Trends every Voice Actor should watch in media

The world of voice acting is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing media trends. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, staying up-to-date with industry trends is essential for remaining competitive and relevant. In this article, we’ll discuss the top trends every voice actor should keep an eye on, from advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual influencers to the increasing demand for diverse voice talents and the rise of new platforms for voiceover work.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning are starting to play a major role in the voiceover industry. AI can be used to create realistic synthetic voices and even assist in the voice recording process, reshaping the way voice actors approach their work.

• AI-generated voices: AI technology has made significant strides in generating synthetic voices that mimic human speech. Companies like Descript and Resemble.ai offer AI-generated voice tools that can replicate human tones, accents, and emotions, allowing for faster production times in certain types of media, such as e-learning or corporate training videos.
• Voice cloning: One of the more controversial aspects of AI in voice acting is voice cloning. Some companies are experimenting with cloning a voice using AI, which could be used to replicate an actor’s voice in different contexts without needing them to record every line. While this raises ethical questions, it's something voice actors should be aware of.
• AI-assisted editing: AI is also being used to help with the editing process by automatically removing background noise, reducing plosives, and improving overall audio quality. These tools can save time during post-production and help voice actors deliver cleaner recordings.

2. The Rise of Virtual Influencers

Virtual influencers, digital characters that are created and voiced by real people, have become increasingly popular in marketing, entertainment, and social media. These digital personas often have a unique, stylized voice that sets them apart from traditional human influencers.

• Virtual voiceovers: Voice actors are now being hired to give virtual influencers a unique voice. This trend is growing, especially on social media platforms where digital influencers like Lil Miquela have amassed millions of followers. Voice actors contribute to the personality and emotional depth of these digital characters.
• Marketing campaigns: Virtual influencers are also being used in marketing campaigns, where voice actors are hired to provide the voiceovers for advertisements, branding videos, and social media content. These virtual influencers are often used to engage younger audiences in creative and interactive ways.
• Character consistency: Just as voice actors bring human characters to life, they now play a role in maintaining character consistency for virtual influencers. These influencers rely on the voice actor to ensure the character’s voice remains consistent across all content.

3. Growing Demand for Diverse Voice Talents

In recent years, the demand for diverse voices in media has been growing. Audiences are looking for representation across all forms of media, and this trend is pushing the voice acting industry to embrace a wider variety of talent and voices.

• Increased representation: There is a growing focus on including voices from different cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and age groups. Voice actors are now being sought for roles that reflect the diversity of the audience, allowing for more authentic and inclusive storytelling.
• Gender-neutral voices: With the increasing awareness around gender inclusivity, there is a rising demand for gender-neutral voices, especially in video games, animation, and virtual assistants. This is giving voice actors an opportunity to diversify their range and take on new types of roles.
• More opportunities for non-English speakers: As the global entertainment market expands, there is an increasing demand for voice actors who can perform in languages other than English, particularly for international animated projects, dubbed films, and video games.

4. Voiceover in Interactive Media (Games, VR, AR)

The rise of interactive media, including video games, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), has opened up new opportunities for voice actors. These platforms are more immersive than traditional media, and voice actors play an essential role in shaping the user experience.

• Video game voice acting: With the growing complexity and narrative depth of video games, there is an increasing demand for skilled voice actors who can bring characters to life in new, interactive worlds. Games are becoming more immersive, and voice acting is crucial for creating believable, engaging characters.
• VR and AR voice acting: As VR and AR experiences become more widespread, voice actors are being called upon to add realism and depth to these interactive environments. Whether it's creating voices for virtual characters or providing narration for immersive experiences, voice actors will play a pivotal role in the development of these technologies.
• Dynamic, player-driven dialogue: Many modern video games now feature dynamic dialogue systems where the player’s choices affect the outcome of the story. Voice actors must record multiple variations of lines to accommodate the different choices players can make, making the job more complex and rewarding.

5. Voiceover for AI Assistants and Smart Devices

With the proliferation of smart devices and AI-powered assistants, there is a growing demand for voice talent to create the voices of virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. These AI assistants are an important part of everyday life, and their voices are becoming more human-like and approachable.

• Creating personalities for AI: Voice actors are responsible for giving AI assistants their unique personalities, ensuring they sound natural, friendly, and easy to interact with. This trend is increasing as more devices integrate virtual assistants into everyday objects like fridges, cars, and home security systems.
• Customizable voices: Many companies are now offering customizable voice options for their AI assistants. For example, voice actors are hired to create voices that match the branding of a company or provide different tones, accents, or languages for users.
• Voice data collection: Voice actors are sometimes hired to record large datasets of voice samples that AI algorithms use to learn and generate more human-like speech. This data helps improve AI systems’ ability to understand and respond to natural language.

6. Remote Voice Acting and Home Studios

Advancements in recording technology and the rise of digital platforms have made it easier for voice actors to work remotely from their own home studios. This trend is particularly significant as the demand for quick turnaround times and global talent grows.

• Home studio setup: More voice actors are building professional home studios equipped with high-quality microphones, audio interfaces, and soundproofing to produce industry-standard recordings from the comfort of their homes. This allows for greater flexibility and the ability to work with clients worldwide.
• Online auditions: Platforms like Voices.com, Voice123, and Casting Call Club allow voice actors to submit auditions from anywhere. These platforms have made the voice acting industry more accessible and have expanded the pool of talent available to clients.
• Global collaboration: With the ability to record remotely, voice actors can collaborate with clients and teams from all over the world. This has expanded opportunities, especially for projects that require voice actors from different linguistic or cultural backgrounds.

7. AI-Assisted Voiceover Production

While AI-generated voices are a growing trend, there are also AI-assisted tools that help voice actors produce high-quality work more efficiently. These tools can streamline the voiceover production process, from recording to editing, making the process quicker and easier.

• AI-powered editing tools: Software like Descript and Auphonic uses AI to edit audio, remove background noise, and correct timing issues. These tools can help voice actors save time on post-production and focus on their performance.
• Speech-to-text for subtitles: AI tools that convert speech to text are increasingly used to add subtitles or captions to voiceover recordings. This makes voice actors’ work more accessible and ensures that their content can be understood by a wider audience.
• Voice modulation tools: AI tools are also being developed to help voice actors modulate their voices for different projects. These tools can adjust pitch, tone, and speed in real-time, allowing voice actors to experiment with different vocal effects without re-recording their lines.

Conclusion

The voice acting industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological innovations and shifting media trends. By staying informed about advancements like AI, virtual influencers, and the growing demand for diverse voices, voice actors can ensure they remain relevant in an ever-changing landscape. Whether you’re working with cutting-edge technology in video games or lending your voice to AI assistants, embracing these trends will help you stay ahead of the competition and build a successful voice acting career.