VoiceOver

Voiceover is a production technique in which a voice is heard over a soundtrack or visual media without appearing on screen as a character. The voice provides narration, commentary, or dialogue from a non-present perspective. Voiceover is usually non-diegetic, meaning the audience understands the voice is not part of the on-screen events.

It is used across film, television, animation, documentaries, commercials, video games, audiobooks, and corporate or educational presentations. Contributors include narrators, voice actors, and performers who provide dubbing for foreign-language versions. Dubbing replaces dialogue in another language to match lip movements, while ADR (automated dialogue replacement) records lines to improve or alter on-screen speech.

Production typically involves script adaptation, casting, and direction, followed by studio recording, editing, and sound design. Successful voiceover emphasizes clear diction, appropriate tone, and pacing. Equipment includes quality microphones and acoustically treated spaces, and workflows commonly use digital audio workstations. Increasing use of remote recording expands access to talent worldwide.

History traces back to radio and theater traditions and grew with sound film in the early 20th century. Over time, technology and distribution platforms have broadened voiceover's applications, creating a global market for performers and expanding opportunities in entertainment, advertising, and education.