How to Get Started as a Voice Actor

There’s no single route into voiceover. What works for one person might not work for another — and that’s entirely valid. Your background, accent, voice type, or even timing can all influence the shape of your career. For some, it’s a slow burn; for others, it’s one lucky break that skips a few stages. The key is knowing your strengths, building the right skills, and being ready when the opportunity comes.

What I Wish I Knew When I Started

Like many, I began doing voiceover to supplement my acting income. Then the pandemic hit, and it became a necessity. Looking back, there’s a lot I wish I’d known — about training, equipment, the industry, and the importance of patience.

A great voice might get attention, but it won’t keep it. You have to know how to use that voice — to tell a story, communicate clearly, and persuade with conviction. Without technique, natural talent only gets you so far. Be prepared to train across a range of sectors and styles.

Finding Your Focus

Voiceover work spans multiple genres — commercials, corporate, audiobooks, e-learning, video games and more. Each demands a different skill set. Some people specialise early; others explore widely before narrowing in. Neither is wrong. But it helps to understand what each area requires and where your strengths lie.

Gear Up Before You Go Live

Remote work has changed the game. Years ago, you’d head to a professional studio. Now, most work is recorded at home. That means you need a decent studio setup — not just a mic and a laptop, but a reliable DAW (like Pro Tools or Audacity), an audio interface, and ideally, Source Connect or similar for live sessions.

You’ll also need the technical capability to use your setup confidently. Don’t rush into pitching for jobs until you can deliver quality audio consistently.

Build Skills Before Building a Brand

Many assume that once you have a demo, you get an agent and start booking jobs. In reality, agents want proof that others are already hiring you. That could be a client returning for another project, a commercial renewed for a second year, or a nomination for your work.

Before reaching out to agents, gain experience through online platforms like Voices.com, Voice123, Mandy, Voice Crafters or Voice Machine. Some are open, others selective. They can be a good way to gain credits and build confidence.

Market Yourself Intelligently

Once you’ve got the skills and equipment, it’s about getting your voice heard. Your demo needs to show what you can do — not just in terms of sound, but your ability to connect with the brief. Clients want to hear how you’ll bring their content to life.

Alongside casting sites, LinkedIn is an increasingly useful tool for voice actors. You need to be visible, responsive, and ready to pitch your voice as a product.

It’s a Long Game — Use the Downtime

This is a career that requires stamina. You’ll face rejection, work alone, and spend time in the booth without feedback. But when it works — when you hear your voice on an award-winning audiobook or see your character in a national ad — the reward is worth it.

Use the quieter moments to improve: learn new software, explore different genres, update your skills. The industry is evolving fast — your career should evolve with it.

Final Thoughts

There’s no set formula for success in voice acting. But there are patterns: preparation, adaptability, training, and resilience. Focus on building real value — for clients, for your agent, and for yourself. Keep learning. Keep recording. And remember: your voice is the starting point — not the whole story. For more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.