8 Ways to Make Money as a Freelance Voiceover Artist: Side Hustle for Voice Talent

Are you looking for a fun way to earn extra cash? Your voice could be the key to a cool side gig.

Lots of people are making money as freelance voiceover artists these days.

You can turn your unique voice into a money-making machine without quitting your day job. There are tons of ways to get started in the voiceover world.

From recording commercials to voicing video game characters, the options are endless.

With some practice and the right approach, you might be surprised at how much you can earn just by talking.

1) Create Audiobooks

Want to earn money with your voice? Try making audiobooks! It’s a fun way to use your vocal skills and make some cash on the side.

To get started, you’ll need a quiet space to record.

A closet with clothes can work well to dampen sound.

You’ll also need a good microphone and recording software.

Practice reading aloud to get comfortable with long stretches of narration.

Try different character voices and work on your pacing.

When you’re ready, look for audiobook jobs on freelance websites. Voices.com is a popular platform for voice artists.

You can create a profile and audition for projects there.

Another option is ACX, Amazon’s audiobook creation platform.

You can audition to narrate books or connect with authors directly.

Pay for audiobook work varies.

You might earn $100-$200 per finished hour as a beginner.

More experienced narrators can make $200-$400 per hour.

Keep in mind that one finished hour of audio can take 2-3 hours to record and edit.

So factor that time in when considering projects.

As you gain experience, you can raise your rates.

Some top audiobook narrators make six-figure incomes! With practice and persistence, you could turn this side gig into a full-time career.

2) Record Commercials

Want to make some extra cash with your voice? Recording commercials might be your ticket.

It’s a popular way for voice actors to earn money on the side.

To get started, you’ll need a good demo reel.

This should show off your range and ability to convey different emotions and tones.

Make sure it matches the type of commercials you want to do.

Study the brands you’re interested in working with.

This will help you understand their style and what they’re looking for in a voice actor.

Commercials are a common way to earn money as a voice artist.

You can find gigs for radio ads, TV spots, and even online video commercials.

Don’t forget about local businesses.

They often need voice talent for their ads but may have smaller budgets.

This can be a great way to build your portfolio and make connections.

As you gain experience, you can start targeting bigger brands and national campaigns.

These usually pay more but also have more competition.

Remember, practice makes perfect.

Keep working on your skills and stay up to date with industry trends.

With time and effort, you could turn this side gig into a lucrative career.

3) Narrate Documentaries

Want to make some extra cash with your voice? Narrating documentaries might be your ticket.

It’s a great way to dive into the world of voiceover work.

Documentaries cover all sorts of topics.

You could be talking about nature, history, or even true crime.

This variety keeps things interesting and helps you build a diverse portfolio.

To get started, practice reading scripts out loud.

Focus on sounding natural and engaging.

You’ll need to keep viewers hooked for the entire program.

Look for opportunities on freelance platforms or reach out to production companies directly. Filmless is one place that hires freelance voice artists for various projects, including documentaries.

Remember, narrating documentaries requires a different style than commercials.

You’ll need to sound authoritative yet approachable.

Practice matching your tone to the subject matter.

Building connections in the industry can lead to more gigs.

Join online forums or attend industry events to network with producers and directors.

As you gain experience, you can charge more for your services.

Some established voiceover artists earn thousands for a single project.

While you might not start there, it shows the earning potential in this field.

4) Provide Character Voices

Want to put your voice acting skills to use? Offering character voices can be a fun way to earn money on the side.

Many projects need different character voices for cartoons, video games, or audiobooks.

Practice creating unique voices for various types of characters.

Try out different accents, ages, and personalities.

Record some samples to show off your range.

You can find work on freelance platforms like Voices.com.

They often have jobs for character voices in different projects.

Make a profile and upload your demo reel to attract clients.

Video game companies sometimes need voice actors for their characters.

Look for casting calls or reach out to indie game developers.

They might be looking for fresh talent.

Audiobook narration is another option.

You can bring stories to life by voicing different characters.

This can be a great way to use your skills and make extra cash.

Don’t forget about local businesses and organizations.

They might need character voices for mascots or promotional videos.

Networking in your area can lead to these opportunities.

As you gain experience, you can start charging more for your services.

Keep practicing and expanding your range of character voices.

This will help you stand out and get more work.

5) Offer E-learning Modules

E-learning is booming, and your voice could be the key to unlocking extra cash.

Many companies need voice actors to narrate their online courses and training materials.

You can make money by recording audio for e-learning videos, tutorials, and modules.

These projects often require clear, engaging voices to explain complex topics in simple terms.

To get started, create a demo reel showcasing your ability to explain things clearly.

Practice reading educational content in a friendly, easy-to-understand manner.

Look for e-learning voice over gigs on freelance platforms or reach out directly to e-learning companies.

You might find work with online schools, corporate training departments, or educational technology firms.

Remember to add emotion to your voice when appropriate.

This helps listeners connect with the material and remember it better.

As you gain experience, you can specialize in specific subjects like science, technology, or business.

This can help you become the go-to voice for certain types of e-learning content.

With e-learning, you can work from home and set your own schedule.

It’s a flexible way to earn money with your voice while helping others learn new skills.

6) Produce Explainer Videos

Explainer videos are a great way to make money with your voice.

These short clips break down complex ideas into simple terms.

You can create explainer videos for businesses, products, or services.

Many companies need these to help customers understand what they offer.

To get started, you’ll need to write a script that explains the topic clearly.

Keep it short and sweet – most explainer videos are under 2 minutes long.

Next, record your voiceover using a good microphone.

Make sure your voice is clear and easy to understand.

You can then pair your audio with visuals.

This might include animations, graphics, or on-screen text.

If you’re not great with visuals, team up with a graphic designer.

Platforms like Voices offer opportunities to find clients for explainer video work.

You can also reach out to businesses directly.

Explainer videos can be a fun side hustle.

They let you use your voice creatively while helping others understand tricky topics.

Remember to practice different tones and styles.

Some explainer videos need a serious voice, while others might call for a more upbeat delivery.

With time and practice, you can build a portfolio of explainer video work.

This can lead to more clients and higher-paying gigs in the future.

7) Make YouTube Channel Intros

Want to earn some extra cash with your voice? Try making YouTube channel intros! It’s a fun way to use your vocal skills and help creators stand out.

You can sell your voice for YouTube videos and make money as a voiceover artist.

Many YouTubers need catchy intros to grab viewers’ attention right from the start.

To get started, create some sample intros showcasing different styles.

Upbeat and energetic? Calm and professional? Show off your range!

Post your services on freelance platforms or reach out to YouTubers directly.

You can even make your own YouTube channel to showcase your work and attract clients.

Price your services based on the length and complexity of the intro.

As you gain experience and positive reviews, you can raise your rates.

Remember to be flexible and open to feedback.

YouTubers often have specific ideas for their brand voice, so be ready to adapt your style.

With practice, you might even become the go-to voice for certain niches.

Who knows? Your voice could be the first thing millions of viewers hear every day!

8) Voicemail Greetings

Want to make some extra cash with your voice? Voicemail greetings could be your ticket.

Companies and individuals often need professional-sounding messages for their phone systems.

You can offer to record custom greetings for businesses, doctors’ offices, or even individuals who want to spice up their personal voicemail.

It’s a quick and easy way to use your vocal talents.

To get started, practice recording clear and friendly messages.

You’ll need a quiet space and some basic recording equipment.

A good microphone and audio editing software are must-haves.

Market your services on freelance websites or social media.

You can also reach out to local businesses directly.

Many companies update their greetings seasonally, so you might land repeat customers.

Pricing can vary, but you might charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per greeting, depending on length and complexity.

Some voice actors earn between $25 to $100 per hour for audio work like this.

Remember to be professional and reliable.

Deliver high-quality recordings on time, and you’ll build a solid reputation.

Happy clients often lead to more work through word-of-mouth referrals.

With some effort and creativity, voicemail greetings can become a fun side gig.

You’ll improve your skills while padding your wallet.

Who knew your voice could be such a valuable asset?

Building Your Portfolio

A strong portfolio is key to landing voice acting gigs.

It shows off your skills and helps clients hear what you can do.

Let’s look at how to create demos and showcase your range.

Creating Demos

Start by recording short samples of your voice work.

Pick scripts that fit your style and strengths.

Keep each demo under 60 seconds to hold listeners’ attention.

Use good equipment to ensure clear audio.

A decent mic and quiet space can make a big difference.

Don’t worry if you can’t afford pro gear right away – just do your best with what you have.

Edit your demos carefully.

Cut out any mistakes or background noise.

Add a little music if it fits, but keep the focus on your voice.

Ask permission to use clips from real projects you’ve done.

This gives your demo more credibility.

Showcasing Versatility

Show off different voices and styles in your portfolio.

This helps you appeal to more clients and projects.

Try recording:

• A friendly commercial voice
• A serious narration
• A fun character voice
• An authoritative corporate tone

Make a separate demo for each main type of work you want to do.

For example, have one for commercials and another for audiobooks.

Update your demos regularly as you improve and get more experience.

Fresh samples keep your portfolio current and show your growth as a voice artist.

Marketing Yourself

Getting your name out there is key to landing gigs as a voiceover artist.

You’ll need to show off your skills and make connections in the industry.

Let’s look at two important ways to market yourself.

Using Social Media

Social media is a great tool to promote yourself as a voiceover artist.

Pick platforms where your target clients hang out.

Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram are good places to start.

Post samples of your work regularly.

Short clips work best.

They give potential clients a taste of what you can do.

Engage with others in the industry.

Comment on posts, join discussions, and share helpful tips.

This builds your network and gets you noticed.

Use hashtags related to voiceover work.

It helps people find your content.

Some good ones are #voiceover, #voiceactor, and #voicetalent.

Remember to keep it professional.

Your posts represent your brand.

Be friendly, but avoid controversial topics.

Creating a Professional Website

A strong online presence starts with a good website.

It’s your digital business card and portfolio all in one.

Your site should have:

• A clear, professional design
• Samples of your best work
• Information about your experience and skills
• Contact details

Make sure your site loads fast and works well on mobile devices.

Many people browse on phones these days.

Include a blog if you can.

Write about voice acting tips or industry news.

It shows you know your stuff and helps with search engine ranking.

Don’t forget to add testimonials from happy clients.

They build trust with potential new customers.

Update your site regularly.

Fresh content keeps visitors coming back and helps with search rankings.

Understanding Rates and Contracts

Knowing how to set your rates and handle contracts is key to making money as a voiceover artist.

These skills can help you earn more and protect your interests.

Setting Your Rates

You’ll need to figure out what to charge for your voice work. Rates for voiceovers can vary a lot.

For radio spots, you might charge $250-$350.

TV commercials can pay anywhere from $100 to $10,000.

Your rates should depend on a few things:

• The type of project (commercial, audiobook, etc.)
• How long the recording will be used
• Where it will be played (local, national, etc.)
• Your experience level

Don’t undersell yourself.

As you gain more experience, raise your rates.

Keep an eye on what others in the industry are charging.

Negotiating Contracts

When you get a job offer, you’ll need to work out the details.

Here are some tips:

• Read the contract carefully before signing
• Ask questions if anything is unclear
• Don’t be afraid to ask for changes
• Be clear about what you’re agreeing to do

Exclusivity agreements are common in voiceover work.

These might stop you from working for competitors.

Make sure you’re okay with any limits before you agree.

Remember, it’s okay to say no to a deal that doesn’t work for you.

Your time and talent are valuable.

Don’t sell yourself short just to get the job.