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Home / What is Voiceover?

About Voice Over

So… you want to get into voiceover. Here’s what you need to know:

What is Voiceover?

Voiceover is recording a human voice, reading a written script, to bring to life an idea or a character, for the purpose of educating, instructing, selling, or entertaining. It is often abbreviated as simply VO.

Who performs Voiceovers?

The professional who performs voiceovers is either called a Voice Talent, Voice Actor, Narrator or Announcer.

What kind of training is needed to perform voiceovers?

Voice actors come from a variety of backgrounds. Some have received extensive training in theatre and drama, while others have received individual voice training from voiceover coaches. In many cases, people who perform voiceovers have also had careers in other industries, allowing them to convey an inherent expertise and understanding of the subject matter.

Where do voiceovers take place?

Voice actors use a professional recording studio to record the voiceover. The professional recording studio can exist in a professional setting devoted to sound recording, or it can exist in an acoustically treated space at home utilizing professional-level equipment such as a high-quality condenser microphone, audio interface, computer, audio software, monitors, an acoustic booth, and sound panels for wall treatment. Other optional gear may be added as needed.

What kinds of voiceover styles or genres exist?

Different types of voiceovers are performed for different purposes.

For example, educational voiceovers are performed for the purposes of e-learning, explainer videos and audiobooks, among others.Voiceovers designed to sell products or services are called commercials, which usually air on television, radio, and/or streaming platforms (or anywhere the public can hear them).

Voiceovers designed to entertain include audiobooks, video games, animation characters, audio dramas, and announcer type voices.

Many other genres exist, we just listed a few of the common ones.

There are many genres of voiceover to explore; all of which require study, training, and practice. People interested in the business are encouraged to find coaching and training from some of the many professional coaches and organizations in the field.

Join Us

Now that you know a little bit more about what voiceovers are, you may be ready to meet some people who can help get you there. If you’re interested in becoming part of a community of like-minded business professionals who support best practices and industry standards, we invite you to join WoVO.

Getting started in Voiceover
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  • Home
  • About
    • What is WoVO?
    • Executive Board Members
    • FAQs
  • Education & Resources
    • Education & Resources
    • What is Voiceover?
    • Getting started in Voiceover
    • Why Hire a Professional Voice Talent?
    • Best Practices
    • Mentorship
    • Online Learning
    • Recognizing Voiceover Scams
  • Member Resources
    • Mentorship
      • Become A Mentor
      • Find a Mentor
    • Video Library
    • Business Resources
      • WoVO Circle
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    • Online Learning
    • Recognizing Voiceover Scams
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    • WoVOCON 2025
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