How to get voice over jobs for beginners

1. Commercials/ads: Many startups have smaller budgets and shorter deadlines, allowing newcomers opportunities to record radio and social media ads or promo videos.  
2. Explainer videos: Previous experience isn’t generally required for explainers if you can provide exciting explanations of a company’s product, service, or concept for websites or social media videos. 
3. Narration: Audiobook producers, e-learning platforms, and filmmakers hire available voice actors for documentaries, audiobooks, e-learning courses, or corporate training materials.
4. Animation character voices: Animation studios, game developers, and content creators need unique, expressive character voices for animated characters in cartoons, video games, or animations.
5. Podcast intros and ads: Some podcasters hire voice talent regardless of experience to add branding to their shows with recorded intros, outros, and podcast advertisements.

• Use online platforms like Voice123 to participate in different open auditions. 
• Upload voice acting samples on casting call websites and forums like Voice123 to showcase your skills and attract clients.
• Use social network sites like LinkedIn and Facebook to connect you with potential clients. 
• Create a professional demo reel showcasing your vocal talents to potential clients or agencies. 
• Don’t overlook local opportunities; contact local production houses, radio stations, and advertising agencies for voice acting jobs. 

Here are some key steps on how to get into voice acting.

Online platforms like Voice123 are popular starting points that offer industry insights with blog articles and voice over jobs for beginners. Professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and The Muse can lead to personal introductions with hiring companies, prompting potential voice over jobs for beginners from home. Listen to podcasts and interviews with experienced voice actors to learn more about their strategies for success. You can also attend voice acting workshops and conferences and join social media groups online.

Getting voice acting jobs involves more than just reading scripted lines. Each project requires specialized techniques. A voice actor for Japanese anime could require a great deal of screaming to create a dynamic, emotional delivery. An audiobook narrator needs vocal stamina to record consistent audio for long periods. So, if you’re looking for voice over jobs for beginners, learn voice care tips, techniques, and exercises to avoid putting undue pressure on your vocal cords. Find out more about how to take care of your voice.

To get voice over jobs for beginners from home, you need a reliable home studio setup. But you don’t need to spend a fortune on a deluxe soundproof studio. A DIY booth or even a modified closet works. Next, invest in good-quality equipment like:  

• A computer/laptop
• A microphone 
• A pop filter 
• DAW
• Audio interface
• Studio headphones
• A recording space with acoustic treatment

In the beginning, finding the right tech will involve time and effort because no one size suits all. But there are many guides on finding the right equipment for a home studio setup to help you produce top-notch audio! 

As you start out, not every door you knock on will open to an incredible opportunity. So, learning the best genres for your voice or how to finetune your auditions is more of a marathon than a sprint. The more persistently you knock, the better your chances of finding work are. Don’t let rejection get you down emotionally. Use it as a stepping stone to improve and prepare for your next audition. Consider what you can do differently at your next audition to help you concentrate on your end goal.

Each gig you take on, whether audiobook narration or character voices, amplifies your experience. So include everything voice-related in your portfolio, from a library reading to your college DJ gig. When you audition for jobs on Voice123, some projects allow you to use it as a voice sample on your profile. And as a newcomer, every audition counts, whether you are booked for the job or not. So, add these samples to your portfolio to showcase your talent to potential clients. These samples depict the range and versatility of your skills and help you secure a solid career in the voice acting industry.

Absolutely! You just need a quiet, soundproof workspace and good-quality equipment. Practice is also critical to honing your skills. Read scripts, record yourself, and listen critically to improve your enunciation, tone, and pacing. Create a diverse portfolio of voice samples for auditions on platforms like Voice123 or ACX. With a bit of grit and self-marketing, you’ll build a solid reputation and secure voice over jobs from the comfort of your home.

Voice over jobs for beginners from home don’t have a one-size-fits-all rate. It comes down to project size, length, usage, complexity, union and non-union rates, and broadcasting rights. Short recordings and audiobooks pay a couple hundred dollars, while commercials and high-profile gigs pay thousands. You can consult respected rate guides like the GVAA for more insight. Remember that as you audition and book work, you’re building connections and lasting relationships with clients, which can lead to recurring work. 

While navigating voice over jobs for beginners has its challenges, it’s 100% possible to build a sustainable, long-term career. Like any industry, you need to do your research, get the right equipment, build a portfolio, and get advice from other industry pros. Above all, be persistent in your search for voice over jobs.