Voice Over Rates Guide

Hiring the right voice actor can make all the difference to your project, whether it’s a commercial, an audiobook, or an eLearning module. But how do you know what’s a fair price for their services? Voice over rates can vary widely, so it’s important to understand what you’re paying for and why.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about voice over rates, from the factors that influence pricing to the different rates for various types of projects.

Factors Influencing Voice Over Rates

Several key factors affect how much you’ll pay for a voice over. Knowing these can help you plan your budget and make an informed decision when choosing a voice actor.

Experience and skill level

The experience and skill level of the voice actor is one of the most significant factors in determining rates. A seasoned professional with a strong portfolio and a range of specialised skills, such as the ability to do accents, dialects, or unique character voices, will naturally charge more than a newcomer.

You’re not just paying for the time they spend recording; you’re paying for their years of experience, their professional approach, and the unique qualities they bring to your project.

A skilled voice actor can elevate your content, make it more engaging, and create a stronger connection with your audience.

Project type and usage

The type of project you’re working on also has a big impact on the cost. Voice overs for commercials, which are broadcast to a wide audience, tend to cost more than voice overs for internal corporate videos or eLearning modules. That’s because commercials have a much broader reach and are more likely to generate revenue, so they command higher rates.

For projects that are broadcast, such as television, radio, or online ads, you’ll also need to pay additional usage fees. These fees are based on factors like the duration of use and the market reach of your content.

Industry standards and market trends

Voice over rates are also shaped by industry standards and market trends. For instance, there has been a growing demand for multilingual voice overs as companies and content creators aim to reach global audiences.

This trend has pushed up rates for foreign language voice actors, especially those who are native speakers or who can perform in less common languages.

On the other hand, the rapid growth of digital content, such as online courses, has created more competition and more competitive pricing for eLearning voice over services. Staying on top of these trends will help you understand what you should expect to pay for different types of voice over work.

Geographical location and market conditions

Where the voice actor is based can also affect the rates. Hiring a voice actor from the UK or the US, where living costs are higher, may be more expensive than hiring someone from another country. Market demand in specific regions can also cause rates to fluctuate.

Being aware of these geographical differences can help you negotiate better rates or find talent that suits your budget without compromising on quality.

Script complexity and length

The complexity and length of your script are crucial factors. A script that requires multiple accents, emotional range, or character changes will likely cost more, as it demands a higher level of skill and effort from the voice actor. Similarly, longer scripts will take more time to record and edit, leading to higher costs.

Voice Over Talent Rates by Language

Voice over rates can differ significantly depending on the language required. Some languages may have higher rates due to their rarity or the unique skill set needed to perform them correctly.

English Speaking Voice-Over Actor Rates

For English-speaking voice actors, rates usually depend on the length of the script and the project type. The costs can be calculated hourly or for half or full-day sessions, depending on the project’s needs. At GoLocalise, for example, our rates include studio rental, a professional sound engineer, and basic file cleanup, providing an all-inclusive package.

BSF	GBP	Euro	USD
Per Hour	£400	€500	$550
Half Day	£1200	€1500	$1650
Full Day	£2400	€3000	$3300

For non-broadcast projects, such as internal corporate videos, rates are typically lower, while broadcast projects, such as TV or radio ads, come with additional usage fees based on the scope and duration of the broadcast.

Foreign Speaking Voice-Over Actor Rates

Rates for foreign language voice actors can vary depending on the specific language and the availability of native speakers. Languages that are less commonly spoken or that require unique dialects may have higher rates.

At GoLocalise, we connect you with voice actors in over 300 languages, accents, and dialects to help you find the perfect match for your project, whatever your budget.

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Typical Voice Over Rates

Voice over rates generally fall into two main categories: non-broadcast and broadcast. The rates you’ll pay depend on which category your project falls into.

Non-Broadcast Voice Over Rates

Non-broadcast voice over rates apply to content used internally or privately, such as corporate videos or training materials. In these cases, you only need to pay the Basic Studio Fee (BSF), as there are no additional usage fees.

Private or Internal Usage Only

For private or internal use, such as training videos or internal presentations, you’re typically only paying for the BSF.

BSF	GBP	Euro	USD
Per Hour	£400	€500	$550
Half Day	£1200	€1500	$1650
Full Day	£2400	€3000	$3300

Table of the differents Voice Over Rates

One of the biggest factors that influence typical voice over prices is whether the project is non-broadcast or broadcast. Rates will also depend on the nature of the project, such as audiobook narration, video games, e-Learning, and IVR or On-hold messages recording.

Here is a breakdown of the voice over rates you can typically expect for non-broadcast projects.

Private or Internal Usage Only

For voice overs for non-broadcast purposes, you’ll only need to pay the VO artist’s BSF (aka ‘Basic Studio / Session Fee’) and no additional usage fees need to be paid on top of this usually. For non-broadcast voice over rates to be applied, the end product will have to be inaccessible to the general public. This means it can’t be hosted online, or used for any purposes other than private usage.

BSF	GBP	Euro	USD
Per Hour	£400	€500	$550
Half Day	£1200	€1500	$1650
Full Day	£2400	€3000	$3300

Audiobook Narration

Rates for audiobook narration can vary depending on the length of the book and the voice actor’s experience. Some agencies charge per finished audio hour, while others may apply a flat fee plus a usage fee. A good voice actor is crucial for audiobook projects, as they need to maintain the listener’s attention and bring the story to life.

Usage Fee	GBP	Euro	USD
Per book	£100 – £600	€100 – €700	$100 – $780

IVR and Phone Messages

Voice over rates for IVR (Interactive Voice Response) and phone messages usually cover just the BSF, with no additional usage fees. These recordings are generally brief and straightforward, making them more affordable than other types of voice overs.

BSF	GBP	Euro	USD
Per Hour	£400	€500	$550
Half Day	£1200	€1500	$1650
Full Day	£2400	€3000	$3300

e-Learning and Corporate Narration

Voice over rates for eLearning projects tend to be lower, especially if the content is for internal use only. However, if your eLearning content will be hosted online, you may need to pay a non-commercial usage fee in addition to the BSF. eLearning voice overs require a clear, engaging delivery that keeps learners interested and supports the educational material.

For more insights on eLearning voice over rates, you can visit our eLearning voice over services

BSF	GBP	Euro	USD
Per Hour	£400	€500	$550
Half Day	£1200	€1500	$1650
Full Day	£2400	€3000	$3300

Usage Fee	GBP	Euro	USD
Per book	£100 – £600	€100 – €700	$100 – $780

Video Games

Voice over rates for video games can vary greatly depending on the scope of the project. Main characters might require several hours of recording, while minor characters may only have a few lines. Rates typically include studio time and a usage fee, but can vary widely, especially for high-profile games. A compelling voice performance is crucial in video games to enhance player immersion and enjoyment.

BSF	GBP	Euro	USD
Per Hour	£400	€500	$550
Half Day	£1200	€1500	$1650
Full Day	£2400	€3000	$3300

Usage Fee	GBP	Euro	USD
Per game	£100 – £600	€100 – €700	$100 – €780

Broadcast Voice Over Rates

Broadcast voice over rates apply to projects that will be aired on TV, radio, or online platforms. These rates usually consist of a BSF plus a usage fee, which depends on factors like the media type and the length of use.

BSF	GBP	Euro	USD
Per Hour	£400	€500	$550
Half Day	£1200	€1500	$1650
Full Day.	£2400	€3000	$3300

Usage Fee (TV)	GBP	Euro	USD
Per ad / video	£700 – £2100	€700 – €2450	$700 – $2730

Usage Fee (Online)	GBP	Euro	USD
Per ad / video	£400 – £1200	€400 – €1400	$400 – $1560

Broadcast voice over fees are higher due to the extended reach and impact of the content. Factors such as duration of use, market size, and media type can all influence the cost.

Voice Over Recording Costs

When embarking on a voice over project, there’s a lot more involved than simply hiring a voice actor. At GoLocalise, we understand that a seamless voice over experience encompasses a variety of services to ensure everything is handled with precision and professionalism.

An Integrated Service Model

Our process begins with accurate audio and video transcriptions. This step is crucial for creating a solid foundation for your project, ensuring that every word is captured correctly, no matter the language. Once transcription is complete, our expert translation services come into play. We bridge language gaps, making your content accessible to a global audience, whether translating from English or into English.

Quality is a top priority, which is why every translation undergoes meticulous proofreading by a second translator. This extra layer of scrutiny ensures that your content is not only accurate but also polished and ready for its intended audience.

To further enhance accessibility, we offer subtitling and captioning services in over 300 languages. This ensures that your content reaches a broader audience and complies with accessibility standards.

Finding the Perfect Voice

Choosing the right voice actor can significantly impact the success of your project. We take the time to match you with a voice that aligns perfectly with your project’s needs. Whether you require specific accents, dialects, or unique character voices, we’ve got you covered.

Our professional recording studios are equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experienced sound engineers, so you can expect nothing less than top-quality recordings. During your recording sessions, we also provide live direction to ensure that your vision is fully realised. This hands-on approach helps us capture exactly what you have in mind and guarantees that the final product matches your expectations.

Polishing Your Project

Once recording is complete, the real magic happens with audio cleaning and editing. We refine and polish every file, making sure it meets the highest professional standards. Our mixing and encoding services handle all the technical aspects, ensuring that your content is perfectly prepared for any platform or use.

How to Determine the Right Voice Over Rates for Your Project

Determining the right voice over rates might initially seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps can simplify the process. Here’s a practical guide to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Your Needs

Start by clearly defining your project’s scope. Consider the length, format, and purpose of your content. This clarity will help you identify the type of voice actor you need and their level of experience.

For instance, if your project requires a specific accent or a unique character voice, you’ll need to find a voice actor who can deliver exactly that. The more detailed your project requirements, the better you can match with the right talent.

Usage and Costs

Think about how your project will be used. Is it for internal purposes like training videos, or will it be broadcast on TV, radio, or online? The intended use will greatly influence the costs, particularly in terms of usage fees. Projects meant for wider distribution generally come with higher rates.

Comparing and Negotiating

It’s wise to gather quotes from several agencies and freelance voice actors. This will not only give you a clearer picture of the market rates but also help you understand what’s included in each quote. Some quotes might encompass studio time, editing, and additional services, while others might not.

Consider if you need extra services such as transcription or translation. While these may add to the cost, they can significantly enhance the quality of your final product.

Finally, remember that rates are often negotiable. If you’re working on a larger project or planning an ongoing partnership, don’t hesitate to discuss your budget and explore potential adjustments.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the voice over market, ensuring you find the right voice for your project at a fair price.