Getting into voiceover involves several steps including learning industry standards and setting yourself up for success with proper training and equipment. Learning from respected coaches, investing in a home setup, finding auditions, meeting casting directors and agents, and marketing yourself are just some of the steps new voice actors can take to acclimate to the industry. There are also many unique genres in voiceover, so knowing which ones appeal to you can help you focus your efforts. Some examples are animation, commercial, video games, corporate narration, medical narration, and audiobooks, to name a few.
Getting Started
While it may seem daunting for newcomers, there are several steps you can take in 2025 that can set you on the right path. I got into broadcasting at a young age, starting as an on-air DJ for several major radio stations in CT and NY at the age of 19.
My work in radio paired with my experience as a theater actor and director was, in some ways, a logical pathway to voiceover. But it was a learning curve for me. Today, when I coach new actors, these are the categories I most urge them to look into when first getting into voiceover.
Training
Whether you are a beginner or a veteran voiceover artist, there is no match for great training, and feedback can be valuable to artists at all levels. There are several options including both one-on-one coaching and group workshops and coaching programs. Familiarizing yourself with genres and styles can prepare you well for auditions, workshops, and voiceover workouts.
Some programs I recommend are SkillsHub, Real Voice LA, and Actors Connection, all of which offer online learning programs as well. I also invite voice actors of all levels to look into my coaching services and group coaching option at Positive Voices Studio.
Equipment
You’d be surprised at how many major voiceover projects including commercials, animated television shows, video games, and movies actually record from home. While studio recording is still utilized, now it is expected that voice actors have a high-quality home setup. You might consider purchasing a portable voiceover booth, but you can also turn a small room or closet into a broadcast-quality home studio with proper soundproofing.
I recommend investing in a nice pair of headphones, an XLR microphone, and an audio interface. A home recording studio can be built and added to over time. I have upgraded and added to my equipment many times over the years and still continue to do so. To learn more about how to achieve amazing sound quality, check out Audio Ninja, created by the talented and knowledgeable Jordan Reynolds.
Creating A Voiceover Demo
When you have a solid foundation of training and some experience, investing in a professionally produced voiceover demo would be a great next step. The industry standard is for voice actors to have a separate demo for each genre they do, but you might begin with a few clips to upload to audition websites and to submit to agents and casting directors.
Eventually, though, all actors need high quality voiceover demos. It is crucial to carefully research this process and also take recommendations from trusted professionals in the industry. Some demo producers I’ve worked with in the last year include J. Michael Collins, The Mono Masters, and LemonToast Media. While it can be one of the bigger investments in voiceover, having a polished demo created by an established professional can help you to put your best foot forward and make greater strides in your career. But be sure to note, this is a step to take when you are truly ready, and your coaches can help you determine when the time is right.
Audition Opportunities and Marketing
It is, of course, important to think about how you will find audition opportunities and market yourself in the industry. Voice actors typically use several different avenues for finding auditions including pay-to-play websites like Voices and Voice123, social media, and my biggest go-to, direct marketing, or reaching out directly to potential clients about a potential collaboration.
Taking some time to look further into all these strategies can open many doors for voiceover artists. It can also be super helpful to acquaint yourself with quoting guides like the GVAA Rate Guide and Gravy for the Brain to get to know what voice actors quote for different types of work. Knowing the industry standards for rates is an important part of building your business.
Insider Tip
New voice actors often tell me that their friends and family members have told them to try voiceover because they have a “great voice” or because they are good at “doing voices.” Ultimately, though, voiceover in 2025 is mostly about being yourself. Natural and conversational reads are in high demand, so as you practice, consider focusing more on who you really are as a person and how you can bring that to the mic.
How To Join My Coaching Group
As you work on getting into voiceover in 2025, consider joining my subscription-based coaching group, Positively Voiceover, which offers a voiceover community with regular specialized workshops with industry professionals, a private Discord group, workouts and feedback opportunities, and much more!