Professional voiceovers are all around us. You probably hear several throughout the day without giving them a second thought.
From the moment you check your phone in the morning to the announcements you hear at the airport, recorded voices help inform, entertain and guide us. Behind many of these recordings is a professional voice actor, a carefully prepared script and an audio production team bringing it all together.
So, where do you hear voiceovers? Here are some familiar examples.
Everyday Places You’ll Hear Voiceovers
- Radio and television commercials
Commercial voiceovers have been part of radio and television advertising for decades. A professional voice helps deliver a brand’s message, introduce a product or encourage listeners to take action.
- Online video and social media
You hear voiceovers in YouTube advertisements, TikTok videos, Instagram content and other social media posts. Some are recorded by professional voice talent, while others feature creators or business owners speaking directly to their audience.
- Explainer and instructional videos
Ever watched a video explaining how to fix something around the house or use a new product? The narration guiding you through each step is a common example of voiceover. Clear, well-paced narration helps make information easier to follow.
- Streaming audio advertisements
When an advertisement plays while you’re listening to music or a podcast, there’s a good chance you’re hearing a voiceover. These short recordings are designed to communicate a message and capture attention in a limited amount of time.
- Video games
Voice acting plays a major role in many video games. From character dialogue and storytelling to instructions and announcements, recorded voices help bring the gaming experience to life.
- In-store announcements and advertisements
The next time you hear a promotion playing over a store’s public address system, you’re likely listening to a prerecorded announcement. These recordings can share special offers, introduce products or provide helpful store information.
- Messages on hold
When a business places you on hold, what do you hear? Ideally, it’s more than silence. Professionally recorded messages on hold can share useful information, highlight services and keep callers informed while they wait.
- Automated IVR telephone systems
The voice guiding you through a phone menu is another familiar example. Telephone greetings, IVR prompts and automated messages help callers navigate business phone systems and find the information they need.
- Audiobooks
Audiobook narrators do much more than read words aloud. They bring stories, characters and information to life through expressive, engaging narration. A skilled narrator can make listening to a book an experience of its own.
- Online courses and e-learning
From employee training to educational courses, voiceovers help explain lessons and guide learners through online material. Clear narration makes information easier to absorb and follow.
- Websites and digital experiences
Some businesses use audio on their websites to introduce services, explain products or guide visitors through information. A well-produced voiceover can add another way for people to engage with a business.
- Self-checkout machines
That friendly voice reminding you to scan your next item, pay for your groceries or collect your receipt is another example of recorded speech used in everyday technology. These voices may be professionally recorded or generated using synthetic speech.
- Airports and inflight announcements
Airport announcements remind travellers about boarding times, baggage and security. On an aircraft, prerecorded cabin announcements provide passengers with important information throughout their journey. Other announcements may be delivered live by staff.
- Maps and navigation apps
When your navigation app tells you to turn left in 300 metres, you’re hearing speech generated by text-to-speech technology. These voices are often created using synthetic speech rather than a traditional voiceover recording.
- Accessibility and audio description
Recorded narration can make visual information more accessible. Audio description, for example, helps people who are blind or have low vision understand important visual details in films, television programs and other media.
- Guided audio tours
Museums, galleries and historical attractions often use audio guides to share stories, explain exhibits and provide background information. The narration helps visitors explore at their own pace, whether they’re standing in front of an exhibit or listening from home.
Voiceovers Are Everywhere, and Every Recording Has a Purpose
Whether it’s helping a caller navigate a phone system, bringing an advertisement to life or guiding someone through an online course, voiceovers play an important role in how businesses and organizations communicate.
At On Air Audio Services, we work with professional voice talent to create and produce audio for businesses. Our services include telephone greetings, messages on hold, IVR and VoIP phone prompts, e-learning narration, video narration, audiobooks and more.
Have a voiceover project in mind? We’d be happy to talk about what you need and how we can help.
Contact On Air Audio Services to get started.
