Voice Over in “How To” Videos

“How-to” videos can become a crucial element in delivering informative content across various platforms. We’ve all been scrolling over various aforementioned platforms (much to our friends’ and spouses’ discontent as they grumble, “Dinner is getting cold.”) Throughout these extended scrolling sessions, we see videos “showing” us how to do something, use something, with a “voice-over” telling us how to do something or use something. We’ve all had to withstand a safety training video at a job, most likely, or taken a course and watched a video telling us “how to” use that course!

So, “How-to” videos are a common way to deliver instructional content aimed at teaching viewers specific tasks or skills. These videos cover a wide range of topics, from DIY projects and cooking techniques to software tutorials and corporate training materials. Let’s get into where we might find them in a more detailed way. What are the biggies? I think you’ve already guessed it and logged more hours on it than you’d like to admit—YouTube: A hub for “how-to” content, YouTube hosts channels dedicated to tutorials and guides, often accompanied by voice-over narration to explain steps and provide instructions. There are channels dedicated to teaching people how to string a guitar, make a cheesecake, navigate software, or make a coffee table out of corks (I’m guessing on that last one, but I really hope it exists.)

Next, you have educational websites: Many online learning platforms integrate “how-to” videos into their resources, covering academic subjects, professional skills, and practical knowledge. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy feature courses with instructional videos narrated by voice actors. Then you have corporate training: Companies utilize “how-to” videos for employee training, covering software usage, company policies, safety procedures, and more. Examples include training videos for software like Microsoft Office and safety protocols in industries like manufacturing. Sometimes they can be dry, but sometimes companies really utilize comedy to show their staff how to get the job done! I once narrated a “how-to” video for a company that incorporated pet ashes into keepsakes, like jewelry. That was pretty interesting.

E-learning courses are another breeding ground for this kind of voice-over work. Online courses frequently include “how-to” videos to supplement learning materials, offering visual and auditory guidance to learners. For instance, language learning apps like Duolingo incorporate pronunciation guides narrated by voice actors.

Okay, now for the one that can cause dinner disruptions: Social Media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook feature bite-sized “how-to” content, often enhanced with voice-over narration to explain processes or provide tips. Brands use voice-over narration in videos demonstrating makeup tutorials, fitness routines, and cooking hacks.

Your role as the voice actor is to guide viewers through step-by-step instructions, maintaining a clear, friendly tone while ensuring they can easily

 follow along. The listener needs time to get the information so rushing your read isn’t too helpful most of the time. There are different tones involved of course if wondering  “how to ‘how -to’.” Well, use those skills of being discerning and creative in a way that suits the client’s needs. In short, don’t give “making a cheesecake” how-to energy to a “use this machinery like this or you’ll be sorry” how-to video. You get the idea.

So, where do we find all of this fun work?! Platforms like YouTube, educational websites, and corporate training materials offer numerous opportunities for voice actors to showcase their talent. You want to find the people who cast for these channels, brands, companies, or creatives who cast voiceovers for them. Freelancing platforms like online casting sites often feature projects for “how-to” video narration as well. Meeting and getting to know content creators, production companies, and e-learning platforms can lead to ongoing collaborations.

So, as you can see, “how-to” videos offer a professional avenue for voice actors to share their voice and expertise across diverse topics, which keeps being a voice actor super interesting! Let your voice be the conduit for learning and creativity.

We welcome you to join us for an introductory Voice Over class HERE