Guide · For Clients · Complete Guide
Commissioning a German Voice Over –
The Complete Guide for International Clients
You want to commission a voice over but are not quite sure how? From the first enquiry to the finished audio file — this guide walks you through the complete process.
Commissioning a voice over sounds simpler than it sometimes is. Anyone commissioning professional audio for the first time faces a series of questions: Where do I find the right voice artist? What do I need to provide to get a recording that sounds the way I imagined? What does it cost? And what happens if I am not happy with the result?
This guide answers all these questions — structured, without jargon, from the perspective of a voice over artist who works with clients every day. You will learn what makes a good briefing, how to find the right voice artist, and what commonly goes wrong when commissioning.
Step 1: What do I need? — The preparation
Before you contact a voice over artist, it is worth clarifying some basic questions. This saves time — yours and the artist's — and leads to a more precise quote and better result.
Your checklist before making an enquiry:
- Define use case: What exactly is the recording for? Phone prompt, explainer video, radio spot, e-learning? Requirements and prices vary by application.
- Determine target audience: Who will hear the audio? Age, register (formal/informal), background, industry — this influences tone and word choice.
- Think about tonality: Should the voice sound authoritative and factual? Energetic and inspiring? Warm and friendly? A clear idea helps enormously.
- Estimate text length: Do you already have a text, or do you need help writing? How long should the finished audio be?
- Calculate budget: What is your budget for the voice recording? The pricing page gives you an initial overview.
- Set a deadline: When do you need the finished file? Standard is 24–48 hours; for complex projects proportionally longer.
- Determine format: In which file format do you need the recording? MP3, WAV? What sample rate and bit depth? Standard for video: WAV 48kHz/24bit.
- Clarify usage rights: Where and for how long will the audio be used? Online, TV, internationally? Licence fees can vary by reach.
Step 2: The briefing
A good briefing is the most important success factor in voice over production. What a professional briefing contains:
The script: The fully written-out, final text — no bullet points. Including all names, phone numbers, URLs and special pronunciations.
Purpose and channel: Where will the audio be used? Telephone system, YouTube, TV, trade fair, website, app? The purpose influences tone, loudness normalisation and technical requirements.
Target audience: Who should the audio address? End customers, business partners, employees? What age group, what expectations?
Tonality and style: Authoritative-factual, warm-friendly, energetic-inspiring, relaxed-trustworthy? Three keywords are enough: "competent, friendly, clear".
Reference audios: If you know examples you like, send them. "Sounds roughly like this spot" is often clearer than 200 words of description.
Deadline and priority: When do you need the finished file? State a specific date.
Step 3: The production process
After the briefing is received and the order is confirmed, the production begins. Here is what to expect:
Recording: The voice artist records in the professional studio. Multiple takes are made to give you choice and catch any small stumbles. All takes are clearly labelled.
Delivery: You receive the finished file in the agreed format — typically within 24–48 hours. For larger projects a schedule is agreed in advance.
Corrections: One correction round is included as standard. This covers adjustments due to tone brief changes or small emphasis changes. If the script itself changes, this may be billed as a new order.
Step 4: Usage rights
Usage rights define where, for how long and in which territory the recording may be used. For simple online videos or phone prompts, usage rights are often included in the base price. For TV spots, radio advertising or international use, separate usage rights are agreed.
A "buyout" means all usage rights transfer permanently and without restriction to the client — the most expensive option, but offering maximum flexibility.
What if I am not happy with the result?
Correction rounds are included at stimme24.com. If you are not happy with the tone, a re-recording is made with your feedback. Corrections to the recording (same text) are always free. If the text itself changes, an additional fee may apply.
How long does production take?
Standard projects at stimme24.com are delivered in 24–48 hours. Express production is available at an additional charge. Larger projects such as audiobooks are planned individually.
Do I need to create an account or sign a contract?
No. At stimme24.com everything works simply: send an enquiry by email or contact form, receive a quote, confirm the order — done. No account, no lengthy contract for standard projects.
Ready to commission your voice over?
Send your brief and script — a quote follows promptly, typically within a few hours. Or view the pricing page for an immediate overview.