[vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”5″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”444533″][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_single_image media=”97611″ media_width_percent=”100″ border=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”288890″][vc_custom_heading text_color=”color-voice-cobalt” heading_semantic=”h1″ text_size=”h1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”137643″ text_color_type=”uncode-palette”]<\/p>\n
[\/vc_custom_heading][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”5″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”444533″][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”163090″]As a voice actor, you’re well aware of how technology can impact your craft – and certainly has over time! One technological advancement that’s been making big waves in the voice acting industry more recently is Text-To-Speech (TTS). But to make informed decisions about how TTS will affect your voice over career, you must be well \u2026 informed. So, here, we\u2019ve got the insights you need to better understand TTS, how it affects the voice over industry as well as your rates, and what to expect from (and on) Voice123. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_custom_heading uncode_shortcode_id=”125906″]<\/p>\n [\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”351838″]TTS is the technology that converts written text into spoken voice output, simulating human speech. For voice actors, this means that TTS voice over projects become the raw material that powers TTS systems through voice over recordings that are used to train TTS voice models.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s an innovative technology that transforms the written word into spoken dialogue, mechanizing the human voice. It could be likened to an automated voice actor capable of tirelessly delivering scripts without the human elements of emotion and nuance. It’s important to remember that TTS resorts under the broader concept of artificial intelligence. AI is constantly developing and ever-present in the entertainment industry as a whole. It will not only continue to exist but also evolve.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading uncode_shortcode_id=”211304″]<\/p>\n [\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”364531″]The <\/span>applications of TTS<\/span><\/a> are varied and growing, especially as the technology becomes more integrated into the voice over industry. For example, TTS is being used in GPS navigation systems, customer service chatbots, and even digital personal assistants like Siri or Alexa. E-learning platforms, mobile applications, and interactive voice response (IVR) systems in call centers also leverage TTS technology. Your voice could be giving directions, teaching a course, or assisting a customer in an online chat. The potential reach of your work expands tremendously, crossing over into diverse sectors and industries.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”5″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”117382″][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_custom_heading uncode_shortcode_id=”782045″]<\/p>\n [\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”131544″]There is a concern that Text-to-Speech technology may replace voice actors as the technology has shown significant advancements in generating human-like voices, leading to worries that it could render voice actors obsolete. Additionally, some voice actors are concerned that TTS may diminish the artistic elements and nuances that they bring to their performances.<\/span><\/p>\n These are valid concerns, and we can certainly appreciate the level of doubt that exists among the voice acting community. However, with the right legislation, best practices, and know-how – TTS technology can become a tool that enhances and expands creative possibilities for voice actors instead of replacing them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In fact, multiple veteran voice actors have written about their experiences using TTS in their favor, as well as their overall opinion of how the technology won\u2019t replace voice actors and isn\u2019t affecting the bottom line of the voice over industry. Learn more on the blogs of <\/span>Debbie Grattan<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Kim Handysides<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>J Michael Collins<\/span><\/a>, and our interview with <\/span>Terri Nicole<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Since voice actors possess unique skills and talents that allow them to bring characters and narratives to life in ways that machines cannot replicate, ensuring that their role in industries such as entertainment, advertising, and gaming remains invaluable.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”5″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”438213″][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_custom_heading uncode_shortcode_id=”880335″]<\/p>\n [\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text text_lead=”small” uncode_shortcode_id=”345044″]TTS has the potential to open up a whole new market. In what way? Well, traditionally, voice actors have relied on opportunities such as audiobooks, commercials, animations, and video games. With the advancements in TTS technology, there are now opportunities for voice actors to lend their voices to TTS systems and generate income in new and innovative ways.<\/span><\/p>\n One such example is the field of automated customer service. Many companies are adopting conversational AI systems that utilize TTS to interact with customers. By providing a human touch to these automated systems, voice actors can bring warmth, personality, and professionalism to customer interactions. This not only enhances the user experience but also creates additional income opportunities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Another example is e-learning. With the rise of digital learning platforms, TTS technology is being used to convert text-based content into spoken audio. Voice actors can play a helpful role in this process by providing high-quality and engaging voice overs for educational materials.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What about voice over auditions? Voice actors can also leverage this technology by using TTS to produce the desired script instead of attending physical auditions or recording every audition script. Voice actors can do this by recording their own TTS voice samples and then generating the desired script accordingly. This allows them to showcase their range, adaptability, and versatility while auditioning for multiple projects simultaneously, saving time and increasing their chances of landing voice over roles.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”5″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”107109″][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_custom_heading uncode_shortcode_id=”160683″]<\/p>\n [\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”210839″]If you\u2019re ready to start including TTS projects in your voice over career –\u00a0 how does that affect your voice over rates? It’s essential to remember the broader reach and extended usage of your voice in TTS applications, which should be reflected in your pricing. Many voice actors work out a base rate for their time spent recording and then add a usage fee based on where and how the voice will be used.<\/span><\/p>\n Due to the evolving nature of TTS technology, exact pricing norms are currently in flux, but as more resources become available, we\u2019ll be sure to keep you updated.\u00a0<\/span>In the meantime, if you choose to participate in a TTS project, be sure to consider all uses of your voice, including future use cases with your voice \u2018data.\u2019 <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”5″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”210261″][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_custom_heading uncode_shortcode_id=”162021″]<\/p>\n [\/vc_custom_heading][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”105221″]Working with TTS technology is completely up to you! But since it\u2019s shaping up to be a permanent feature of the industry, it\u2019s vital for you to be aware of how the technology works. If you decide to take on TTS voice over projects, it\u2019s also necessary to learn how your voice will be used in both the short and long term, as well as pricing and industry and copyright terminology. You\u2019ll find helpful resources on these points from <\/span>NAVA<\/span><\/a> and\u00a0 <\/span>GFTB<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n We\u2019re also working towards guaranteed data ownership for all voice actors so that your voice belongs to you and is used as you decide and approve. As with any new technology, the power of legislation and regulation is the key to sustainability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n That\u2019s why, after reviewing our policy with the help of NAVA and our community of voice actors, we\u2019ve developed a set of guidelines to facilitate the approval process of TTS projects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n All Voice123 projects that we identify as text-to-speech will be closely scrutinized and monitored to ensure the safety of our voice actors and that clients pay for all delivered recordings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Moving forward, clients will:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In addition, projects that are in perpetuity for all cases will no longer be allowed, and we\u2019ve also carefully reviewed our Terms of Service, particularly those relating to AI and TTS projects, which you can read here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nWhat is TTS?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How TTS is used in voice over<\/strong>
\n<\/b><\/h3>\nConcerns about TTS<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Potential TTS opportunities<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Charging for TTS Projects<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The future of TTS on Voice123<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n