How to Find a Voice Artist?

A practical guide on finding the ideal voice artist. Learn what to look for when choosing a voice for advertising, film, or audiobook.

Why does the choice of voice artist matter?

Choosing the right voice artist is one of the most important decisions in producing any audio or video material. The voice artist's voice is the first thing that shapes the listener's impression - it can build trust, spark interest, or, at worst, put people off from listening any further.

The wrong voice can wreck even the best-prepared script. So it is worth taking the time to find a voice artist whose voice fits your project perfectly.

Voice bank - the best way to find a voice artist

The most effective way to find the ideal voice artist is to use a professional voice bank. It is a platform that gathers voice artists with a range of vocal tones, reading styles, and specialisations. Using a voice bank has many advantages:

  • A wide choice - dozens of voice artists in one place, with filters for gender, language, and voice character
  • Samples to listen to - every artist has demo recordings, so you can instantly tell whether a voice fits your project
  • A quality guarantee - voice artists in a professional voice bank have been vetted for their skills and recording quality
  • Convenience - the whole selection and ordering process happens online

What to look for when choosing a voice artist?

When picking a voice artist, weigh up a few key aspects:

Style and vocal tone

Every project calls for a different narration style. A radio ad needs an energetic, dynamic voice, whereas an audiobook needs calm, absorbing narration. Pay attention to:

  • Tone - warm, cool, low, high
  • Energy - dynamic, calm, understated
  • Reading style - formal, conversational, emotional
  • Diction - clarity and accuracy of pronunciation

Experience and portfolio

An experienced voice artist knows how to interpret the text and adjust pace and tone to suit the material. Check:

  • What types of recordings the artist has done before
  • Which clients and industries they have worked for
  • Whether they have experience in the specific type of recording you need

Language and accent

If you need a recording in a foreign language, your best bet is a native speaker - someone whose mother tongue is that language. Our voice bank features voice artists speaking several dozen languages.

Price and terms

Voiceover rates vary by artist, recording type, and usage rights. It is worth comparing offers and choosing an option that pairs quality with a sensible price.

5 steps to finding the perfect voice artist

Here is a tested process that will help you find the best voice artist for your project:

  1. Define the character of the project - think about the tone and narration style that best fits your material
  2. Browse the voice bank - visit our voice bank and use the filters to narrow the list
  3. Listen to samples - play the demo recordings of your shortlist and compare them
  4. Order a test recording - if you are not sure, order a short test with a snippet of your text
  5. Place the order - once you have found the perfect voice, order the recording through our configurator

Matching the voice to the type of production

Different types of production need different voices. A few pointers:

  • Radio / TV advertising - an energetic, expressive voice that grabs attention in a short time
  • Corporate film - a professional, calm voice that builds the company's credibility
  • Audiobook - a voice with broad emotional range, capable of sustaining hours of narration
  • E-learning - a clear, patient voice that aids comprehension
  • Phone announcements - a friendly, professional voice that represents the company
  • Video games - an actor-quality voice able to bring characters to life

Need help choosing a voice artist? Get in touch - we will help you pick the ideal voice for your project. You can also head straight to our voice bank and find a voice artist on your own.