Why Many Agencies Hide Their Cost Breakdown
The audio world sometimes has a secretive culture around pricing. Many agencies prefer not to show fixed prices because the final cost depends on how the audio is used. But the calculation doesn't have to be complicated at all.
A professional pricing structure always breaks down into two clear parts:
- Studio time and the voice actor's performance (the basic recording fee).
- The distribution licence (the buy-out for reach and duration).
For non-commercial work, such as an internal corporate video or e-learning, we simply charge per word or per project. For commercial campaigns on radio, television, or the internet, there is an additional fee for using the voice in the public domain.
Why Do You Pay for Usage Rights When the Audio File Is Digital?
That sometimes feels contradictory. After all, the file is just a digital MP3 or WAV file sent by email. Why does the same thirty-second clip cost more if it runs on national television than if it's on an internal page?
Hiring a voice actor is like renting a shop premise. You pay not just for the front door key, but also for the location and the time your shop window is open to passers-by. A voice heard on a national platform gives a brand enormous visibility and value. The licence ensures the voice actor receives fair compensation for that commercial impact.
How Rates Differ by Voice and Language
Our platform offers access to 94 professional voices in various languages, from Flemish and French (BE) to English, Italian, and German. The price of a voice actor depends on their experience, studio equipment, and the market they work in.
Recording a Belgian voice like Hannelore for the local market requires a different approach than a French voice like Thomas, who works from France for international campaigns. Voices like Veronique, who provides French-speaking Belgian voice-overs, or English-speaking talents like Sarah, also bring years of experience. As customer Bram notes in his review: "Professional, good and very fast!"
