Voice Over Rates in 2025: What Every VO Needs to Know with David Toback

Voice over rates are more critical — and confusing — than ever. In this powerful episode, Marc Scott sits down with David Toback, one of the creators of the GVAA Rate Guide, the industry’s gold standard for non-union voiceover pricing.

You’ll get a front-row seat to the conversation voice actors everywhere are having — about voice over usage, AI disruption, unrealistic budgets, and how to stand your ground and still get the job.

From OTT/CTV ads to streaming audio and social reels, David breaks down how to quote voice over work, why most clients don’t understand usage, and how YOU can educate and advocate like a pro.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ What the GVAA Rate Guide really is — and isn’t

✅ How to price for social, OTT, podcast ads & more

✅ How “value” gets lost in modern VO negotiations

✅ What to say when clients ask for perpetuity

✅ Why you must think like your own agent

📅 GVAA Webinar: Demystifying Digital Rates – May 21st Learn more & register: https://gvaaondemand.com/programs/demystifying-digital-rates-commercial-usage

CONNECT WITH GVAA

🖱️ GVAA Rate Guide - https://globalvoiceacademy.com/gvaa-rate-guide-2

🖱️ GVAA Online - https://globalvoiceacademy.com

🖱️ GVAA on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegvaa

🖱️ GVAA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thegvaa

🖱️ GVAA on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/globalvoiceacademy

 

🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott

🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur

RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook
Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* Free Guide: 10 Common Marketing Mistakes
Visit https://vopreneur.com/10mistakes

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam
Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services:
Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag?
Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group
Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

EVERYDAY VOPRENEURS IN THIS EPISODE

* Thanks to "Uncle Roy" for production assistance!
Visit https://antlandproductions.com

* Thanks to Christy Harst for VO contributions!
Visit https://christyharst.com

* Thanks to Krysta Wallrauch for VO contributions!
Visit https://krystawallrauch.com

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. Book Your Consult

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The GVAA rate guide serves as a foundational tool for voice actors.
• Voice over rates are complex and vary widely across genres.
• Understanding digital content is crucial for negotiating rates.
• Voice actors must be proactive in marketing their services.
• Emerging categories in voice over are creating new opportunities.
• Voice actors need to understand the nuances of digital advertising terms.
• Voice actors may need to rely more on agents to manage their work.
• The value of voice over work is often underestimated by clients.
• Educating clients about usage and licensing is essential for fair compensation.
• Building trust with clients can lead to long-term relationships.
• Voice actors should not assume clients are trying to take advantage of them.
• GVAA is providing educational resources to help voice actors navigate industry changes.