2020 brought many changes to the world. It also changed the way the voice over industry adapted to challenges.

How about you? How have you adapted?

Now is a great time to assess what has brought you the most job opportunities and where they came from. 

Also, look at the opportunities that will be trending in the industry. 

Here is a guide to planning for a successful year.

Conversational reads are popular every year, and 2021 will not be the exception. 

There is still a need for voice over actors who can read with this style. Conversational can be very hard for some voice over actors as it is not always a skill that gets much training. 

However, if you can be successful in this style, opportunities will come your way.

Remote work is not going away, which means you need to have your home studio set up. 

And the audio quality of your recordings will improve your booking rate. 

Brands last year saw the need to use voice over actors to get their message out. 

The voice over industry actually enjoyed an increase in jobs as brands realized they needed to ensure their messages were high quality. 

While many brands cut marketing budgets last year, this year they need to be more successful, and that means getting the word out that they are open. This means more voice over jobs for professionals.

As 2020 meant more time at home, it also meant that there was more online viewing of videos. 
Internet videos are a varied category and include company explainer videos, social media videos, blogs, and YouTube.

The increase in screen time of short-form internet videos was not only in the U.S., but all over the world. 

There is no sign that the need for these videos will be slowing down, and the digital studios are ramping up for a busy year. Brands have found the benefits of working with a voice over actor for their explainer videos.

The demand for eLearning voice overs will not lessen this year, and opportunities for voice over actors will rise.

Not only will there be more classes, but also, specialized training, company training decks, and more will be created and updated. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has provided several types of job opportunities for voice actors, and with social distancing and the need for industries to create non-touch sanitary options, voice technology is going to increase. 

This involves work including voice assistants to recorded voice options like Alexa and other smaller applications in business and library niches. The voice assistant category is particularly on the rise.

The best way to plan is to look at the type of work you did last year. Whether it was commercials, audiobooks, eLearning, corporate videos, explainer videos, etc., determine what areas gave you the most job opportunities.

Did these jobs come from an agency, director, online postings, your website, acting coaches, or social media? 

Understanding where you are most successful will help you create a strategic plan.

Also reflect on your strengths and areas that need improvement within your acting. 

Listen critically to your demos. Do they showcase your skills? 

The new year is a great time to update your portfolio, take some classes, and hone in on your skill sets.

Cheers to a successful 2021!