
Have you ever dreamed of bringing a character to life, narrating an epic tale, or becoming the spokesperson for a top brand—all from the comfort of your home? As the world of remote work expands, so does the field of voiceover acting. This industry offers voice actors a plethora of opportunities to pursue careers with nothing but their own setup.
But we know it can feel daunting to simply choose the right road to go down. Let us help! Below, we explore the diverse range of voice acting jobs you can pursue from home, along with the necessary tools, skills, and experience required to excel at each one.
From animated projects to audiobooks, here are 12 popular voice acting jobs that you can do remotely.
1. Commercials
Voiceover work for commercials can be done remotely in all channels–radio, television, streaming platforms, and social media. Commercials require actors to convey the desired tone and message effectively within a short time frame.
2. Video games/interactive
Bringing the digital worlds and characters of video games to life through dialogue and narration can be extremely fulfilling. Video-game voice actors should be versatile; you’ll need to be able to portray different characters, and be prepared for the challenges of video-game acting, such as performing lines in various ways that respond to players’ choices.
3. Animation (TV or film)
Animated projects encompass a wide range of genres and target audiences, from children's cartoons and family-friendly programs to adult-oriented series and feature films. Actors should be adept at portraying a diverse range of characters and vocal qualities.
4. Trailers
Voice actors providing narration or voiceovers for promotional trailers for movies, TV shows, video games, and other forms of media should be capable of building suspense, creating excitement, and capturing the essence of the story or product being promoted.
5. Dubbing
Dubbing involves replacing the original dialogue in a film or television show with a translated version in a different language. Voice actors in dubbing must synchronize their performances with the lip movements of the onscreen characters, ensuring that the dialogue matches the nuances of the original performance.
6. Audiobooks and audio drama
Audiobook narration involves recording the spoken-word version of books; audio drama, also known as radio drama or audio theater, is a form of storytelling that relies solely on sound to convey a narrative. Audiobook narrators must maintain consistency and energy throughout long recording sessions, and performers need to be skilled in acting, storytelling, and creating distinct voices for each character.
7. Documentary
Voiceover work in this category can include documentary films, television programs, and online videos. You should be capable of giving narration in a compelling and engaging manner, adapting your delivery to suit the tone and style of each project.
8. Corporate, educational and non-broadcast explainer videos
Doing narration for promotional videos, presentations, and training materials used by businesses, online course providers, and content used in schools, museums, and other educational institutions can provide steady (and lucrative) work. Voice actors need to be able to convey information clearly and persuasively while remaining engaging and personable.
9. Podcasts
This category encompasses a wide range of genres, including storytelling, scripted dramas, interview shows, informational podcasts, and more. Podcast hosts and producers rely on voice actors to provide narration, character voices, dramatizations, or guest appearances on their shows. Voice actors must have strong storytelling abilities, clear diction, and the ability to capture the tone and style of each podcast they contribute to.
10. Phone systems and interactive voice response (IVR)
This type of gig involves providing recorded prompts, menus, and messages for automated phone systems used by businesses and organizations. Voice actors should have a clear and pleasant voice, capable of delivering information in a professional and courteous manner.
11. Toys
This may include talking dolls, action figures, electronic games, and interactive learning toys. You’ll need a lively and expressive voice, capable of engaging children and bringing characters to life.
12. AI/synthetic voice/TTS
AI, synthetic voice, and text-to-speech (TTS) technologies are used in virtual assistants, navigation systems, and accessibility tools. Voice actors in this genre should have a clear and natural-sounding voice, capable of providing accurate and reliable recordings.
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Create a home recording studio with proper tech
To set up a home recording studio, you'll need the following equipment:
- Recording space: Whether it’s a blanket fort, a closet with sound treatment, or a custom-built sound booth, a quiet and acoustically treated space is essential.
- Computer: To avoid unwanted excess noise, a fanless laptop is the best option.
- Microphone: Opt for a condenser XLR microphone if you want to be considered for higher-profile jobs, or consider USB options for beginners.
- Audio interface: This is necessary for XLR microphones.
- Pop filter: This helps to reduce plosives during recording.
- Over-ear monitor headphones: Avoid sound-canceling headphones, as they may affect audio quality. You will need professional audio monitoring headphones.
- DAW (digital audio workstation): This is software for recording and editing audio; options include Audacity, Reaper, Avid Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, and many more.
- Remote session software: For client communication and playback during remote sessions. Source Connect is the leading provider, and some clients will only work with talent with Source Connect; however ipDTL, Cleanfeed, and even Zoom are possible alternatives.
- High-speed internet: It’s essential for uploading files and participating in remote sessions.
Develop skills and experience to build your résumé
In addition to the technical setup, aspiring voiceover artists should focus on acquiring the following skills:
- Acting technique: The ability to analyze text quickly and develop engaging characters is paramount.
- Vocal technique: Learning and practicing proper technique enables you to maintain vocal quality during extended recording sessions, ensures safe practices when performing vocally stressful scenes, and helps you manipulate your voice to perform multiple distinct characters.
- Accents and dialects: Versatility in performing various accents and dialects expands job opportunities.
- Recording and editing: You need to be proficient in setting up home equipment and editing audio files to meet client specifications.
Don’t forget to market yourself
To market yourself effectively as a voiceover artist, consider the following strategies:
- Demo reels: Create separate demo reels for each type of voiceover work you’re interested in.
- Website: Showcase your demos and experience on a professional website that casting directors can easily access.
- Networking: Attend voiceover conventions and reach out to production studios to expand your professional network.
- Casting websites: Use platforms like Backstage and freelance websites to find voiceover opportunities.
- Agent representation: Consider securing representation from a voiceover agent to access higher-profile opportunities not listed publicly.