Voice over is one of the most common techniques in media production—and one of the least defined. You’ve likely heard it today: in an advertisement, a podcast intro, a YouTube explainer, or an automated phone message. But what exactly is voice over?
At The Voice Over Directory, we begin with the basics. This post offers a clear definition, explains the purpose of voice over, outlines its main categories, and identifies its essential characteristics.
What Is Voice Over?
Voice over (also written voiceover, voice-over, or abbreviated VO) is a production technique in which a human voice is recorded and used in media without showing the speaker. It is typically added during post-production and may serve to narrate, explain, describe, or perform a role within the content.
📌 Definition: Voice over is the use of a recorded human voice in a media production, where the speaker does not appear on screen, and the voice is used to support, narrate, or interpret the visual or auditory content.
This distinguishes voice over from live dialogue, interviews, or on-camera narration—where the speaker is visible to the audience.
What Is the Purpose of Voice Over?
Voice over serves a communicative purpose. It helps deliver information, emotion, instruction, or atmosphere—often in support of visuals, or in place of them.
Core purposes include:
- Narration – storytelling or explanatory commentary
- Instruction – guiding viewers or listeners through a process
- Promotion – describing or endorsing a product, service, or event
- Entertainment – creating characters, humour, or atmosphere in film, animation, games, and performance
- Accessibility – describing visuals for blind or visually impaired audiences, or translating content for wider reach
Whether informative or expressive, voice over enhances how audiences understand, engage with, and enjoy media content.
Types of Voice Over
Voice over comes in different forms depending on its function and the industry in which it is used. Below, we define it by purpose and by business category.
Voice Over by Function
🎙 Narration
Used in documentaries, audiobooks, and explainer videos, narration provides clear, structured information or story content.
🎭 Character Performance
Used in animation, dubbing, and video games, this type of voice over gives life to fictional characters through scripted vocal acting.
📘 Instructional Voice Over
Common in educational content, onboarding tutorials, or training modules. The voice is often calm, clear, and neutral.
📢 Promotional Voice Over
Used in advertisements, trailers, and brand communications. Typically energetic, persuasive, and brief.
📞 System and Interface Voice Over
Found in phone menus (IVR), GPS navigation, smart devices, and apps. Usually brief, directive, and easy to follow.
♿️ Accessibility and Audio Description
Describes visual information or translates on-screen content to improve accessibility across languages or abilities.
Voice Over by Business Area
Voice over plays a role in nearly every modern industry. The most common applications include:
- Advertising and Marketing – TV, radio, digital ads, and social media campaigns
- Education and E-Learning – instructional videos, academic modules, corporate training
- Entertainment and Media – animation, gaming, audiobooks, film trailers
- Telecommunications – automated phone systems, voicemail greetings, announcements
- Technology and Software – app tutorials, onboarding, explainer content
- Healthcare – patient education videos, pharmaceutical instructions
- Travel and Hospitality – safety briefings, tour guides, informational recordings
- Public Information and Government – civic campaigns, service announcements
Each sector calls for different tone, style, and pacing, often tailored to the audience and context.
Core Characteristics of Voice Over
Voice over is defined not only by where and why it is used, but also by how it functions in production. The following traits apply across all forms:
- Off-Screen – The voice is present in the content, but the speaker is not shown
- Human Voice – Typically performed by a person, not synthetic audio
- Recorded Separately – Added during post-production rather than captured live
- Intentional Delivery – Carefully performed to match tone, pacing, and purpose
- Contextual – Tailored to suit the audience, media format, and goals of the content
These qualities make voice over a distinct and versatile element of media communication.
Summary Definition
Voice over is a recorded human voice used in media without showing the speaker, typically added in post-production to support the content through narration, explanation, or performance. It is used across many formats and industries, always serving a specific communicative role.
It is not simply background narration—it is a structured, often scripted voice that enhances clarity, storytelling, or interaction in modern media.
About VoiceOverDirectory.com
VoiceOverDirectory.com is your central source for knowledge and connection in the voice over industry. We offer curated listings, educational articles, and practical tools for anyone working with or within voice over.
This post is part of our foundational blog series, designed to inform and support newcomers, professionals, and producers alike.