A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Voice Actor

In 2025, voice actors are voicing everything from Netflix series and video games to AI apps and TikTok ads. If you’re passionate about storytelling and want to turn your voice into a career, this guide is for you.

Inside, you’ll discover a step-by-step guide to becoming a voice actor, what equipment you need to record professional-quality audio, how to build a demo reel that stands out to casting directors, practical tips for finding voice-over jobs online and building a sustainable career.

Who Is a Voice Actor?

A voice actor is a skilled professional who lends their voice to portray characters, narrate stories, or deliver information for various forms of media. This can include:

• Audiobooks
• Commercials
• Animated series and films
• Video games
• E-learning content
• AI-generated voices and dubbing

Read Also: How to Become an Actor

12 Steps on How To Become a Voice Actor

In a journey to become a voice actor, following 12 steps will help you:

1: Research

• Understand your voice type.
• Begin by immersing yourself in the world of voice acting.
• Understand the diverse niches within the industry, from commercials and animation to audiobooks and video games.
• Study the journeys of successful voice actors, learn about their experiences, and gather insights into what it takes to thrive in this field.

2: Take Voice Acting Classes

• A key part of how to become a voice actor is enrolling in trusted voice acting classes or workshops.
• Seek out programs led by experienced professionals who can provide valuable guidance and mentorship.
• These training sessions are instrumental in developing foundational skills, understanding industry norms, and refining your craft.

3: Work On Your Craft and Practice Daily

• Dedicate time to focused practice and refine your voice acting skills.
• This includes exploring various vocal techniques, delving into character development, and the nuances of script interpretation.
• Consistent practice hones your abilities and builds confidence in your performance.

4: Master Your Skills

• Strive for mastery in every facet of voice acting.
• This could involve perfecting your ability to mimic accents, modulating tones to convey different emotions, and mastering the art of delivering authentic and engaging performances.

5: Consider Vocal Training Workshops

• Supplement your general voice-acting training with specialized workshops.
• These sessions can be tailored to fine-tune specific aspects of your voice, such as pitch control, resonance, or other unique vocal characteristics that may be essential for particular roles.

6: Set Up a Basic Home Studio

Start with:

• USB microphone (Blue Yeti or Rode NT1)
• Pop filter
• Soundproof corner or closet
• Free editing software like Audacity

7: Record a Demo Reel

• Your demo reel is your professional calling card in the industry to showcase your versatility and range as a voice actor.
• Craft a polished demo that highlights your ability to tackle various roles and genres, providing potential clients and casting directors with a glimpse of your talent.

8: Create a Voice Actor Portfolio

Include your demo reel, short bio, contact info, and links to your work.

• Add client testimonials or reviews if available, to build trust and credibility.
• Include a professional headshot and a brief voice description (e.g., “warm, engaging, youthful tone”) to help casting directors quickly assess your suitability.

9: Audition Consistently

• Actively seeking out audition opportunities across a wide spectrum of projects not only helps you gain experience but also exposes you to different genres and styles of voice acting.
• Building a robust portfolio of auditions demonstrates your versatility and adaptability.

10: Get Feedback and Improve

• Send your demo to professionals or mentors for critique.
• Learn and improve from feedback.
• Build ratings and testimonials with smaller jobs.
• Join voice acting Discords, Facebook groups, and local meetups. Referrals go a long way.

11: Network and Apply

• Build relationships within the voice acting community and connect with industry professionals.
• Attend events, workshops, and conventions to meet fellow actors, directors, and casting agents.
• Additionally, leverage online platforms and communities to discover new opportunities and stay updated on industry trends.

12: Stay Updated

• The voice-acting industry is dynamic and ever-evolving.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, new technologies, and emerging demands.
• Dedicate yourself to ongoing learning and improvement, adapting your skills to meet the field’s evolving needs. This commitment to growth ensures you remain competitive and relevant in the industry.

Read Also: Who is the Highest Paid Actor?

What Are the Types of Voice Acting?

1: Animation & Anime

Voice actors in animation breathe life into characters that would have otherwise remained dull drawings or computer-generated imagery.

Vocalizing for animation requires a unique skill set, as voice-over artists must infuse these characters with personality, emotions, and depth through their voices alone.

From endearing sidekicks to menacing villains, the voice actor is the conduit through which these animated beings become relatable and memorable.

Notably, some of the best Disney actors and Marvel actors have lent their voices to animated roles—such as Tom Hiddleston in What If…?, Chris Pratt in Onward, and Idina Menzel in Frozen—further blurring the line between blockbuster film stars and voice-over talent. Their performances continue to set the standard for excellence in animated storytelling.

2: Video Games

The world of video games is a dynamic space in which voice actors are instrumental in creating immersive experiences. They provide the voices for a diverse array of characters, each with their own distinctive traits and emotions.

Versatility is key, as a video game voice actor may be called upon to convey a broad spectrum of feelings, from intense action sequences to heartfelt moments of connection.

3: Commercials

In the world of commercials, voice actors lend their voices to various advertisements for radio, television, or online platforms. They might voice product promotions, public service announcements, or brand campaigns.

A skilled commercial voice actor can captivate and engage listeners, effectively delivering the intended message.

5: Audiobooks

Narrating audiobooks is a unique form of voice acting that requires a captivating voice and the ability to sustain engagement over many hours of content.

This activity involves bringing stories to life through expressive readings, often necessitating the creation of distinct voices for the various characters within the narrative.

A skilled audiobook narrator excels at maintaining dramatic pacing and enunciating clearly to ensure an enriching listening experience.

5: Multimedia

Voice acting for multimedia projects spans a wide spectrum of applications, including narrations for presentations, e-learning courses, interactive media, and more.

In this domain, voice actors serve as the voice of knowledge and guidance, helping to convey information effectively and engagingly. They are vital in making complex concepts accessible and relatable to the audience.

6: AI Voice Cloning

AI voice cloning is an emerging frontier in voice acting, where a synthetic voice is generated to mimic a real person’s vocal traits with remarkable accuracy. This technology allows voice actors to license their voiceprints for use in a variety of media, including virtual assistants, audiobooks, games, and even dubbing.

Voice actors involved in AI cloning must deliver various phonetic sounds, tones, and emotions during the recording process to train the AI effectively.

Ethical considerations and proper usage rights are crucial in this field, as it blurs the lines between human and machine-generated performances.

7: Movies (Dubbing)

Dubbing in films is a specialized field in which voice actors provide alternate dialogue for characters in foreign-language films. This allows the films to be understood and enjoyed by a global audience.

Dubbing demands precision, as voice actors must synchronize their delivery with the original actor’s on-screen visuals and facial movements. This requires linguistic accuracy and the ability to convey the same emotions and nuances as the original performance.

Read Also: Who is the Best Actor in the World?

What Are the Skills Required for a Voice Actor?

1: Vocal Talents

• Mastering the art of manipulating your voice involves having a wide vocal range and knowing how to modulate it effectively.
• This art involves conveying a spectrum of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness and anger, and adopting various tones and styles to suit different characters and contexts.
• A keen understanding of vocal techniques, pitch control, pacing, and articulation is required.

2: Acting Ability

• Understanding how to become a voice actor starts with mastering the art of acting itself.
• To bring characters to life through your voice, you must understand their motivations, experiences, and emotions. This involves empathizing with the character’s situation and conveying their feelings convincingly.
• A skilled voice actor can make the audience believe in the character’s authenticity and depth.

3: Technical Knowledge

• Understanding the technical aspects of voice recording is crucial for producing high-quality audio. This includes familiarity with recording equipment, microphones, pop filters, and acoustics.
• Additionally, proficiency in using editing software and basic sound engineering techniques is essential for cleaning up recordings, adjusting levels, and adding effects when necessary.

4: Confidence

• A confident voice actor can effectively choose a new creative direction and make bold artistic choices.
• Confidence lets you step into a recording session with assurance, take risks in your performance, and confidently deliver lines.
• It also enables you to adapt to different directions and feedback, ensuring that you can consistently deliver standout performances.

5: Persistence

• The voice acting industry can be highly competitive, with numerous talented individuals vying for roles.
• Success in the voice industry requires persistence, dedication to honing one’s craft, and active pursuit of auditions and opportunities.
• Rejections are a natural part of the process, and a persistent voice actor continues to audition and develop their skills, knowing that each experience contributes to their growth.

6: Marketing

• In this digital age, marketing yourself as a voice actor is essential.
• Marketing activities include creating a strong online presence through a professional website or portfolio and utilizing social media platforms like YouTube to showcase your work and engage with potential clients.
• Networking within the industry, attending events, and building relationships with casting directors and fellow actors are vital for securing consistent work and expanding your professional network.

Read Also: Top 10 Richest Korean Actors

Benefits of Voice Acting

1: Amazing Opportunities and Fun Jobs

Voice acting offers a wide range of projects across various media. This includes animation, video games, audiobooks, commercials, podcasts, and more. This diversity ensures that no two projects are alike, making it an exciting and dynamic field.

2: You Can Work Remotely

With technological advancements, voice actors can set up professional recording spaces at home. This means you’re not tied to a specific location, which significantly expands the scope of potential job opportunities.

3: Set Your Own Rates

Being a freelancer in voice acting ensures you control pricing. You can assess the value of your skills and set rates that are fair and reflective of your expertise. This level of autonomy empowers you to build a sustainable and potentially lucrative career.

4: You Get a Chance to Work in a Creative Environment

Voice acting is an art form that requires a high degree of creativity. It’s not just about delivering lines but about bringing characters to life with depth, emotion, and authenticity.

So, you can experiment with different tones, accents, and styles, allowing for a continuous exploration of your creative boundaries.

5: A Chance to Meet Famous People

Voice acting often involves collaboration with esteemed professionals in the entertainment industry. This can include working with renowned directors, producers, and fellow actors. These connections can be invaluable for networking and may lead to new and exciting opportunities in the future.

6: You Can Set Your Own Schedule

Voice actors have the right to plan their work schedules. This level of flexibility contributes to a healthy work-life balance.

Read Also: Types of Acting Technique

Tips for Becoming a Voice Actor

1: Study Successful Voice Actors

• Take the time to delve into the careers of accomplished voice actors.
• Analyze their performances, understand their techniques, and observe how they approach various roles.
• This can provide valuable insights into what works in the industry and help you adapt and develop your own style.

2: Know Your Unique Voice Qualities

• Recognize and embrace the distinctive qualities of your voice.
• Each voice has its unique timbre, tone, and characteristics.
• Understanding these attributes allows you to leverage them effectively in your performances.
• It’s important to realize that your voice is your signature and can be a powerful tool in creating memorable and impactful characters.

3: Create a Warm-up Routine

• A warm-up routine is crucial to prepare your voice for recording sessions.
• Just as athletes warm up before a game, voice actors need to condition their vocal cords.
• This can include gentle vocal exercises, breathing techniques, and articulation drills.
• A well-prepared voice ensures that you can deliver consistent and high-quality performances.

4: Pursue Passionate Projects

• Seek out projects that resonate with your passions and interests. When you’re genuinely invested in a project, your authenticity shines through in your performance. This authenticity is what creates compelling and relatable characters.
• Whether it’s a genre you’re passionate about or a cause you deeply care for, aligning your projects with your interests enhances the depth of your portrayal.
• By incorporating these tips into your journey as a voice actor, you’ll refine your craft and increase your chances of delivering standout performances that resonate with audiences.

Read Also: Top 10 Korean Actors

Salary and Job Outlook of Voice Actors in 2025

Voice acting income varies by experience, role, and market. Freelancers can earn more by working across multiple platforms. AI-related voice cloning gigs are expected to rise 20% YoY in 2025.

• Career Path: Voice acting often starts as a part-time endeavor. With recurring roles in series, it can transition into a full-time occupation.
• Financial Success: Some voice actors achieve significant financial success with time and dedication. They may earn millions from major roles and residual earnings from aired productions.
• Key to Success: Achieving success as a voice actor requires sustained commitment and a genuine love for the craft.

• Future Outlook: The voice acting industry is expected to grow, driven by demand in animation, video games, audiobooks, and digital media platforms.

  Emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality may create new opportunities and increase competition.

  Overall, voice actors with versatile skills and strong portfolios will continue finding more opportunities in traditional and digital media.

Read Also: Top 10 German Male Actors

The Best Place To Find Voice-Over Work

• voices.com: A leading platform connecting voice actors with diverse project opportunities.
• voices123.com: A reputable marketplace for voice-over artists to showcase their skills and connect with clients.
• fiverr.com: A versatile freelancing platform, including voice-over services, offering flexibility in pricing and offerings.
• PeoplePerHour.com: A comprehensive freelancing platform encompassing voice-over work, allowing voice actors to bid on projects.
• upwork.com: An emerging platform for voice-over work, providing opportunities to connect with a growing community of talent and clients.

Read Also: Top 10 Disney Actors

Beginner Toolkit: Voice Acting Equipment You Need

Read Also: Top 10 Oscar Winning Actors

Summary

Who Is a Voice Actor?

A voice actor is a skilled professional who uses their voice in various media, bringing characters to life and conveying messages through their vocal talents.

12 Steps on How To Become a Voice Actor

• Research
• Take Voice Acting Classes
• Work On Your Craft and Practice Daily
• Master Your Skills
• Consider Vocal Training Workshops
• Set Up a Basic Home Studio
• Record a Demo Reel
• Create a Voice Actor Portfolio
• Audition Consistently
• Get Feedback and Improve
• Network and Apply
• Stay Updated

What Are the Types of Voice Acting?

• Animation & Anime
• Video Games
• Commercials
• Audiobooks
• Multimedia
• AI Voice Cloning
• Movies (Dubbing)

What Are the Skills Required for a Voice Actor?

• Vocal Talents
• Acting Ability
• Technical Knowledge
• Confidence
• Persistence
• Marketing

Benefits of Voice Acting

You can work remotely, set your rates and schedule, and enjoy the freedom of working. It’s a flexible, artistic career with chances to collaborate with industry professionals and grow your network.

Tips for Becoming a Voice Actor

• Study Successful Voice Actors
• Know Your Unique Voice Qualities
• Create a Warm-up Routine
• Pursue Passionate Projects

Salary and Job Outlook of Voice Actors in 2025

Voice actor pay varies by experience and project type. Beginners earn around $50,000 annually, while professionals can make over $83K annually.

The Best Place To Find Voice-Over Work

• Voices
• Voices123
• Fiverr
• PeoplePerHour
• Upwork

Beginner Toolkit: Voice Acting Equipment You Need

• A good mic (Blue Yeti, Rode NT1)
• Pop filter (Aokeo/Neewer),
• Audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2)
• Quality headphones (Audio-Technica ATH-M50x)
• Software (Audacity, Adobe Audition Pro)