1. Quiz
  2. Your result
  3. Your plan
  4. Your guide

Step-by-step guide

Voice-overs for adverts, videos and e-learning: your step-by-step start

Record voice-overs for radio adverts, company videos, e-learning, YouTube and podcasts, from a quiet corner at home with a good microphone.

  • 18 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • about 1 hour in total

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • People with a clear, warm voice who read well out loud, enjoy playing with tone, and can sit still in a quiet room for an hour.

Think twice if

  • You need money within the next two weeks: first income usually takes about 60 days.
  • You have no laptop or computer to work on.
  • You cannot put about R1 500 into getting started.

Honest expectations

  • First income usually takes about 60 days.
  • Part time, this can become a meaningful second income once you have regular customers.
  • The main risk to plan for: rates are a guide, so agree the fee and usage in writing before you record.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How voice-overs for adverts, videos and e-learning worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Pricing and getting paid5 min (in the full guide)
    3. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Read three real adverts out loud each day and record them3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Write down the languages and accents you can do well3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first customers: who to message5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Record a one-minute demo with three short styles (advert, explainer, calm narration)3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Join one casting site and send your demo to five SA studios3 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Ask your first clients for a reference you can quote3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Make a second demo for your strongest language or style3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    5. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R1 500 to R8 000 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • USB or XLR microphone and closed headphones
  • Free audio editor such as Audacity
  • Blankets or foam to deaden the room
  • A one-minute demo reel

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 24 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 24 October 2027.