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Technical Audio Specifications for Voiceover

Q: What file format are voice overs delivered in?

Voice actors typically deliver files in WAV or MP3 formats , but you can request any audio format needed for your project. Simply specify your preferred format when requesting a quote or before the recording. MP3 files are compressed audio files, ideal for web and e-learning, while WAV/AIF are lossless formats with no quality degradation, and larger file sizes. For video content, we recommend using audio files in WAV format (24-bit/48 kHz), while e-learning platforms typically use MP3 files for faster loading. Always archive master recordings in WAV format for future editing or repurposing. Multiple format versions are available upon request at no extra charge.

At Voice Crafters, we are very strict about audio quality and delivery standards. Our goal is to provide high-quality voice overs, in terms of both performance and audio quality.

Our rigorous vetting process means you can focus on hiring voice actors whose performance aligns perfectly with your brand identity and values, without having to worry about audio quality.

Question: What file format are voice overs delivered in?

Voice actors typically deliver files in WAV or MP3 formats, but you can request any audio format needed for your project. Simply specify your preferred format when requesting a quote or before the recording.

MP3 files are compressed audio files, ideal for web and e-learning, while WAV/AIF are lossless formats with no quality degradation, and larger file sizes.
For video content, we recommend using audio files in WAV format (24-bit/48 kHz), while e-learning platforms typically use MP3 files for faster loading.
Always archive master recordings in WAV format for future editing or repurposing.
Multiple format versions are available upon request at no extra charge.

Question: What are voice over usage fees and buyouts?

Usage fees, or licensing fees, compensate voice actors based on where and how widely their voice is used. These fees apply to paid promotional content like ads and typically cover a specific campaign period (typically 12 weeks to 2 years). Buyouts grant unlimited usage rights in perpetuity and are commonly used for internal content or voice overs used organically (without paid advertising).

Usage fees are added to the basic session fee (BSF), which covers the voice actor’s recording time.
A buyout represents a “bundled payment” that covers both BSF and usage.

Usage fees are affected by platform (TV, radio, web, social media), geographic reach (local, regional, national, international), campaign duration, and audience size.

Fees increase when the same recording is used across multiple channels.

Clients can renew expired usage rights with an additional payment, usually increasing by 10% each year.

Usage agreements can be negotiated and customized based on your specific distribution needs.

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Video editing, captioning and SFX

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Quick Answer

Technical Audio Specifications for Voiceover

Question: What file format are voice overs delivered in?

Question: What are voice over usage fees and buyouts?

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