Voice Over

​​How to Choose a British Voice Over Artist for Your Campaign

By Matinée Multilingual

A voice artist can make or break a campaign. Whether you’re creating an ad, demo video, or audiobook, the voice over artist is the one who brings your script to life and connects with your audience – but how do you choose a voice over artist that fits your brand?

Whether you’ve just been sent samples from multiple voice over talents or you’re starting the search for one, it can sometimes feel tricky trying to narrow your choices (especially if they all sound like a good fit!).

Really, it all comes down to these five key considerations:

  1. Your content type
  2. Your target audience
  3. The right vocal qualities
  4. The right experience
  5. Your budget

We’re going to take you through each of these and show you how to find the perfect British voice over artist for your campaign.

How to Choose a Voice Over Artist

The voice over talent you use for your content is essentially acting as the voice for your brand

We’re sure there are a number of adverts or videos you’ve seen where the voiceover artist stands out in your memory – perhaps it was a voice that matched the brand perfectly or one that made an ordinary advert sound incredible.

But there are also probably some voice overs that didn’t sound quite right or that you simply didn’t connect with. Maybe they sounded a bit bland or disconnected from the brand. This is what we want to help you avoid – for obvious reasons!

So, what makes a good voice over artist and how can you choose the right one for your project? Let’s take you through those five key considerations.

1) Your Content Type & Purpose

First things first, you need to think about the type of content you’re creating. Different types of content require different vocal styles and delivery.

For example, if you’re creating a commercial or advertisement, you’ll want a voice over artist with a more animated and energetic tone to grab the attention of viewers.

On the other hand, for an audiobook or documentary, a more calming and steady voice may be preferable. Similarly, instructional or informational corporate content often requires a neutral and professional voice to convey the message clearly without distracting from the content itself.

A mismatch between the tone and delivery of the voice over artist and the content can result in a disjointed and ineffective final product. So, before you start your search, consider the genre and purpose of your content.

Common Content Types and the Corresponding Vocal Qualities to look for in a British Voice Over Artist:

  • TV Advertisements: energetic, enthusiastic, persuasive
  • Audiobooks: clear, expressive, engaging
  • Documentaries: soothing, informative, captivating
  • Corporate Videos: professional, knowledgeable, confident
  • E-Learning or Training Videos: clear, articulate, approachable
  • Interactive Voice Response (IVR): friendly, clear, concise

 

Voice Over artist at work
Professional Voice Recordings From £370

One hour voice artist fee, recording and delivery: £370

One hour voice artist fee, studio recording, cleaning & editing and delivery: £435

Voice talent fees vary, especially usage fees, but we’ll advise

2) Your Target Audience

Secondary to – but just as important as the content type – is your target audience. After all, you’re creating content or a message that will be heard by a specific group of people, so it’s important to consider how the voice over artist will resonate with them.

If you have a brand guideline or persona for your target audience, use it as a reference when listening to voice over samples.

Does the tone and delivery of the artist align with your brand’s personality and values? Will it appeal to your target audience?

For example, if your target audience is young professionals in training, a British female voice over artist with a youthful, energetic, and relatable tone may be more effective. Alternatively, if your audience is older and more sophisticated, a male voice over artist with a mature and authoritative tone may better align with your brand.

This is all about creating a connection between your brand (represented by the voice over artist) and your target audience – so choose wisely.

Other Questions to consider when thinking about your Target Audience:

  • What language and dialect will resonate with them? (e.g. Received Pronunciation (RP), regional accents)
  • What age range are they? (e.g. child, teen, adult)
  • What demographic or cultural background do they come from?

3) The Right Vocal Qualities

Now, let’s dive into what makes a good British voice over artist from a technical standpoint. 

There are certain vocal qualities that can make or break a voice over performance, and it’s important to know what they are when searching for the perfect British voice over artist.

Qualities of a Good Voice Over Artist

  • Clarity: A clear and articulate voice is crucial for effective communication. Even if the script is well-written, a mumbled delivery can be difficult for viewers to understand and can diminish the impact of your message.
  • Expressiveness: A good voice over artist knows how to use their vocal range and inflections to capture the attention of listeners and convey emotion. This is especially important for longer content like audiobooks or documentaries, where a monotone delivery can quickly become boring for the audience.
  • Authenticity: One of the key qualities that sets a great voice over artist apart from a mediocre one is authenticity. The best artists are able to convey sincerity and connect with their audience in a genuine way. This is important for building trust and credibility with your brand’s message.
  • Versatility: A versatile voice over artist can adapt to different styles, tones, and genres easily. This ensures that they are able to meet the specific needs of your project and bring it to life effectively.

The demos you receive of potential voice over artists should showcase these qualities.


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4) The Right Experience

A man listening to audio description in a museum

A British voice artist whose portfolio features work in the same industry, or similar content types to yours, may have a better understanding of the nuances and requirements for your project. If there are existing examples of their work on similar projects, take a listen to get an idea of how they may sound in your specific project.

This also means that if your project requires a specific vocal style or accent, it’s important to choose an artist who has experience in that area.For example, if you need a voice over for a promotional video targeting audiences in Scotland, choosing an artist with a Scottish accent would be more appropriate and effective than someone without any experience in that dialect.

5) Your Budget

Lastly, budget. We know this is always a deciding factor when choosing a voice artist. Even if you’ve found a talent who hits all the marks, they may not fit your project’s budget.

Freelance or free British voice artists might be tempting, but keep in mind that quality often comes with a price. Hiring a professional voice over artist who has experience, training, and the right recording equipment can make all the difference in the final product.

That being said, don’t let budget limitations discourage you from finding the perfect British voice over artist for your project.

With our large network of talents, we are able to offer competitive rates without compromising on quality. With prices starting from just £370, we are confident we can find the right voice over artist for your budget. We’re always open about our pricing, and we’ll always do our best to negotiate the best price for your project.

Professional Voice Recordings From £370

One hour voice artist fee, recording and delivery: £370

One hour voice artist fee, studio recording, cleaning & editing and delivery: £435

Voice talent fees vary, especially usage fees, but we’ll advise

Where to Find the Best English Voice Over Artists

So, after all of that, where can you find the best British voice over artists? You could search on freelance agency websites or social media platforms.

But with so many options and varying levels of quality, it can be overwhelming and time-consuming to find the perfect fit for your project.

That’s where Matinée comes in.

Get Matched With Your Ideal British Voice Artist Today

As a leading UK voice over agency, we have a vast network of professional English & British voice over artists who have been handpicked by our experienced team. We carefully match each artist to the specific needs of your project, ensuring you get the best quality recording at a competitive rate.

Whether you need a voice over for a commercial, e-learning course, documentary, or anything in between, our team is dedicated to finding the perfect fit for your project and delivering outstanding results.

And rather than leaving you to filter through countless demos, we provide a shortlist of the best-suited voice over artists for you to choose from. Plus, with our easy booking system and fast turnaround times, working with us is hassle-free and efficient.

Don’t leave your brand’s message up to chance – trust Matinée to help you find the perfect British voice over artist for your project.

Professional Voice Recordings From £370

One hour voice artist fee, recording and delivery: £370

One hour voice artist fee, studio recording, cleaning & editing and delivery: £435

Voice talent fees vary, especially usage fees, but we’ll advise

Summary: Selecting the Best British Voice Artist

So, if you’re sat at your desk wondering how to decide on the best British voice actor for your next project, remember to consider these key points:

  • Technical qualities such as clarity, expressiveness, authenticity, and versatility
  • Relevancy of experience in your industry or desired vocal style/accent
  • Your budget – but don’t compromise on quality
  • Consider using a reputable agency like Matinée to save time and ensure top-notch results.

With these factors in mind, you can confidently choose the perfect British voice over artist to bring your content to life and leave a lasting impact on your audience.

FAQs

What is the Difference Between a Voice Actor & a Voice Over Artist? +

A voice actor is a broader term that’s focused on incorporating the acting or performing side of voice work, like in animation, video games, and commercials. A voice over artist specifically refers to someone who provides narration or dialogue for audio recordings in media such as documentaries, advertisements, and audiobooks.

How Much Should a Voice Over Artist Charge? +

Voice over rates will vary based on language, studio fees, live direction, and usage fees. Our rates start from £370 for recording and delivery, with audio editing and cleaning options also available for complete professionalism.

What Should I Look for in a Voice Over Artist? +

The key qualities to consider when selecting a voice over artist include technical skills such as clarity, expressiveness, authenticity, and versatility. It’s also important to consider their relevancy of experience in your industry or desired vocal style/accent, as well as your budget and the overall quality of their recordings.

Can I Hear Free Demos of an English Voice Artist Before Making a Decision? +

You can! Head over to our English & British Voice Overs page to hear our featured talents, or fill out a Quick Quote form with details of your project, and we’ll send you a personalised selection of voice over demos to choose from.

How Do I Hire a British Voice Over Artist? +

The easiest and most reliable way to hire a British voice over artist is through a reputable agency like Matinée. We have an extensive network of professional talents and can match you with the perfect fit for your project, providing a hassle-free booking process and delivering the most outstanding results.

Our process is streamlined and efficient, allowing you to focus on creating the best possible content for your audience while we take care of finding the best British voice over artist for your needs.

Can I Request a Specific Voice Artist British Accent? +

 

Yes! At Matinée, we have a diverse pool of talents with varying accents and dialects from all regions in the UK. You can specify your desired accent when booking your voice over artist, or head over to our Regional English Accents page to hear demos from our featured talents.

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