AI Voiceover vs. Human Voiceover  

Technological innovations such as the Metaverse and ChatGPT are rapidly evolving in our day and age. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly expanding, and it is impossible to ignore the impact that AI voices are having on the voiceover industry.

AI voices are massively improving every day, but will they ever be able to match the quality of recorded human speech? We’ve had a look in to the pros and cons of both options.

What exactly is an AI voiceover?

Through utilizing machine learning technologies, artificial voices can be generated from synthetic voices. Based on genuine voice actors, AI voiceovers can retain some degree of humanity and natural speech, depending on the intricacy of the software and the calibre of the machine learning technology used.

Previously, AI voiceovers were created by using a database of pre-recorded words. This method would produce results that sounded very unnatural and mechanical – a lot like a robot! However, text-to-speech software has significantly improved lately, and a lot more realistic sounding AI voiceovers have started to be produced for companies and advertising campaigns.

So, now that technology is so advanced, what is the best option; AI, or a real human voice?

AI Voiceover – what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Advantages

• AI voiceovers have a shorter turnaround time because they do not require script rehearsal, voice recording, or editing.
• Easier editing and modification of the recorded content.
• They are less expensive to produce because there is no need for voice actors, recording equipment, or a sound studio.

Disadvantages

• They sound human-like, but not quite human enough – with most AI, it is pretty obvious upon listening that it is not a natural recorded voice.
• Lack of adaptability; voice actors are able to substitute words that sound better or fit the script’s pacing better. A machine currently lacks this notion of flow and significance.
• AI struggles with accents, and tends to only work with spoken national languages. For example, it would be extremely difficult to produce an AI voiceover with a Northern English accent.

Human Voiceover – what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Advantages

• When recording a human voice, you get emotion and individuality, which software cannot replicate.
• In comparison to an AI voice, the message is delivered more effectively and is perceived as authentic and credible by your audience.
• Every voice artist is unique! The voice for your project is picked from a huge pool of voice artists, and you are using a voice that not everyone has access to easily.

Disadvantages

• Hiring the use of a voice actor, equipment, and a studio, can sometimes be slightly more expensive.
• The turnaround time of a voice actor voiceover can be longer than that of an AI, as the process of recruiting the right voice, recording the script and editing the audio files can take time.

As of today, voice actors need not worry about AI replacing them. Although AI speech generators can sound similar to that of a human voice, they will never fully sound the same. Additionally, AI voiceover is not as advanced in any language other than English.

Voiceover artists play an important role in the voiceover industry, helping to create the best narratives and messages for corporations with the time to work with voice actors and voiceover agencies. AI however, is an easy fix for the requirement of a voiceover with an extremely tight deadline.

So, what is the best option for your voiceover?

We cannot ignore the reality that, as a voiceover agency, we are naturally biased in this area. We will always believe that voiceovers produced by human voice artists are superior!

Nevertheless, we cannot take away from the fact that AI machine learning technologies are improving and making an impact within the voiceover industry. However, research does indicate that people do respond better to authentic voices, and it will be a long time before AI can generate a voice capable of recording a rapid, emotional, or meaningful script.

In order to substitute voice over talent, AI should be able to accurately interpret emotions within scripts, and have the ability to control voice tone, level, spacing and pitch; so, listeners are able to fully engage and cannot tell the audio from a human voice.

Do you require the skills of a voice artist for a project of your own? We’re here to help.

Here at Matinée Multilingual, we have a vast database of talented voice artists who specialise in everything from explainer videos to interactive toys. Whichever language you require a voiceover in, (we offer over 80!) and whatever your next project is, let us help you bring it to life with our expert voiceover services.

We’ll help you connect and engage with your audience with the perfect voiceover, all the way from offering a selection of hand-picked voice demos, to recording and editing the final audio file. Why not get in touch with us today and find out more about how we can help you?

Call us on +44 (0) 118 958 4934

Or email project@matinee.co.uk