Commercial Voice Over

TL;DR

What it is: Recording your voice for commercials, advertisements, and marketing content that airs on TV, radio, online platforms, or in-store. You work from a home studio reading scripts provided by clients.

What you'll do:

• Audition for commercial projects by submitting voice samples
• Record script readings in your home studio
• Edit audio files to remove mistakes and add polish
• Deliver finished files to clients within deadlines
• Communicate with clients about revisions and direction

Time to learn: 6-12 months to develop professional skills and build a demo reel, assuming 1-2 hours of daily practice

What you need: Clear speaking voice, home recording equipment ($500-$3,000), quiet recording space, audio editing software, professional demo reel

What This Actually Is

Commercial voice over is recording your voice for advertisements and marketing content. You're the voice behind TV commercials, radio spots, online ads, in-store announcements, and promotional videos.

This isn't about having a "radio voice" or sounding like a traditional announcer. Modern commercial voice over values authenticity and conversational delivery. Clients want voices that sound like real people talking to friends, not broadcasters reading copy.

You work from a home studio, recording scripts sent by clients or casting directors. Projects range from 15-second radio spots to 60-second TV commercials to longer web videos. Each project requires multiple takes, self-direction, and audio editing before delivery.

The commercial category is distinct from other voice over types like audiobooks, animation, or e-learning. Commercial work is specifically advertising-focused, and clients pay premium rates because the content directly drives sales or brand awareness.

What You'll Actually Do

Audition for projects. You'll spend significant time auditioning on platforms or responding to casting calls. Read the script, record a sample following the provided direction, and submit it. Most auditions don't result in bookings, so expect to audition frequently.

Communicate with clients. When you book a job, discuss the project details, delivery format, timeline, and any specific direction. Some clients provide detailed notes about tone and pacing, while others give minimal guidance and expect you to interpret the script.

Record the script. Set up your equipment, do vocal warm-ups, and record multiple takes of the script. You'll read the same lines repeatedly, adjusting tone, pacing, energy, and emphasis until you capture what the client needs.

Edit your audio. Remove mouth noises, breathing sounds, mistakes, and long pauses. Apply light processing like noise reduction and compression. Export the file in the client's required format, usually WAV or MP3 at specific quality settings.

Handle revisions. Clients often request changes after hearing the first delivery. You might need to re-record sections with different emphasis, adjust pacing, or match a specific tone they describe. Revisions are standard in commercial work.

Maintain your equipment and space. Keep your recording setup in good condition, troubleshoot technical issues, and maintain acoustic treatment in your recording space. Equipment problems during a tight deadline can cost you clients.

Skills You Need

Voice control and delivery. You need to control your tone, pacing, and energy to match different commercial styles. Conversational delivery, upbeat and energetic reads, authoritative tones, and warm, friendly deliveries are all common requirements.

Script interpretation. Read a script and understand the message, target audience, and emotional tone the client wants. You need to deliver the right feel without extensive direction.

Audio recording and editing. Operate recording software, set proper microphone levels, monitor audio quality, and edit recordings. Technical skills are non-negotiable because clients expect broadcast-quality audio.

Self-direction. Most commercial voice over work happens alone in your studio. You need to direct yourself, evaluate your takes objectively, and make decisions about which delivery works best.

Business and communication skills. Respond professionally to clients, negotiate rates when appropriate, manage invoices and payments, and maintain relationships for repeat work.

Getting Started

Step 1: Develop your voice skills. Practice reading commercial scripts aloud. Record yourself, listen critically, and identify areas for improvement. Focus on sounding natural and conversational rather than "announcery."

Search online for commercial voice over scripts and practice with different styles. Try upbeat retail ads, serious pharmaceutical commercials, friendly local business spots, and high-energy promotional content.

Step 2: Set up a home studio. You need a decent recording setup before pursuing commercial work. At minimum, get a quality XLR condenser microphone ($200-$500), audio interface ($100-$200), closed-back headphones ($50-$150), pop filter ($15-$30), and recording software.

Find a quiet room in your home with minimal echo. Treat the space with acoustic foam or DIY solutions like heavy blankets. Background noise and room echo will make your recordings unusable for commercial work.

Step 3: Learn audio editing. Download recording software and learn the basics. Popular options include Audacity (free), Adobe Audition, or Reaper. Learn to record, edit out mistakes, remove background noise, and export files in different formats.

Step 4: Create a professional demo reel. This is your audio resume. Record 60-90 seconds showcasing different commercial styles. Include 4-6 different script samples demonstrating range. The demo quality must be broadcast-ready because this is what clients hear before hiring you.

Consider working with a demo producer who specializes in voice over. They provide scripts, direction, and professional editing. This costs $500-$1,500 but significantly improves your demo quality.

Step 5: Join voice over platforms. Create profiles on Voices.com, Voice123, or general freelance sites. Upload your demo reel, fill out your profile completely, and start auditioning for projects.

Note: Platforms may charge fees or commissions. We don't track specific rates as they change frequently. Check each platform's current pricing before signing up.

Step 6: Audition consistently. Set aside time daily or weekly to submit auditions. Treat auditioning as part of the job because you'll audition far more than you'll book projects, especially when starting.

Income Reality

Commercial voice over rates vary dramatically based on project scope, usage, client budget, and your experience level.

Local radio commercials: $100-$250 for a spot that airs in one market. These are smaller budget projects but easier to book when starting.

Regional commercials: $300-$750 for ads airing in multiple markets. Mid-tier projects that make up regular income for working voice actors.

National TV commercials: $2,500-$10,000+ for campaigns airing across major networks. These are rare bookings but represent the high end of commercial voice over.

Online commercials and web videos: $150-$500 for ads appearing on YouTube, social media, or company websites. Digital projects have become increasingly common.

Corporate and promotional videos: $200-$600 for internal company videos, product demonstrations, or promotional content not airing on traditional media.

Hourly perspective: Some voice actors report average hourly rates around $75, though this varies significantly by experience and project type. Top talent can command $200+ per hour, while beginners might work for less as they build experience.

Market rates are influenced by usage rights, project length, revision requirements, and whether you work union or non-union. Union work (SAG-AFTRA) has set rate minimums but requires membership and limits where you can work.

Realistic monthly income: Beginners often make $200-$500 monthly while building their client base and demo reel. Intermediate voice actors with consistent audition habits and quality demos report $1,000-$3,000 monthly. Established professionals with repeat clients and agency representation can exceed $5,000 monthly, though this takes years to achieve.

Income is inconsistent. You might book three projects one week and nothing for the next month. Most voice actors supplement with other work until they establish reliable client relationships.

Where to Find Work

Voice over marketplaces. Platforms like Voices.com and Voice123 connect voice actors with clients posting projects. You create a profile, upload demos, and audition for posted jobs. These platforms charge subscription fees or commissions but provide consistent project flow.

General freelance sites. Fiverr and Upwork list voice over projects, often at lower rates than specialized platforms. These work for building experience and client relationships early on.

Direct outreach to production companies. Contact local advertising agencies, video production companies, radio stations, and marketing firms. Send your demo reel and introduce yourself. Local commercial work can provide steady income without platform fees.

Agent representation. Voice over agents represent talent to major clients and handle bookings for higher-paying work. Getting agent representation typically requires an established track record and professional demo reel. Agents take a percentage of bookings but connect you with projects you wouldn't find independently.

Networking and referrals. Join voice over communities online, attend virtual or in-person events, and build relationships with other voice actors and industry professionals. Referrals from satisfied clients or fellow voice actors lead to many bookings.

Social media and personal website. Share work samples, post about your services, and maintain a professional website showcasing your demo reel and services. Some clients prefer hiring directly rather than going through platforms.

Common Challenges

High competition. Thousands of voice actors compete for the same projects. Standing out requires a quality demo reel, professional audio, and consistent auditioning.

Inconsistent income. You might book multiple projects one month and very few the next. Budget carefully and maintain other income sources while establishing yourself.

Equipment costs and maintenance. Quality recording equipment is expensive upfront, and you'll need to upgrade or replace components over time. Software subscriptions and acoustic treatment add ongoing costs.

Time spent auditioning. You'll audition for dozens of projects before booking one. This unpaid time investment is necessary but can feel discouraging when auditions don't convert to bookings.

Voice strain and fatigue. Recording for hours, especially with energetic or loud delivery, strains your voice. You need to learn proper vocal technique and take breaks to avoid damaging your voice.

Technical troubleshooting. Equipment issues, software crashes, audio problems, and technical difficulties happen at inconvenient times. You need basic troubleshooting skills to resolve problems quickly.

Subjective feedback. Clients sometimes give vague direction like "make it punchier" or "add more energy." Interpreting subjective feedback and translating it into your delivery takes practice.

Platform fees and policies. Many platforms charge significant fees or commissions. Platform policies can change, affecting your earnings or how you interact with clients.

Tips That Actually Help

Invest in quality equipment gradually. Start with a decent setup in the $500-$1,000 range. Upgrade as you book more work and understand what equipment improvements matter most for your voice and recording style.

Record in the quietest space available. Background noise ruins commercial recordings. Even if you have expensive equipment, a noisy room makes your audio unusable. Acoustic treatment matters more than you think.

Practice with real commercial scripts. Find commercial scripts online and practice reading them in different styles. Record yourself, listen critically, and compare your delivery to professional commercials you hear on TV or radio.

Get honest feedback on your demos. Before sending your demo to clients, get feedback from experienced voice actors or demo producers. Your self-assessment might miss issues that immediately disqualify you from bookings.

Develop a signature sound while maintaining versatility. Clients hire you for your unique voice, but you also need range. Find the balance between having a recognizable sound and being able to adapt to different commercial styles.

Treat auditions professionally. Submit your best work on every audition, even for small projects. Casting directors notice consistent quality and remember voice actors who deliver professional auditions.

Learn the business side. Understand how to invoice clients, track expenses for taxes, negotiate rates appropriately, and maintain professional communication. Business skills matter as much as voice skills.

Take care of your voice. Stay hydrated, warm up before recording sessions, rest your voice when fatigued, and avoid yelling or straining. Your voice is your instrument and your income source.

Study commercials actively. Watch and listen to commercials critically. Notice delivery styles, pacing, energy, and how voice matches the visual content. This trains your ear for what works in commercial voice over.

Build relationships with repeat clients. Once you book a client, deliver excellent work and maintain professional communication. Repeat clients provide more reliable income than constantly finding new projects.

Is This For You?

Commercial voice over works well if you have a clear, adaptable voice and enjoy performing. You need patience for the auditioning process and consistency to build a client base over time.

This suits people comfortable working alone in a home studio. You spend hours recording and editing by yourself, so you need self-motivation and discipline.

If you expect quick income, this isn't the right side hustle. Building a successful commercial voice over business takes months to years of consistent effort, equipment investment, and skill development.

Consider this if you're genuinely interested in the craft of voice acting and willing to invest in professional training and equipment. Treating it as a serious business venture rather than easy money improves your chances of success.

The field rewards persistence and professionalism. If you're willing to audition regularly, continuously improve your skills, and deliver consistently quality work, commercial voice over offers flexible, well-paying work you can do from home.