How to Voice Over a Video

Voice-over is a technique that almost no YouTube video, Reel, or TikTok can do without. What does it imply? When you voice over a video, it means you synchronise your voice narration to the video playback. This narration is used to provide commentary or sometimes some additional information to the visuals you’re showing in the video.

Voice-overs, surely, aren’t exclusive to YouTube or TikTok video content; they’re also used in TV programmes, ads, movies, video games, and educational courses. But YouTube creators don’t have (or don’t always have) a large team of video production pros, but their voice-overs are often of the same quality level TV programmes have. This means that it’s more than possible to make a high-quality voice-over in your bedroom studio. How—is the topic we’ll cover here.

Do I need to be a professional voice actor to voice over a video?

Absolutely not! Having professional experience can enhance the quality and streamline the recording process, of course, but it’s not a requirement to achieve excellent results. With proper techniques, preparation, and equipment, you can create top-notch voice-overs on your own.

Here are some helpful tips and best practices:

• Practise reading aloud, experimenting with various tones, pacing, and styles until you discover the best fit for your project.
• Review your script thoroughly before recording to familiarise yourself with the content. Grasp the intended tone and message to deliver it effectively.
• Record in a quiet environment with minimal background noise and echo. Use blankets or acoustic panels to reduce any reverberation.
• Invest in a good microphone and audio recording software to capture clear, high-quality sound. Utilising pop filters and microphone stands can also enhance your recording quality.
• Use audio editing software to refine your recordings. Adjust levels, eliminate mistakes or unwanted noise, and add effects if needed.
• Speak clearly and confidently, enunciating words and phrases properly. Focus on pacing, emphasis, and intonation to convey the intended meaning accurately.

How to voice over a video: 101 Tips

Stage 1: Finding a quiet recording environment

Professional recording studios have sound-absorbing walls, high-end microphones with pop screens, and advanced workstations. If budget allows, a professional studio can save you on equipment costs and enhance your recording quality. However, high-quality recordings can also be achieved with simpler setups at home. Choose a quiet location free from distractions. Even faint ambient noises can be picked up by good microphones, affecting the recording quality. If recording at work, avoid noisy areas or choose times when the office is quiet. Pay attention to HVAC systems and external noises like traffic or birds, which can interfere with your recording.

Stage 2: Selecting the right microphone

Choosing the right microphone is crucial for high-quality voice-overs. Avoid using your laptop's built-in microphone; they might be sufficient for video calls but not for voice-overs. Investing in a USB microphone in the $50-$100 range significantly improves quality. Additionally, use a pop filter to eliminate plosive sounds (like "t" and "p").

Stage 3: Choosing audio recording software

There are many audio recording software options, some of which might be overly complex for beginners. We'll discuss user-friendly options shortly. Proper microphone placement is essential: keep it at an appropriate distance from the sound source, typically close for direct sound and minimal room ambiance. Aim the microphone at the sound source and adjust its height and angle to capture the clearest sound. Use a shock mount or stand to minimise vibrations and handling noise.

Stage 4: Writing a script

While not always necessary, having a script helps you stay organised and reduces nervousness during recording. Scripts help avoid filler words like "um" and "ah," which can make you sound unprofessional. You can start by outlining key points, then develop the full script. Rehearse it aloud several times to smooth out any awkward phrases, as scripts often sound different when spoken compared to when read silently.

Stage 5: Performing a test recording

Before the main recording, do a test recording with your audio software. You don't need to record the entire script—just a few paragraphs to check audio clarity and detect any background noise. Use headphones to review the test recording, as they offer better sound quality than computer speakers. This step is crucial since many viewers will use headphones, so ensuring the best possible audio experience is important.

How to voice over a video on desktop, iOS & Android

Waveroom — Online method

Waveroom is an online platform designed for podcast and interview recording. It ensures high-quality audio capture through local recording, even if the Internet connection is unstable or lost. Waveroom records at 48 kHz and provides uncompressed WAV files. The user-friendly interface is streamlined and free of unnecessary features. Plus, Waveroom is completely free to use!

Follow these steps to record a voice-over for your video:

1. Log in or sign up to access your Waveroom account.
2. In the Devices tab under the video preview, select your camera, microphone, and headphones. For the best audio quality, connect your highest-quality microphone to your computer.
3. Go to the Record tab to choose the audio quality.

4. Click the Start Meeting button to enter your recording room. To test the setup first, choose Start Test Record.

5. Click the Record button when ready to begin your voice-over.

6. Click the Stop button when finished.

7. Wait a few seconds for the meeting recording to save.

8. Once you see the Upload Completed notification in the bottom right corner, click the X sign to leave the meeting.

That’s it! You can now edit the voice-over as needed and add it to your video using any video-editing software.

How to voice over a video on iPhone

If you want to add voice-overs to your videos on an iPhone, the Video Editor and Maker app from the App Store is a great option. This app allows you to enhance your videos with music from its library or Apple Music, and you can also record your own voice-overs. Additionally, you can fine-tune the speed, volume, and fades of your video, and trim it as needed. While the app is free to download, a one-time purchase is required to unlock all features. iPad users can also enjoy a version tailored for their device.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Install Video Editor and Maker from the App Store on your iOS device.
2. Open the app and navigate to the Gallery to choose the video you want to edit.
3. Tap on "Add Music."
4. Select "Record Audio" and tap the microphone icon to start recording your voice-over.
5. Tap "Done" when you’re finished. Your audio will be instantly added to the timeline.
6. Move the audio track to the desired position on the timeline by dragging it with your finger.
7. Use the slider at the bottom to adjust the volume of your voice-over.
8. Tap on the recording to access options like Audio Trim and Sound Settings. Here, you can add faders and loops to your audio for a polished finish.
9. Once you’re satisfied with the audio, tap the export icon in the top right corner to generate your clip.

Note: The exported clip will have a watermark unless you subscribe to the premium version of the app.

How to add a voice-over to video on Android

For Android users, the VoiceOver app is a great choice for recording and editing voice-overs. While it doesn't directly add sound to video clips, you can use another video editing app, such as InShot, for that purpose. Here’s how to use the VoiceOver app:

1. Install the VoiceOver app from the Google Play Store and open it.
2. Find the Recorder tool within the app.
3. Set your preferences for audio quality, volume, and audio format.
4. Use the built-in Audio Stop Countdown timer to specify the recording duration, if needed.
5. Tap the red button to begin recording your voice-over.
6. Pause the recording as needed, and stop once you've completed your script.
7. Use the playhead to navigate through your track for specific edits, such as cutting, trimming, or muting.
8. To add a second voice or background soundtrack, use the Overdub tool.
9. Once editing is complete, tap Save and enter a name for your recording.
10. Tap Save again, review the media information, and hit Done.

You now have a professional-level voice recording ready to be added to any video.

11. Now, to add a voice-over to your video, you can install InShot or another video editing app from the Google Play Store.

12. Import your video into the editor.

13. Add your saved voice-over recording to the video timeline.

14. Adjust the audio placement and synchronisation with the video as needed.

15. Make any additional edits, then export your final video with the voice-over included.