Among other things, if you have certain qualifications, you can enter the realm of voice acting or voice overs.
- Like acting
- Love talking but are camera-shy
- Have great voice modulation, can project your voice, and can speak clearly
- Like reading out loud
- Love telling stories
- Have a knack for giving information to people in a clear and concise manner
If you are prepared to engage in voice acting and utilize your voice to earn income, then consider exploring the following as potential voice acting job opportunities:
1. Narrator
A voice over narrator is responsible for telling stories or providing descriptions and explanations of ongoing events. This role can apply to:
- Audiobooks
- Documentaries
- Marketing videos
- Educational videos
- Audio tour guides
2. Announcer
The usual task of a voice over announcer is to make announcements for different purposes. Some of these purposes can include:
- Audio advertisements
- Audio traffic reports
- Audio only announcements on talk shows
3. Actor
This type of voice acting job is quite fascinating as it offers the opportunity to showcase a variety of voice talents. Voice actors can utilize their voices effectively across a wide range of roles in:
- Animations
- Cartoons
- Audio dramas
- Video games
- Dubbing for TV or movies in a foreign language
Moreover, the occupation of being a voice actor is likely to provide a significant amount of exposure, thereby enhancing the probability of gaining recognition as a reputable voice talent within the field of voice overs.
4. Podcaster
Podcasts are currently very popular because people are constantly busy and prefer to receive information through audio. There are numerous activities that can be done through podcasts, such as:
- Teach an area that you are well-versed in
- Tell children’s stories
- Conduct interviews
- Narrate stories
- Give motivational tips
If you are searching for ways to earn money using your voice, there is a wide range of possibilities and numerous promising career opportunities available.
5. Voice over for videos
There are numerous opportunities available for individuals to perform voice overs on online videos at various locations. You have the option to join voice over websites, provide your services, and promote your rates. Several platforms are continuously seeking both professional and novice voices to provide voice overs for their videos.
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Voicfy
- Voices
To ensure success in a competitive marketplace, it is essential to market oneself creatively and continue practicing.
6. Voice over for commercials
To venture into commercials as a voice-over artist, it is essential to have a well-prepared portfolio showcasing various voice ranges demonstrated through a few demos. The following options serve as excellent starting points for this endeavor.
- Fiverr
- Voices
- Blue Wave Voiceover
To begin today, please send your demo. Rest assured that there should be no addition or omission of any information in your message.
7. Narrate audio books
Audiobook narration is the act of reading entire books aloud to produce audiobooks that can be listened to by consumers. The popularity of audiobooks is on the rise thanks to platforms like Amazon’s Audible, making it a thriving industry worth 1.6 billion dollars. In essence, being an audiobook narrator presents ample opportunities to earn money.
As a novice, you should anticipate earning between $10 and $100 for every hour of work completed. Nevertheless, seasoned narrators have the potential to make up to $350 per finished hour. In addition, they frequently receive a percentage from sales which can substantially enhance their earnings if the book sells successfully.
The ability to bring the story to life with their voice is of utmost importance for any voice talent. This entails being capable of performing various voices and accents, as well as having the stamina to speak out loud continuously for extended periods.
How to become an audiobook narrator
In order to engage in narrating, which falls under the category of voice acting, it is necessary to purchase several similar pieces of equipment such as a high-quality microphone and headphones.
To begin, begin by practicing reading aloud. Make recordings of yourself reading different materials and highlight areas where you believe you could enhance. It could be helpful to consider hiring a voice coach or enrolling in a course to refine your technique. (Voice actor Julie Eickhoff, who has narrated more than 100 audiobooks, offers exceptional training and resources!)
One way to gain experience is by volunteering to read stories to children or individuals with visual impairments. This not only provides valuable practice but also enhances your resume’s attractiveness. Additionally, this is a fantastic opportunity to network through platforms like LinkedIn and associations such as the Audio Publishers Association.
If you’re prepared to begin your search for paid work, consider visiting job sites and freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Voices.com, and Voice123. Alternatively, you can explore job opportunities on ACX, a marketplace that facilitates connections between authors and narrators. To get started, simply create a profile, upload samples of your work, and audition for books that pique your interest.
Establishing our presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is worth considering. It is important to stay alert as new opportunities frequently arise.
8. Give singing lessons
Vocal coaches can be hired by schools, performance groups, or individuals who desire to enhance their singing, facilitating the improvement of their voices.
Vocal coaches typically make around $29 per hour or approximately $59k annually, as reported by ZipRecruiter. However, some vocal coaches earn more than $100k. One advantage of this profession is that most singing teachers have the freedom to set their own rates and work hours, which makes it a good fit for individuals requiring a flexible schedule.
While formal certifications are not required for becoming a vocal coach, it is essential to possess a strong musical background and possess good singing abilities. Moreover, enrolling in a voice pedagogy course can provide added qualifications and enhance your teaching skills.
Once you have confidence in your teaching skills, you can search for employment opportunities through recommendations from others and online directories. Alternatively, you can consider using platforms like Superprof, which connect students with vocal teachers in specific locations.
One way to find teaching opportunities is by setting up a profile on a freelance platform such as Fiverr. If the opportunity is local, you have the option to conduct singing lessons either in your own or your client’s home. Alternatively, you can also offer remote singing lessons to individuals from anywhere in the world using platforms like Skype or Zoom.
9. Create a meditation YouTube channel
Guided meditation is a process where individuals listen to another person’s voice, which helps them navigate through the practice. For numerous individuals, this method proves to be more successful compared to attempting to meditate independently.
If you possess a voice that is extremely calming or soothing, you might want to contemplate launching a YouTube channel centered around meditation and relaxation. When your YouTube videos accumulate 1,000 followers and achieve 4,000 watch hours, you will have the opportunity to apply for the YouTube Partner Program and generate revenue by incorporating advertisements on your channel.
The earnings potential for YouTubers participating in the partner program varies based on factors such as their niche, audience, and views. However, it can range from a few hundred dollars to a sufficient income for full-time work.
How to start on YouTube
To start, acquire knowledge on writing guided meditation scripts by searching for guided meditations online. This research will help comprehend how they operate and serve as a source of inspiration. Generally, these scripts entail drawing the listener into a state of relaxation by encouraging deep breathing and employing soothing, descriptive language.
Firstly, obtain a high-quality camera and capture a duration of 10-15 minutes of serene and natural landscapes, such as a beach, park, or forest. Additionally, acquire licensed meditation music suitable for commercial use to accompany the footage. Lastly, overlay your meditation script onto the video.
To maintain the same meaning, the text can be rephrased as follows: It is crucial to repetitively create fresh and unique meditations using distinct footage, music, and meditation scripts for various purposes such as work, rest, anxiety, etc. Make sure not to reuse any footage, music, or voiceovers from previous videos on your channel.
If you continuously reuse content, you may not be accepted into the partner program because it goes against their guidelines. It usually takes several months for channels to meet the qualifications for the program, so be prepared for the time it takes. However, if you find enjoyment in doing so, continue with this method.
