How to Use AI Voiceovers in Your Explainer Video Without Sounding Robotic
AI voiceovers have come a long way. What used to sound like a clunky GPS voice now sounds surprisingly human—sometimes even better than that budget voice actor you hired on Fiverr.
But there’s a catch: if you don’t know what you’re doing, your AI voiceover can still come across stiff, awkward, or painfully fake. That’s the last thing you want when you’re trying to build trust or keep people watching.
Here’s how to use AI voiceovers in your explainer video and still sound natural, clear, and like a real human is talking to your viewer.
Start With a Script That Sounds Human
A good voiceover starts with a good script. And a good AI voiceover script needs to read like natural speech—not like marketing copy or a written blog post.
Tips for writing with your ear:
Use contractions: "you’ll" instead of "you will"
Break up long sentences into smaller ones
Use plain language and a conversational tone
Read it out loud before finalizing
If it doesn’t sound right to you, it definitely won’t sound right coming from a synthetic voice.
Choose the Right Voice
Most AI tools come with a library of voice options. Don’t just pick the first one that sounds cool. You need a voice that fits your brand and message.
Ask yourself:
Is this voice confident and clear?
Does it feel too robotic or too dramatic?
Would your audience trust or relate to this tone?
Look for AI voices with good pacing, soft inflection, and natural pauses. Some tools even let you tweak those things manually.
Use Emotion (but Not Too Much)
One of the newest features in many AI voice tools is the ability to adjust emotion. You can make a voice sound happy, serious, calm, or excited.
But subtlety is key. Too much "emotion" can quickly cross into cheesy or uncanny valley territory. Aim for:
Slight enthusiasm for product videos
Calm confidence for educational content
Soft sincerity for personal storytelling
Preview it at different intensities. The goal is to enhance the message, not steal the spotlight.
Watch Your Pacing
Some AI voices speak either too quickly or too slowly by default. Make sure your final delivery feels like someone is having a conversation—not racing through a disclaimer.
Here's how to improve pacing:
Slow down slightly for complex explanations
Add natural pauses between sections
Avoid overstuffing sentences with too many ideas
Use punctuation wisely: commas and ellipses help AI voices breathe. And don’t forget that a short pause can help your viewer absorb what was just said.
Mix With the Right Background Music
Even the best AI voice will sound weird if you drop it over jarring music or sound effects. The goal is to blend, not battle.
Match your music to your voiceover:
Upbeat tracks for lively voices
Soft ambient music for calm or serious tones
Avoid high-pitched melodies or distracting instrumentals
Always test them together before publishing. What sounds great solo might feel completely off when layered.
Best AI Voice Tools to Try
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few of our favorite tools for creating high-quality AI narration:
ElevenLabs – Very natural-sounding with emotional control and custom voice cloning
Murf – User-friendly with lots of corporate-friendly voices
WellSaid Labs – Clear, polished voices with great pacing and delivery
Descript’s Overdub – Good for editing and matching your own voice
Most tools let you try samples before you commit, and some even offer team plans if you’re producing a lot of videos.
Final Thoughts: Let the Tech Work for You
AI voiceovers can save time, money, and last-minute headaches—but only if they’re done well. When used intentionally, they let you sound professional without the studio or the invoice.
So script like a human, choose a voice that fits, and always test it with fresh ears before you hit publish.
