Top 5 Mistakes Video Producers Make When Choosing Voice Over
A stunning video with the wrong voice can still flop. As a video producer, you already understand the importance of storytelling, pacing, and aesthetics—but voice over is one area where even seasoned pros sometimes slip.
In this post, we’ll uncover the top 5 voice over mistakes video producers make—and how to avoid them—to ensure your next explainer, promo, or brand video hits the mark with a professional English voice over that works.
1. Choosing a Voice Based Only on Price
The Mistake:
Going with the cheapest option—often a Fiverr gig or a friend with a “nice voice”—without checking experience or quality.
The Risk:
You might end up with poor audio quality, inexperience, or a tone that doesn’t match your brand. This can lead to expensive re-recordings—or worse, undermine your credibility.
The Fix:
Don’t just go for an affordable voice over—go for affordable and effective. Vet your talent based on:
Experience with explainer video voice over
Studio quality (ask for audio samples)
Ability to take direction and offer revisions
Investing a bit more upfront saves time, money, and headaches later on.
🚫 2. Not Matching the Voice to the Brand
The Mistake:
Choosing a voice just because it "sounds cool"—without thinking about brand tone or your audience.
The Risk:
A mismatched voice creates confusion. For instance, a playful voice on a serious documentary voice over ruins the intended emotion.
The Fix:
Select a voice actor who understands:
Your brand's tone (e.g., warm, professional, playful)
The message’s emotional goal
Your ideal viewer
Want clean, neutral delivery across industries? Consider a male voice over talent with neutral voice for flexibility and broad appeal.
🚫 3. Using the First Take Without Direction
The Mistake:
Accepting the first take from your voice actor without giving any creative direction or feedback.
The Risk:
Even a talented professional can’t guess what you’re looking for. The take may be too fast, too flat, or not fit your visuals.
The Fix:
Treat voice over as a creative collaboration. Always:
Provide a clear, finalized script
Share direction on pacing, tone, and emotion
Give time-coded feedback for any pickups
Great voice over services rely on strong communication.
🚫 4. Ignoring Script Timing and Structure
The Mistake:
Writing or approving a script without checking its timing or pacing against visuals.
The Risk:
An overwritten script forces the narrator to rush. An underwritten one leaves awkward gaps. Both ruin your video’s flow.
The Fix:
Aim for 140–160 words per minute
Read it aloud and time it
Match each part to your visual storyboard
Use a two-column script format for syncing narration
This applies across all genres—from narration voice over to explainer video voice over and beyond.
🚫 5. Overlooking Licensing & Usage Rights
The Mistake:
Using a voice over without confirming where and how it can legally be used.
The Risk:
You could face takedowns, legal issues, or extra costs if you didn’t secure proper rights upfront.
The Fix:
Before you hire voice actor talent, always confirm:
Where the video will be used (e.g., social media, broadcast, internal)
For how long
Whether it’s part of a paid marketing campaign
What licensing is included
Pro voice over artists will always provide clear usage terms.
✅ Final Thoughts
Voice over is not just a sound layer—it’s the soul of your message.
Avoiding these 5 common mistakes helps your videos sound as professional as they look, builds trust with your audience, and keeps your project on time and on budget. Whether you're creating a product explainer, a training video, or a short doc, working with the right voice over services makes all the difference.
📞 Need Help Choosing the Right Voice?
I work with video producers and creative teams to match the perfect voice to your visuals—on time, on brand, and on budget.
Whether you're producing a SaaS demo, animated series, or branded film, I offer:
Professional English voice over
Male voice over talent with neutral voice
Explainer video voice over
Narration and documentary voice over services
Fast, affordable voice over turnaround
👉 Let’s talk about your next project: 📧 mail@stevegouwsvo.com 🌐 www.stevegouwsvo.com
