Does voice AI win, or can you still become a voice over artist?

Does it still make sense to become a voice-over now that AI is here? Good question!

I personally think yes. If you really want to become a voice-over and you have talent and serious passion for the work, then you should definitely go for it! But beware, the profession is changing.

 AI-generated voices are getting better and cheaper, so they are often used for simple jobs (such as phone systems, budget e-learnings and corporate videos. But there are many things AI can’t do well (yet):

1. Emotion & nuance – AI can mimic intonation, but real human feeling, vulnerability or improvisation often feels flat. In commercials and (online) storytelling, clients usually want “real” voices. Anno 2025, I am often asked if I especially can make it sound ‘NOT AI’!  
2. Creative collaboration – Directors and producers sometimes want multiple takes, surprises or small tweaks. Trying things out and tweaking. A human voice-over can think along, AI only follows instructions. So in addition to your voice-over skills, make sure you are good at the creative process and copywriting.
3. Authenticity & branding – Some brands want a recognizable voice that really belongs to them, that ‘makes’ the brand. A human voiceover can build a personal connection and ‘grows’ with the company’s developments. 
4. Specialization – Make sure you have really good skills in what you want to do. Think characters in (web) animation, seamless text sense, dialects or voices with a unique color. That’s what people excel at. Always keep practicing. Even after 15 years of recording, I learn to get even more out of my voice every day.

Things that do change due to voice AI.

• A lot of budget work is increasingly going to AI. So getting in can be tough. In fact, the “entry-level” market is already being partially taken over by AI.
• Voiceovers will need to stand out with quality, authenticity and personality.
• You can also work with AI: e.g. have your own voice cloned and licensed, or help customers with “AI + human touch” packages. I personally have chosen not to do that. My voice will always remain unique. And especially mine and for my human clients. I should not think that my voice could “live” into eternity.  

When you get in, don’t just choose “I read texts in,” but position yourself in your unique way and as a creative partner. Make yourself indispensable to future clients. In addition, make sure you have a topnotch studio and understanding of technology. Being able to deliver high-end voiceovers quickly and flawlessly is a must, otherwise they might as well have booked that AI voice ;-).

So…be authentic, creative and just good. Then you will (almost) not be bothered by that AI voice-over.

And honestly, I think that ‘AI hype’ also triggers an anti-movement. Now it’s hip and happening for a while, but humans (aka consumers and companies) will always prefer to identify with real people and therefore real voice-overs. Create those, then it certainly makes sense to become a voice-over.

Reading how to become a voice actor? Click here.

And you can book an authentic voice-over who thinks bang on with you here. 😉

Joejoe, Barbara