The Creative Agency’s Playbook for Standout Voice Over
Hiring voice over talent can be overwhelming and time consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re not sure where to start, this checklist can guide you. You’ll get a clear idea of what to expect in the process, what to consider, and best practices so you can feel confident you’ve got everything covered.
Step 1: Get clear on your project goals
First, think about your project at a high level. Get clear on:
- What emotions, feelings, and tone is your content trying to invoke?
- Ultimately, what message do you want to convey?
- Who is your audience – how old are they, where are they located, etc.?
Getting clear on the overall vision upfront will help make decision making easier down the line.
Step 2: Get specific about the voices that will bring your project to life
At minimum, you’ll need to consider:
- Brand alignment: What kind of voice over performance will support your brand identity?
- Talent: How many voice actors will you need? What language, age range, and gender of voice are you looking for?
- Creative direction: Think about the style and tone you want your voice actor to bring to the read. Should it be conversational, upbeat, or emotional, etc.? The more detailed you are here, the better auditions you’ll receive in response.
- Audition script: What script will provide the best example of how a talent will sound in your final project? Include key terms you want to make sure they say correctly (ie: brand name, technical jargon)
- Deliverables: How many final spots do you need, how long is each, and where will they be used (ads, broadcast, corporate, etc.)?
- Estimated budget: Factor in elements such as live directed sessions, revisions, etc.
It’s even better if you’re set on: the final, approved script, recording method (live-directed, async), and licensing period (for how long you’ll be able to use the voice).
With this info, you’ll have a solid brief. You’re ready to cast!
Step 3: Sourcing & casting talent: paths to consider
Now that you know what you need, the next step is finding the right talent. There are a few different paths you can take:
- A professional team through a casting platform. Work with a service partner, like Voices.com’s Managed Services team, that can support you with a dedicated team to handle everything from casting, talent coordination, hiring, file delivery, and more. Great for complex projects or resource-crunched teams.
- Self-service through a casting platform. Post your project, listen to auditions, and coordinate and hire voice actors yourself. Great for straightforward projects needing a fast turnaround.
- AI voice solutions. AI voices can be useful in many cases, but always take care to work with ethical vendors who work with voice talent, and prioritize transparency and consent.
Each of these options are viable for sourcing voice talent. But for complex, global projects that need specialized expertise and scale, a managed service provider is best suited to simplify the process for you and coordinate the many moving parts.
Step 4: Select your talent
When you’re narrowing down auditions, keep these key factors in mind:
- Vocal fit: Does the read align with your script and brand? Think about style, delivery, and whether the voice connects with your audience’s language, accent, and culture.
- Technical quality: Is the recording clean, clear, and free of background noise? Is the microphone producing the quality you’re looking for?
- Creative direction: Did the talent take your brief and creative direction into account?
- Your long term strategy: Could this voice represent your brand consistently across future campaigns and content?
Tip: Make a shortlist of your top 3–5 auditions and share them with your team or stakeholders for input. This helps confirm you’re choosing the voice that best aligns with the project’s goals.
Step 5: Lock in the legal details
Before you finalize everything with the talent, it’s important to get the paperwork right. Make sure to consider:
- Contracts & agreements: Outline and align on expectations, deliverables, and payment terms.
- Licensing & usage: Be specific about how and where the voice will be used, and for how long (e.g., 13 weeks, 6 months, 1 year).
- Terms & conditions: Confirm buyout rights, renewal options, non-disclosure agreements, and any other restrictions.
Laying down the legal groundwork early keeps the project on track and free of surprises later. Working with a managed service provider or established vendor can ensure this step is frictionless and comprehensive. With Voices, every job comes with built-in licensing and agreements, so you’re covered from the start.
Step 6: Get to recording
Once you’ve selected your talent, it’s time to record! Recording can take place during a live-directed session, or asynchronously. Things to consider before and during recording:
- Define expectations for recording environment, microphone quality, and file delivery specs upfront.
- Provide clear directional notes so talent knows the pacing, energy, and intent you expect.
Lastly, think big picture
A few last best practices and tips to help your projects run smoothly and protect your brand in the long term:
- Future Planning: Build strong relationships with talent; you may want to bring the same voice back for consistency in future campaigns.
- Brand protection: Always use talent with explicit consent (especially when it comes to AI), and verify that your assets meet compliance and cultural sensitivity standards.
- Trusted partners: Work with trusted partners or reputable platforms committed to human-first values, ethics, and transparency.
By keeping these big-picture considerations in mind, you’ll set yourself up for smoother projects, stronger brand consistency, and long-term success.