How to Choose the Right Voiceover for Your Explainer Video

You’ve got your script polished, your storyboard is looking sharp, and the animation is ready to roll. But something still feels off. It’s not the visuals or the pacing. It’s the voice.

Choosing the right voiceover for your explainer video can be the difference between a polished, engaging experience and one that falls flat. Let’s talk about how to pick a voice that actually works for your brand and message.

Why Voiceovers Matter So Much

Voiceovers do more than just narrate your script. They carry your brand’s tone, guide your viewer through the story, and influence how your message is received. A mismatched voiceover can create confusion or make your video feel less credible.

Done right, a voiceover adds clarity, emotion, and energy. It keeps viewers engaged and makes your content easier to follow—especially when explaining complex ideas.

Define the Role of the Voiceover

Before you even think about accents, tone, or style, ask yourself: what job is the voiceover doing in this video?

Is it Informative?

If your goal is to teach or explain, go for a voice that sounds confident, clear, and approachable. Think “friendly subject matter expert,” not radio announcer.

Is it Emotional?

For videos focused on storytelling, like nonprofit causes or testimonials, you’ll want warmth and authenticity. A soft, sincere tone can connect better than a dramatic one.

Is it Sales-Driven?

When you’re trying to convert, look for energy and enthusiasm. Not over-the-top, but enough to make the viewer feel excited about what you’re offering.

Pick a Voice That Matches Your Brand Personality

Would your brand talk like a buttoned-up banker or a cheerful barista? Your explainer video should sound like you, not like what you think a voiceover is “supposed” to sound like.

Consider These Traits

• Tone: Casual, formal, quirky, serious

• Gender: Male, female, nonbinary, or doesn’t matter

• Accent: Neutral, regional, international? Make sure it supports your message, not distracts from it

• Age: Youthful and energetic or mature and grounded?

For example, a fintech startup might want a calm, professional tone with a bit of friendly edge. A kids’ app? Go full-on bubbly and animated.

Should You Use a Human or AI Voice?

This is a hot topic. AI voiceovers are improving fast—and for certain projects, they can be a great option. But it depends on your priorities.

Use a Human Voiceover If:

• Your video has emotional nuance

• You want a unique or recognizable voice

• You have budget for custom voice talent

• The brand tone depends on connection and relatability

Use AI Voiceovers If:

• You’re on a tight timeline

• You need quick edits or multiple versions

• Your script is straightforward and neutral in tone

• You're working with a lean budget

Many AI tools now let you choose tone and pacing. Just make sure the end result sounds natural, not robotic. Always test with real listeners.

How to Work with Voice Talent or AI Tools

If Hiring a Voice Actor

• Share clear direction: tone, pace, pronunciation

• Provide a full script with context

• Ask for a short sample first if possible

• Make sure your licensing covers all the ways you’ll use the video

If Using AI Voice Tools

• Test multiple voices with your script

• Adjust pacing, inflection, and emotion sliders (if available)

• Always listen to the full output before finalizing

• Pair it with background music that won’t clash or compete

Popular tools include ElevenLabs, WellSaid Labs, and Murf. Each has strengths—some sound more realistic, others give you more control.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s save you a few headaches:

• Don’t choose a voice just because it “sounds cool.” It has to fit your message.

• Avoid super-fast delivery. Your viewer needs time to absorb the content.

• Skip voices with heavy vocal fry or distracting affectations unless that’s part of your brand.

• Make sure the voice doesn’t clash with your background music. Both should feel part of the same vibe.

And always—always—test it with people who weren’t involved in the project. Fresh ears will catch weird pacing or unnatural tone that you’re too close to hear.

Final Thoughts: Let the Voice Support the Story

Your voiceover is a guide. A good one helps your audience feel like they’re in good hands, explains things clearly, and makes the experience enjoyable.

Whether you use a talented voice actor or a surprisingly solid AI option, the key is matching tone, pacing, and emotion to your story and your brand.

Need help picking the perfect voice or putting your whole explainer video together from script to screen? That’s literally what we do. Reach out and we’ll make it easy.