.
Stay Persistent, Trust the Process and Remain Focused
Voice acting is competitive, and rejection is common. To improve, keep a record of every audition, job application, and client interaction. Look for patterns by asking yourself:
- Which types of jobs pay the most?
- What kind of pitches or auditions get you callbacks?
- Are there trends in the feedback you receive?
FAQs about Getting Voiceover Jobs
How long does it take to start booking voiceover gigs?
You might wait months or years for your first paid job depending on training and marketing but consistent auditions and networking speed it up with some landing work in weeks after demos.
What equipment do I need for a home voiceover studio?
You start with a quiet space, a microphone like dynamic or condenser headphones, an interface and free software like Audacity, adding soundproofing with blankets or foam for clear recordings.
How do I create a voiceover demo?
You record short clips after coaching showcasing different styles in 60 seconds using pro help for quality, focusing on your best reads without slates to impress clients.
Where can I find voiceover auditions online?
You use platforms like Voices, Fiverr or Backstage to audition for jobs, building profiles with demos and skills to get invited by clients worldwide.
What training do I need for voiceover work?
You get coaching on delivery accents and microphone use through classes or one-on-one sessions practicing scripts daily to build skills and confidence.
How much can beginners earn in voiceover?
You start at $100-200 per job or £50/hour for narration, raising rates with experience and reviews, aiming for consistent income through repeat clients.
What mistakes should beginners avoid in voiceover?
You skip rushing demos without training or underpricing work; instead, focus on quality practice and fair rates to build a strong reputation.
How do I market myself as a voiceover artist?
You network online, sharing demos on social media and emailing potential clients with tailored pitches, joining communities for referrals and opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Getting voiceover jobs builds a flexible £50/hour career through training, practice demos and marketing, turning your voice into steady income from home. You’ve seen the steps now; start recording your first script, get coaching and audition daily for growth. Stay persistent, learn from rejections and watch gigs roll in, enjoying the creativity this path offers. Keep going strong.
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