YouTube ads are one of the best ways to reach a targeted audience. (see our article on YouTube shorts here). It’s also the go-to platform for specific products/services. This makes it a much better advertising option than simply squeezing your ads in between some of the questionable fare often dished up on other social media platforms. So, what really makes successful YouTube ads? Well, this is where having the right voice comes into play. The right voice for your YouTube commercials can talk about something as unglamorous as toilet paper, and still make it sound like a coveted product. That’s why choosing a voice actor for your YouTube ads takes careful thought. Especially if you’re on the hunt for a voice actor that has Simon Cowell’s X-factor. Let’s take a closer look at 5 of the best brand commercials and the incredible voices that drove them to success.
George Clooney: the voice of Budweiser
Budweiser is the key ingredient to music concerts, sports games, the SuperBowl, and even simple gatherings with friends. It’s also a beer synonymous with the voice of Oscar-winning actor George Clooney. According to Statista, in 2021 Budweiser was the most valued beer brand worldwide, making it by far the most popular choice for beer drinkers.
Voice actor – The brand was looking for a classic voice to promote the beer with a smooth touch. And as a representation of old Hollywood charm, Clooney’s voice is the perfect blend of old meets new, something that appeals to both an older and modern audience. His smooth tones also add a sense of mystery and intrigue to this popular drink.
Benefit – So when it comes to choosing a voice actor, have a picture in mind of what the voice actor should bring to the table. Whether it’s an old-school charm or a sharp modern tone, knowing what you’re after makes singling out the perfect talent that much easier.
Jon Hamm: the voice of Mercedes-Benz
Golden Globe winner Jon Hamm has been the voice for Mercedes-Benz since 2010. Hamm’s voice, which is said to be the epitome of a gentleman, adds a touch of class, charisma, and charm to the luxury vehicle. Making him the best Mercedes spokesman to date.
Voice actor – Hamm’s voice exudes a sense of sophistication and confidence that instills a sense of comfort and security in prospective buyers.
Benefit – When it comes to voice actors, the YouTube ads you create will be replayed for a lengthy period. This means the voice you’re looking for should be something viewers want to hear over and over again. It builds trust in your brand and creates a comfortable buyer relationship.
Julia Roberts: the voice of Nationwide Insurance
A few years ago, Hollywood’s sweetheart Julia Roberts was chosen as the voice over artist for a host of Nationwide Insurance commercials. This includes the brand new belongings campaign.
Voice actor – Roberts’ voice added an assuring, confident tone to the ad campaign that resonated well with the insurer’s target audience.
Benefit – If you build confidence in your brand, this will translate to viewers and potentially turn them into buyers. The voice actor that you decide on should likewise engender trust and confidence through their tone and manner of speaking.
Tim Allen: the voice of Pure Michigan
The ads for Pure Michigan ran for a solid decade, from 2008 to 2018. And Tim Allen is the voice that brings the brand to life. The Michigan tourism website, also advocated that the Pure Michigan campaign helped improve the state’s economy. Forbes even went on to list the ads as part of the best travel campaigns of all time.
Voice actor – Allen’s voice which is distinct, calm, and infectious plays a major role in making the ads a winning success.
Benefit – A voice actor’s tone should be catchy much like your favorite tune. This creates an infectious sound the viewer can readily associate with your brand.
Morgan Freeman: the voice of Visa
As one of the most iconic voices of all time, Morgan Freeman is best known as the voice of Visa. His mesmerizing voice lent itself to a host of Visa ads that also aired for about a decade, from 2008 to 2018. Freeman was also the voice over artist for brands like Mountain Dew. He was also featured alongside British actor Peter Dinklage in the 2018 SuperBowl ad, A Song of Ice and Fire – Dinklage vs. Freeman.
Voice actor – Freeman’s smooth drawl is often referred to as comforting. A distinctive tone that instantly sets the hearer at ease.
Benefit – A voice that is distinctive and comforting creates a warm fuzzy feeling in viewers. One that draws them closer to your brand, pushing leads and driving sales.
How to hire a voice actor via Voice123’s free booking feature
Now that you know what to look for in a voice actor, it’s time to focus on how to hire the best voice talent for your YouTube ads. The Voice123 free booking feature is a superb way to connect with oodles of professional voice actors.
Start by creating a free client profile without having to worry about needless membership or subscription fees. Clients can use the platform without charge and gain easy access to tons of incredible voice over talent.
Next, make use of the search feature. Here you’ll get a feel for what the voice actors sound like by listening to various samples. You can also narrow down your voice hunt by simply typing in what you’re looking for. For example, typing ‘Tim Allen’ will give you access to 36 matching voice actor profiles.
Finally, you can post a project for free on the platform to draw even more voice actors to your project. You can even request custom auditions to get a better idea of what your own YouTube ads will sound like.
When you hear the audition that sounds like what you’re after, you can hire the voice actor straight from their audition. All you have to do is hit the book voice actor button. So, the only payment you’ll ever have to make through the whole process is to the voice actor for their voice usage.
How to make payments through the Voice123 secure payment system?
The secure payment system on Voice123 makes payments to voice actors around the world safer and easier. In this situation, Voice123 acts as a bond for the whole transaction. You can make a payment in 5 easy steps.
- Choose a voice actor and submit your booking details
- Settle on the terms and conditions with the voice actor
- Use the Voice123 payment portal to complete the transaction
- Access your project’s recording
- Voice123 delivers the funds to the voice actor
Final Thoughts on hiring the best voice actor for YouTube ads
No matter what, your brand deserves to be heard. And what better way to make an impact than with a voice that says it best. Before settling on a voice actor, take a little time to really consider which voice best suits the message of your brand. Remember to also think long-term. Every great brand has an equally awesome voice behind it. So, the choice you make could well become the voice of your brand for years to come. Regardless of the type of voice you need, Voice123 is a stunning platform at your fingertips. From custom auditions to secure payments, we cut out the middleman, bringing exceptional voice talent right to your door.
So whether you’re looking for a drawl like Morgan Freeman or old-school charm like George Clooney, Voice123 has heaps of incredible voice actors to suit all your YouTube advertising needs.
That being said, we’d like to take a moment to wish you well in your future YouTube ads. May the road of advertising lead you to greener voice pastures filled with fruitful voice projects. And at Voice123, booking the right voice actor for your YouTube ads is really as easy as 1-2-3. So, remember to keep it the Voice123 way and you’ll have the best voice actor for YouTube!
