GVAA Rate Guide

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GVAA Rate Guide Disclaimer

The GVAA Rate Guide is intended solely as an informational and educational resource for the Voiceover Community, Talent, and Producers to consider when determining their own rates. Please read the complete GVAA Rate Guide Disclaimer here.

Terminology & Additional Resources

This page gives you common Best Practices, Terminology Definitions, Market Size examples, as well as additional rates resources for SAG-AFTRA and UK rates.

Voiceover Categories

To make it quicker and easier to find the rate you’re looking for, simply select the Voiceover Category that applies to your project. Of course, you can scroll through at your own pace to see the Rate Guide in its entirety.

TV Broadcast

Non-Broadcast

Video Games / Toys & Games

IVR / Message-on-Hold

Radio Broadcast

E-Learning

Promo & Imaging

Cinema / Events

Digital Broadcast

Animation / Dubbing

Audiobooks

Fees / Pick-Ups / Editing


TV Broadcast
*All rates are for one spot only. Spot length :15 - :90. The rate is negotiable for multiple spots. Renewal option is existing rate PLUS 10%-20% of original rate.
*Note - Projects with usage including “all lifts/edits/versions” are becoming more common. This is not the norm, and while offering unlimited lifts etc does NOT deliver compensation for the value provided to the client, it IS something that you should know when quoting or determining which jobs to audition for. To combat this, you have options: to limit the number of lifts granted at the agreed upon rate, or limit the intended usage length. Either way, understand that granting unlimited lifts etc gives the client the ability to create entire campaigns from a limited number of sessions, and takes away fair compensation from the voice actor for the value that client is receiving in return.
Local Markets (One City or State, NO Major Markets)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$400-$500	Usage is limited to the time period and market specified (ex: Las Vegas, Cincinnati, San Antonio, Kansas). Does not apply to major markets (example: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago). TV Broadcast usage only. Does not include Internet/Web, or Social Media usage.
6 Months	$800 - $1,000
1 Year	$1,200 - $1,500
Regional Markets (Up to 4 States, International only, or 1 Major Market)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$500 - $650	Usage is limited to the time period and market specified. Rates for a single Major Market (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago) may be quoted like a regional market because of their large size. Rates may vary depending on size of specific Major Market. Consulting an agent is recommended to ensure proper rate. TV Broadcast usage only. Does not include Internet/Web, or Social Media usage.
6 Months	$1,000-$1,300
1 Year	$1,500-$1,800
National (4+ States, No Major Markets, or Cable Only)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$750 - $1,250	Usage is limited to the time period specified. TV Broadcast usage only. Does not include any major market (example: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago). Does not include Internet/Web, or Social Media usage.
6 Months	$1,500 - $2,200
1 Year	$2,500 - $2,800
National (4+ States With Up To All Major Markets)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$1,250 - $1,400	Usage is limited to the time period specified. Major markets may be included. TV Broadcast usage only. Does not include Internet/Web, or Social Media usage.
6 Months	$2,500 - $2,800
1 Year	$3,200 - $3,500
*Worldwide Add-On	3x National Rate	If a client wants "worldwide" usage, this easy multiplier will work. However, ask clients for specific geographic needs to ensure quoting a proper rate for the intended usage.
TV Tag Local (1 State)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$150 - $200	No major markets included (ex: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago). Rate should reflect usage and usage period of the commercial spot the tag is being added to. Maximum of one year usage period per tag. If only tags are being recorded, a regular session fee of $300 applies for the first tag. Tags must come at the end of the spot and must be specific regarding date, time, location, etc. They cannot introduce a new product or add a new idea to the spot. Examples: “Sale ends Thursday December 16th at all participating locations ” is a tag. “Nancy’s pancake house is your destination for an amazing breakfast.” is NOT a tag.
6 Months	$300 - $400
1 Year	$400 - $500
TV Tag Regional (Up to 4 States, or International Only, or 1 Major Market)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$200 - $250	No major markets included (ex: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago).Rate should reflect usage and usage period of the commercial spot the tag is being added to. Maximum of one year usage period per tag. If only tags are being recorded, a regular session fee of $300 applies for the first tag. Tags must come at the end of the spot and must be specific regarding date, time, location, etc. They cannot introduce a new product or add a new idea to the spot. Examples: “Sale ends Thursday December 16th at all participating locations ” is a tag. “Nancy’s pancake house is your destination for an amazing breakfast.” is NOT a tag.
6 Months	$400 - $500
1 Year	$500 - $600
TV Tag National (4+ States, NO Major Markets)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$250 - $300	No major markets included (ex: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago).Major markets may be included (ex: Los Angeles, Chicago). Rate should reflect usage and usage period of the commercial spot the tag is being added to. Maximum of one year usage period per tag. If only tags are being recorded, a regular session fee of $300 applies for the first tag. Tags must come at the end of the spot and must be specific regarding date, time, location, etc. They cannot introduce a new product or add a new idea to the spot. Examples: “Sale ends Thursday December 16th at all participating locations ” is a tag. “Nancy’s pancake house is your destination for an amazing breakfast.” is NOT a tag.
6 Months	$500 - $600
1 Year	$650 - $750
TV Tag National (4+ States, WITH Major Markets)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$300 - $350	Major markets may be included (ex: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago). Rate should reflect usage and usage period of the commercial spot the tag is being added to. Maximum of one year usage period per tag. If only tags are being recorded, a regular session fee of $300 applies for the first tag. Tags must come at the end of the spot and must be specific regarding date, time, location, etc. They cannot introduce a new product or add a new idea to the spot. Examples: “Sale ends Thursday December 16th at all participating locations ” is a tag. “Nancy’s pancake house is your destination for an amazing breakfast.” is NOT a tag.
6 Months	$600 - $700
1 Year	$800 - $900
*Worldwide Add-On	3x National Rate	If a client wants "worldwide" usage, this easy multiplier will work. However, ask clients for specific geographic needs to ensure quoting a proper rate for the intended usage.
Automotive - TV Broadcast	Rate Range	Notes
Tier 1 - National Brand Spots	Union Rate	Tier 1 automotive spots are major brand spots. Always will be Union and will be received via Agent or Management.
Tier 2 - Regional Tags	$75 - $200 per spot	Non-Union: Tier 2 automotive spots are regional tags placed at the end of existing national spots. Rate depends on agency and size. Rates are same for TV, Radio, or Digital Broadcast. Usage run directly correlates with ad sale for dealership. Usage length does not factor into rates.
Tier 3 - Local Dealer Spots
:30 & :60	$150 - $200 per spot	Non-Union: Tier 3 automotive spots are single owner/dealer spots via ad agency or direct on-site. These are always local market only. Rates are the same for TV, Radio, or Digital Broadcast. Usage run directly correlates with ad sale for dealership. Usage length does not factor into rates.
:15, :10, :16	$75 - $100 per spot
In-Show / Documentary Narration	Rate Range	Notes
30 Min Program	$500 - $1,000	In-Show & Documentary Narration consist of Non-Dramatic Reality Based TV programming including Docu-Series. $500-$1,000 is average for a 30 minute show ($500-700 is common for DIY, HGTV, and TLC). Quote at the lower range for less dense shows, and upper range for wall to wall narration. For cable, if there are 6-7 minutes for commercial, that leaves 24 minutes of programming. Of 24 minutes, if the narrator is voicing 4-5 minutes, that is considered less dense. History and Weather channel tend to run the same programs longer (possibly many, many years), so take that into consideration when quoting. Full buyout and base rate is for cable. Add an additional 20-25% bump for each additional usage source, such as streaming usage, or if it will be played in another International market.
1 Hour Program	$1,500 - $3,000	In-Show & Documentary Narration consist of Non-Dramatic Reality Based TV programming including Docu-Series. Correct range for a medium to vocally dense program. $2,500-$3,000 is a fair rate for denser programs where the narrator is speaking the whole time. Documentaries that are nature oriented tend to be denser reads. $1,500 might be a quote for a less dense read. A good example of this is when a narrator is interspersed with experts talking on camera, re-creations of crime scenes, etc - the fewer people on camera means more narration will be needed. Examples include Oxygen, Smithsonian, National Geographic. History and Weather channel tend to run the same programs longer (possibly many, many years), so take that into consideration when quoting. Full buyout and base rate is for cable. Add an additional 20-25% bump for each additional usage source, such as steaming usage, or if it will be played in another International market.
About Documentary Narration
Generally considered non jurisdictional work. Deficit funded. It usually takes 2-3 years before there is any profit seen by the client. It is very costly to produce a documentary and most of them are independent. Rates really vary depending on the channel and source. Rates are usually a full buyout with cable being the base rate. Talent and agents should charge an additional 20-25% bump per additional usage source, such as streaming or use in another International market.
Conflicts & Negotiation Tactics
If you are going to be the main voice on a series, it will potentially knock you out of the running for voicing the same type of documentaries due to it’s a similar tone. Most clients don’t want it to have the same tone as a competing series or channel. Higher rate is common for regular series work that can limit other booking options.
Source Connect vs You Recording at Home & Sending Files
Add $250 to your quote if talent is recording at home, labeling, organizing and sending files. No add on for Source Connect or outside studio sessions.
Infomercials / Direct Response TV (DRTV)	Rate Range	Notes
National - 1 Year	$1500 for up to 2 hour session. Pickups during 1 year term are at $475 for up to 2 hour session.	Infomercials & DRTV are programs that direct you to call or visit a website to purchase. Informercials are generally 30-min programs. DRTV is shorter commercial advertisements. Rates are per script and are for short form :30 or :60 spots or long form infomercials. Includes cuts/versions and up to 10 phone numbers. Additional phone numbers are $42 per.
North America (US & Canada) - 1 Year	$2325 for up to 2 hour session. Pickups during 1 year term are at $475 for up to 2 hour session.	Infomercials & DRTV are programs that direct you to call or visit a website to purchase. Informercials are generally 30-min programs. DRTV is shorter commercial advertisements. Rates are per script and are for short form :30 or :60 spots or long form infomercials. Includes cuts/versions and up to 10 phone numbers. Additional phone numbers are $42 per.
MNEMONICS (Example: Got Milk? Yahoo!!!, Let’s Go Places)	Rate Range	Notes
Average Rate	$1,000 - $50,000	Mnemonic rates vary widely depending on brand and usage. Please seek help from a talent agent, union representative, or rate expert when negotiating.
Point of Sale (Gas Stations & Grocery Stores)	Rate Range	Notes
Usage is based on TV Broadcast	Use "TV Broadcast" Rates Above	Grocery stores, gas stations, and retail stores where a video promoting a specific product is being shown. Does not refer to voice over for automated check outs. Use same market size assessment to quote.
TV Commercial VO - Web Usage Add-On	Rate Range	Notes
Based on type of Usage. See Digital Broadcast - Internet/Streaming TV section for rates and usage terms.

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Radio Broadcast (Terrestrial)
*All rates are for one spot only. Spot length :15 - :90. The rate is negotiable for multiple spots. Renewal option is existing rate PLUS 10%-20% of original rate.
*Note - Projects with usage including “all lifts/edits/versions” are becoming more common. This is not the norm, and while offering unlimited lifts etc does NOT deliver compensation for the value provided to the client, it IS something that you should know when quoting or determining which jobs to audition for. To combat this, you have options: to limit the number of lifts granted at the agreed upon rate, or limit the intended usage length. Either way, understand that granting unlimited lifts etc gives the client the ability to create entire campaigns from a limited number of sessions, and takes away fair compensation from the voice actor for the value that client is receiving in return.
Local Markets (1 City or State, NO Major Markets)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$250 - $320	Usage is limited to the time period and market specified (Las Vegas, Cincinnati, San Antonio, Kansas). Does not apply to major markets (example: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago). For major market rates, see Regional and National sections. Radio Broadcast usage only. Does not include Internet/Web, or Social Media usage.
6 Months	$350 - $400
1 Year	$850 - $950
Regional Markets (Up to 4 States, International Only, or 1 Major Market)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$300 - $375	Usage is limited to the time period and market specified. Rates for a single Major Market (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago) may be quoted like a regional market because of their large size. Rates may vary depending on size of specific Major Market. Consulting an agent is recommended to ensure proper rate. Radio Broadcast usage only. Does not include Internet/Web, or Social Media usage.
6 Months	$600 - $725
1 Year	$950 - $1,100
National (4+ States, NO Major Markets)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$450 - $600	Usage is limited to the time period specified. Radio Broadcast usage only. Does not include major markets (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago). Does not include Internet/Web, or Social Media usage.
6 Months	$800 - $950
1 Year	$1,400 - $1,500
National (4+ States WITH Major Markets)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$600 - $750	Usage is limited to the time period specified. Major markets may be included. Radio Broadcast usage only. Does not include Internet/Web, or Social Media usage.
6 Months	$1,250 - $1,350
1 Year	$1,500 - $1,700
*Worldwide Add-On	3x National Rate	If a client wants "worldwide" usage, this easy multiplier will work. However, ask clients for specific geographic needs to ensure quoting a proper rate for the intended usage.
Radio Tag - Local (1 State)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$125 - $175	No major markets included (ex: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago). Rate should reflect usage and usage period of the commercial spot the tag is being added to. Maximum of one year usage period per tag. If only tags are being recorded, a regular session fee of $300 applies for the first tag. Tags must come at the end of the spot and must be specific regarding date, time, location, etc. They cannot introduce a new product or add a new idea to the spot. Examples: “Sale ends Thursday December 16th at all participating locations ” is a tag. “Nancy’s pancake house is your destination for an amazing breakfast.” is NOT a tag.
6 Months	$275 - $350
1 Year	$375 - $450
Radio Tag - Regional (Up to 4 States or International Only, or 1 Major Market)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$175 - $225	No major markets included (ex: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago). Rate should reflect usage and usage period of the commercial spot the tag is being added to. Maximum of one year usage period per tag. If only tags are being recorded, a regular session fee of $300 applies for the first tag. Tags must come at the end of the spot and must be specific regarding date, time, location, etc. They cannot introduce a new product or add a new idea to the spot. Examples: “Sale ends Thursday December 16th at all participating locations ” is a tag. “Nancy’s pancake house is your destination for an amazing breakfast.” is NOT a tag.
6 Months	$325 - $450
1 Year	$475 - $550
Radio Tag - National (4+ States, NO Major Markets)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$200 - $275	No major markets included (ex: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago). Rate should reflect usage and usage period of the commercial spot the tag is being added to. Maximum of one year usage period per tag. If only tags are being recorded, a regular session fee of $300 applies for the first tag. Tags must come at the end of the spot and must be specific regarding date, time, location, etc. They cannot introduce a new product or add a new idea to the spot. Examples: “Sale ends Thursday December 16th at all participating locations ” is a tag. “Nancy’s pancake house is your destination for an amazing breakfast.” is NOT a tag.
6 Months	$400 - $550
1 Year	$575 - $675
Radio Tag - National (4+ States, WITH Major Markets)	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$250 - $315	Major markets may be included (ex: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago). Rate should reflect usage and usage period of the commercial spot the tag is being added to. Maximum of one year usage period per tag. If only tags are being recorded, a regular session fee of $300 applies for the first tag. Tags must come at the end of the spot and must be specific regarding date, time, location, etc. They cannot introduce a new product or add a new idea to the spot. Examples: “Sale ends Thursday December 16th at all participating locations ” is a tag. “Nancy’s pancake house is your destination for an amazing breakfast.” is NOT a tag.
6 Months	$450 - $625
1 Year	$675 - $775
*Worldwide Add-On	3x National Rate	If a client wants "worldwide" usage, this easy multiplier will work. However, ask clients for specific geographic needs to ensure quoting a proper rate for the intended usage.
Automotive - Radio Broadcast	Rate Range	Notes
Tier 1 - National Brand Spots	Union Rate	Tier 1 automotive spots are major brand spots. Always will be Union and will be received via Agent or Management.
Tier 2 - Regional Tags	$75 - $200 per spot	Non-Union: Tier 2 automotive spots are regional tags placed at the end of existing national spots. Rate depends on agency and size. Rates are same for TV, Radio, or Digital Broadcast. Usage run directly correlates with ad sale for dealership. Usage length does not factor into rates.
Tier 3 - Local Dealer Spots
:30 & :60	$150 - $200 per spot	Non-Union: Tier 3 automotive spots are single owner/dealer spots via ad agency or direct on-site. These are always local market only. Rates are the same for TV, Radio, or Digital Broadcast. Usage run directly correlates with ad sale for dealership. Usage length does not factor into rates.
:15, :10, :16	$75 - $100 per spot
Streaming Radio	Rate Range	Notes
See Digital Broadcast - Internet/Streaming Radio for Rates and Usage Terms
Radio Dramas	Rate Range	Notes
Non-Principal Actors	$400 - Half Day Rate Up to 4hrs
Principal Actors	$860 - Half Day Rate Up to 4hrs
PSA's	Rate Range	Notes
:60 or less	$500-$600+

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Digital Broadcast
*All rates are for one spot only. Spot length :15 - :90. The rate is negotiable for multiple spots. Renewal option is existing rate PLUS 10%-20% of original rate.
*Note - Projects with usage including “all lifts/edits/versions” are becoming more common. This is not the norm, and while offering unlimited lifts etc does NOT deliver compensation for the value provided to the client, it IS something that you should know when quoting or determining which jobs to audition for. To combat this, you have options: to limit the number of lifts granted at the agreed upon rate, or limit the intended usage length. Either way, understand that granting unlimited lifts etc gives the client the ability to create entire campaigns from a limited number of sessions, and takes away fair compensation from the voice actor for the value that client is receiving in return.
Broadcast Paid Placement - Internet/Streaming TV (OTT): YouTube, Hulu, CBS, Social Media, etc.
Local Markets	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$400 - $500	Rates are per spot. Usage includes paid placement campaigns for Pre-Roll & Streaming TV, as well as social media, ads (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, etc.). Internal client website and social media use is included. Rate would be on high end of range if major markets are included (ie. LA, NY, Chi, etc.)
6 Months	$800 - $1,000
1 Year	$1,200 - $1,500
Regional Markets	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$525 - $750	Rates are per spot. Usage includes paid placement campaigns for Pre-Roll & Streaming TV, as well as social media, ads (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, etc.). Internal client website and social media use is included. Rate would be on high end of range if major markets are included (ie. LA, NY, Chi, etc.)
6 Months	$1,050 - $1,250
1 Year	$1,500 - $1,800
National Markets	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$1,000 - $1,250	Rates are per spot. Usage includes paid placement campaigns for Pre-Roll & Streaming TV, as well as social media, ads (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, etc.). Internal client website and social media use is included. Rate would be on high end of range if major markets are included (ie. LA, NY, Chi, etc.)
6 Months	$1,800 - $2,500
1 Year	$2,700 - $3,200
*Worldwide Add-On	3x National Rate	If a client wants "worldwide" usage, this easy multiplier will work. However, ask clients for specific geographic needs to ensure quoting a proper rate for the intended usage.
Broadcast Paid Placement - Internet/Streaming Radio: Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music, Sirius XM, etc.
Local Markets	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$350 - $400	Rates are per spot (:06-:90 in length). Usage includes streaming radio (Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music, etc) and closed platforms (Sirius XM, iHeart, etc.) but NOT terrestrial. Internal client website and social media use is included. Rate would on high end of range if major markets are included (ie. LA, NY, etc.)
6 Months	$400 - $500
1 Year	$600 - $850
Regional Markets	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$400 - $500	Rates are per spot (:06-:90 in length). Usage includes streaming radio (Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music, etc) and closed platforms (Sirius XM, iHeart, etc.) but NOT terrestrial. Internal client website and social media use is included. Rate would on high end of range if major markets are included (ie. LA, NY, etc.)
6 Months	$500 - $700
1 Year	$750 - $1,000
National Markets	Rate Range	Notes
3 Months	$500 - $750	Rates are per spot (:06-:90 in length). Usage includes streaming radio (Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music, etc) and closed platforms (Sirius XM, iHeart, etc.) but NOT terrestrial. Internal client website and social media use is included. Rate would on high end of range if major markets are included (ie. LA, NY, etc.)
6 Months	$1,000 - $1,250
1 Year	$1,500 - $1,650
*Worldwide Add-On	3x National Rate	If a client wants "worldwide" usage, this easy multiplier will work. However, ask clients for specific geographic needs to ensure quoting a proper rate for the intended usage.
Automotive - Digital Broadcast	Rate Range	Notes
Tier 1 - National Brand Spots	Union Rate	Tier 1 automotive spots are major brand spots. Always will be Union and will be received via Agent or Management.
Tier 2 - Regional Tags	$75 - $200 per spot	Non-Union: Tier 2 automotive spots are regional tags placed at the end of existing national spots. Rate depends on agency and size. Rates are same for TV, Radio, or Digital Broadcast. Usage run directly correlates with ad sale for dealership. Usage length does not factor into rates.
Tier 3 - Local Dealer Spots
:30 & :60	$150 - $200 per spot	Non-Union: Tier 3 automotive spots are single owner/dealer spots via ad agency or direct on-site. These are always local market only. Rates are the same for TV, Radio, or Digital Broadcast. Usage run directly correlates with ad sale for dealership. Usage length does not factor into rates.
:15, :10, :16	$75 - $100 per spot

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Non-Broadcast
Corporate & Industrial Narration
- Finished Minute Scale	Rate Range	Notes
1-2 min	$350-$450	Single video usage only. Includes editing and file naming/splits. DOES NOT include TV, broadcast, or any additional internet/web advertisement usage. Industrial can command higher rates based on complexity of industry or subject matter.
3-5 min	$450-$550
5-10 min	$600-$700
10-15 min	$700-$800
15-20 min	$800-$950
20-30 min	$950-$1,250
30-40 min	$1,250-$1,750
40-60 min	$1,750-$2,350
- Recording Time Scale	Rate Range	Notes
Internal (Corporate/Industrial)	$525/1st hr, $262/hr after	Full Buyout Rate. Does not include editing or file naming/splits. Delivery of RAW audio only.
Pick Ups (per 30mins in session)	$260	Rate is PER 30mins in pickup session. Flexibility allowed for short pickups or client relationship. Does not include editing or file naming/splits. Delivery of RAW audio only.
Retake-Entire Script 1st 60 mins	$525/1st hr, $262/hr after	Full Buyout Rate. Does not include editing or file naming/splits. Delivery of RAW audio only.
Retake-Entire Script Each Additional 30 mins	$260	Full Buyout Rate. Does not include editing or file naming/splits. Delivery of RAW audio only.
Web Usage
- Web Video	Rate Range	Notes
Full Buyout	$500 - $1,000	Rates are per video / script. Includes Product, Instructional, & Informational Videos up to 5 mins. Includes Explainer VO if public facing. Usage includes client website, YouTube channel, company social media sites, or any other online usage that IS NOT paid placement advertising of any kind.
- Digital Greeting Cards	Rate Range	Notes
Full Buyout	$750-$1,000
- Podcast	Rate Range	Notes
Intro/Outro	$300-$400
- YouTube Content	Rate Range	Notes
Narration: 3-5 Min Episodes	$750-$1,000	3-5 mins is approx. 500 - 1,000 words. Average Rate applies to channels with under 500,000 avg views. High Rate applies to channels with over 500,000 avg views. Add $250 per additional 250,000 avg views.
Channel Intro/Outro	$500-$2,000	As Channel gains subscribers, make incremental increases in the rate. Set markers for how many subscribers the channel has every six months and increase rate accordingly over time. For a high volume channel with millions of subscribers, the ideal would be to build up to $1,000-$2,000. Note - YouTube vendors do not traditionally pay much, and they do not understand licensing fees or traditional rates as they currently exist in other genres of voice over. Starting with a base rate of $500 (especially for new channels) and then increasing the rate as the subscribers grow is the best approach.
Explainer Videos	Rate Range	Notes
Single Video - Up to 90 seconds	$300-$525	Explainer videos are no more than 90 seconds long, are public facing, educate consumers, and focus on explaining a business idea or service. The content may be an explanation of what a specific product is or a how a service works. Rate listed is per video and includes usage on: company-owned website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms. Does NOT include Paid Placement for commercial broadcast and/or web usage including but not limited to: boosted posts, sponsored ads, pre-roll, mid-roll, or other web ads. After 90 seconds quote based on General Narration rates, Lobby Viewing Explainers (non-broadcast section) or Non-Commercial Web Videos (web usage section). 2-5 year usage is recommended. Does not include editing.
Bulk Per Video Rate	$250 per video with up to 175 words. Additional $50 for each 100 words thereafter.
Kiosk Use (Non-Retail)	Rate Range	Notes
Full Buyout	$525/1st hr, $262/additional hr	Non-Retail references "not selling a product" - Museums, Zoos, Educational Kiosks, etc.
Lobby Viewing	Rate Range	Notes
Explainer	$525/1st hour, $262/hr additional	Video explainer about the service provider. Not selling a specific product.
Retail	Refer to TV broadcast rates	Selling a specific product or service. Rates should mirror TV broadcast rate range and usage terms.
Airport Announcement (Public Facing)	Rate Range	Notes
Airport Announcements Narration	$1,500 - $2,000	If narrating for multiple airports, the first airport is at the stated rate. Each additional airport is $1,000-$1,500. Rates should be charged per year per airport. No in perpetuity usage. Rate covers up to 2hrs of raw recording time. Add $500/additional raw hour of recording. $250/half-hour for pick-up session(s)
Museum Tours - Corporate Educational	Rate Range	Notes
Principle Voice, Audio Tour (Industrial - CAT 1)	$505 1st hr / $148 each additional 30 mins.	Educational and training programs, public relations and promotional programs. Examples: Museums, libraries, classrooms - designed to train and educated. May include exhibitions. Usage in perpetuity.
Talking Statues, Exhibition Voices (Industrial CAT 2)	$563 1st hr / $132 each additional 30 mins.	Intended for the unrestricted exhibition to the public. Usage of 3 years. (Public locations)
Medical/Technical Narration	Rate Range	Notes
1-2 min	$400-$500	Rates are a guideline, rates should be adjustable within clients budget. Includes editing, file splits, naming, delivery, pick ups, etc. Free re-records up to 10% of total word count. Mistakes = Free. Studio & Production charges included in rates. Music, sfx, etc are extra
3-5 min	$600-$700
5-10 min	$700-$800
10-15 min	$800-$900
15-20 min	$900-$1,000
20-30 min	$1,000-$1,400
30-40 min	$1,400-$1,900
40-60 min	$1,900-$2,400
Per Word Rates	$.25-$.50/wrd
General Notes: Medical Narration
~ Rates are a guideline and should be adjustable within clients budget. Includes editing, file splits, naming, delivery, pick ups, etc. Mistakes = Free. Studio & Production charges included in rates. Music, sfx, etc are extra
~ Determine your own personal session minimum when recording. This would accommodate for session set up, script and performance preparation, file export, and clean up and delivery (which is the same regardless of session length). After your own personal minimum has been met, a rate range between $.25-$.50 per word is common depending on the complexity of the project and ease of working with the client.

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eLearning
E-Learning	Rate Range	Notes
Per Word	$.20-$.35/wrd	Includes editing. $.25 per word is an average rate. $.35+ per word may be quoted for complicated or technical language. $.15 per word is acceptable if project is over 5 hours of material (over 50k words). 1 hr of work equates to 10k words.
Per Finished Min	$30-$55 pfm	Includes editing. $35 per finished minute is an average rate. Adjust as needed depending on quantity and complex/technical language.
Per Raw Hr	$600-$2,400	RAW recording only. DOES NOT include any editing.
Per Finished Hr	$1,500-$3,300	Includes editing. For smaller projects taking an hour or less to complete - $800 per 15 mins of finished audio is an average rate.
Directed Sessions	$.10-$.30/word + $150-$300/hr Session Fee for any session that exceeds 60 mins.	1st 60 mins of directed session is included at no charge. Session Fee + per word rate for anything after 60 mins.
General Notes
~ Determine your own personal session minimum when recording. This would accommodate for session set up, script and performance preparation, file export, and clean up and delivery (which is the same regardless of session length).
~ File Splits - Charge $1/split regardless of quote type (pfw, pfh, etc)
~ Usage only covers use for internal eLearning. When e-learning work is done for a company that sells these projects for profit, as opposed to internal training usage, negotiate a 1 year continuous sales usage contract.

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Animation & Dubbing
Non-Union Original Animation - TV and web use including broadcast, cable, streaming, OTT/CTV, YouTube, Vimeo, etc. (22 minute episode)	Rate Range	Notes
General Note: Rates are for one season. For series leads, each additional season should be an increase of 10%-20% of the original session rate. For other minor characters, additional season rate bumps are not common, but negotiation is possible. If negotiating on your own, no agency fee is added.
Dialogue	$1,100-$1,200 per episode +10%-20% agency fee. Covers up to a 4 hour session. Audio for additional episodes recorded during the same session are subject to the same rate per. Alternate Rate: $450-$600/hour with a 2 hr minimum, 1 episode, and 2 characters max.	Each episode fee includes 2 voices per episode, and charge an additional 10% for a 3rd voice. If recording 4-5 voices, add an additional episodic fee. Add an additional 10% for a 6th voice. Repeat as needed. Hourly Rates: an hourly rate is not recommended, as a talent may end up recording for dozens of separate episodes within one session, for no additional fee. Talent must set a maximum episode and character limit if recording for an hourly rate. Full usage buyout is most common. Add NAVA AI Rider to contracts for AI protection.
Dialogue Pickups - Add On	$0	Pickups are included at no additional fee if they are added on to an original record session for new dialogue.
Dialogue Pickups - Stand Alone Session	$500-$1,200 + 10%-20% agency fee	If pick ups require a stand alone session, they should ideally be recorded at the full, original session rate (either the “per episode” rate, or the hourly 2 hour minimum rate), but never for less than half of the session rate ($450-600).
Music Add-On to Dialogue Session (Song :30 or less)	$0	No additional charge as long as it can be covered in the dialogue session.
Music Add-On to Dialogue Session (Song :30+ and can be recorded in session)	10%-20% of original session fee	If the song is over 30 seconds, and can be recorded as part of dialogue session, the talent should receive a 10%-20% bump.
Music/Singing Stand Alone Session (1 Song) Solo/Duo	$700-$1,300 +10%-20% agency fee
Music/Singing Stand Alone Session (1 Song) Group: 3-8	$400-$900 +10%-20% agency fee
Music/Singing Stand Alone Session (1 Song) Group: 9+	$300-$800 +10%-20% agency fee
Main Title/Signature Song	Stand Alone Song rate + additional 25%-35% usage fee PER EPISODE it will be used for.	Example 1: Song rate is $700: add $210 (30% of song rate) per episode it will air on = $2,520 buyout for 12 episodes. Example 2: Song rate is $1,000: add $250 (25% of song rate) per episode it will air on = $3,000 buyout for 12 episodes. If additional episodes or seasons are added beyond original scope, talent must be compensated for each episode/season.
Multi-track Sessions & Sweetening	Base rate should increase for multi-track sessions and the addition of sweetening (adding harmonies/back up vocals) to the main vocal track. This applies for all music/signing types and varies based on additional work requested
Non-Union Original Animation and Shorts - TV and web use including broadcast, cable, streaming, OTT/CTV, YouTube, Vimeo, etc (11 minute episode or less)	Rate Range	Notes
Dialogue	$500-$1,000 per episode +10%-20% agency fee. Covers up to a 2 hour session. Additional hours worked should be paid at $250-$450/hour. Alternate Rate #1: $500-$600/hour with a 2 hr minimum, up to 2 episodes, and 2 characters max. Alternate Rate #2: $250-$300/hour with a 2 hour minimum, 1 episode, and 2 characters max.	Each episode fee includes 2 voices per episode, and charge an additional 10% for a 3rd voice. If recording 4-5 voices, add an additional episodic fee. Add an additional 10% for a 6th voice. Repeat as needed. Hourly Rates: an hourly rate is not recommended, as a talent may end up recording for dozens of separate episodes within one session, for no additional fee. Talent must set a maximum episode and character limit if recording for an hourly rate. Full usage buyout is most common. Add NAVA AI Rider to contracts for AI protection.
Dialogue Pickups - Add On	$0	Pickups are included at no additional fee if they are added on to an original record session for new dialogue.
Dialogue Pickups - Stand Alone Session	$350-$1,000 + 10%-20% agency fee	If pick ups require a stand alone session, they should ideally be recorded for the full session rate (2 hour minimum).
Music Add-On to Dialogue Session (Song :30 or less)	$0	No additional charge as long as it can be covered in the dialogue session.
Music Add-On to Dialogue Session (Song :30+ and can be recorded in session)	10%-20% of original session fee	If the song is over 30 seconds, and can be recorded as part of dialogue session, the talent should receive a 10%-20% bump.
Music/Singing Stand Alone Session (1 Song) Solo/Duo	$700-$1,300 +10%-20% agency fee
Music/Singing Stand Alone Session (1 Song) Group: 3-8	$400-$900 +10%-20% agency fee
Music/Singing Stand Alone Session (1 Song) Group: 9+	$300-$800 +10%-20% agency fee
Main Title/Signature Song	Stand Alone Song rate + additional 25%-35% usage fee PER EPISODE it will be used for.	Example 1: Song rate is $700: add $210 (30% of song rate) per episode it will air on = $2,520 buyout for 12 episodes. Example 2: Song rate is $1,000: add $250 (25% of song rate) per episode it will air on = $3,000 buyout for 12 episodes. If additional episodes or seasons are added beyond original scope, talent must be compensated for each episode/season.
Multi-track Sessions & Harmonies	Base rate should increase for multi-track sessions and the addition of sweetening (adding harmonies/back up vocals) to the main vocal track. This applies for all music/signing types and varies based on additional work requested
Non-Union Short - TV and web use including broadcast, cable, streaming, OTT/CTV, YouTube, Social Media, Website, Vimeo, etc. (episode/video, 4 minutes or less)	Rate Range	Notes
Dialogue	$400-$700 +10%-20% agency fee per episode/music/video (2 hour session max). Alternate Rate: $250-$350/hour with 2 hour minimum + 10-20% agency fee, up to 2 episodes, and 2 characters max.	Each episode fee includes 2 voices per episode, and charge an additional 10% for a 3rd voice. If recording 4-5 voices, add an additional episodic fee. Add an additional 10% for a 6th voice. Repeat as needed. Hourly Rates: an hourly rate is not recommended, as a talent may end up recording for dozens of separate episodes within one session, for no additional fee. Talent must set a maximum episode and character limit if recording for an hourly rate. Recommended usage buyout for up to 5 years maximum. Additional usage beyond 5 years should be negotiated at an additional percentage of original session fee. Add NAVA AI Rider to contracts for AI protection.
Dialogue Pickups - Add On	$0	Pickups are included at no additional fee if they are added on to an original record session for new dialogue.
Dialogue Pickups - Stand Alone Session	$200-$500 for all pickups (1hr max)
Music Add-On to Dialogue Session (Song :30 or less)	$0
Music Add-On to Dialogue Session (Song :30+ and can be recorded in session)	10%-20% of original session fee	If the song is over 30 seconds, and can be recorded as part of dialogue session, the talent should receive a 10%-20% bump.
Music/Singing Stand Alone Session (1 Song) Solo/Duo	$400-$1,300 +10%-20% agency fee
Music/Singing Stand Alone Session (1 Song) Group: 3-8	$300-$900 +10%-20% agency fee
Music/Singing Stand Alone Session (1 Song) Group: 9+	$200-$800 +10%-20% agency fee
Main Title/Signature Song	Stand Alone Song rate + additional 25%-35% usage fee PER EPISODE it will be used for.	Example 1: Song rate is $700: add $210 (30% of song rate) per episode it will air on = $2,520 buyout for 12 episodes. Example 2: Song rate is $1,000: add $250 (25% of song rate) per episode it will air on = $3,000 buyout for 12 episodes. If additional episodes or seasons are added beyond original scope, talent must be compensated for each episode/season.
Multi-track Sessions & Sweetening	Base rate should increase for multi-track sessions and the addition of sweetening (adding harmonies/back up vocals) to the main vocal track. This applies for all music/signing types and varies based on additional work requested
Dubbing	Rate Range	Notes
Film/Animation	$75-$125/hr (2hr min)	Coalition of Dubbing Actors (CODA) recommended non-union rate is $125/hr with a 2 hr minimum. This includes anime series and non-union foreign language film/tv dubbing not covered under SAG-AFTRA contracts.

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Video Games / Toys, Games, & Mobile Game Apps
Video Games	Rate Range	Notes
Video Games	$200-$350/hr (2 or 4 hour min)	Full Buyout Rate. Vocally stressful sessions should be limited to 2-hour sessions. Common per session rate you may see is $500 for 1hr max session.
Video Games - Union	$825.50/session (up to 4hr session)	Vocally stressful sessions should be limited to 2-hour sessions.
*Under the new SAG-AFTRA Video Game contract (November 8, 2017), every video game is required to pay actors a bonus for each session worked. Don’t forget to keep track of these bonuses and to be sure that your employers pay them to you on or before the release date of the game. Over-scale payments are credited against your bonus unless your representative negotiates for them, so ask for them at the time of booking. IF YOU WORK YOU’RE DUE! 1 Session ($75) $75 - 2 Sessions ($125) $200 - 3 Sessions ($175) $375 - 4 Sessions ($175) $550 - 5 Sessions ($225) $775 - 6 Sessions ($225) $1000 - 7 Sessions ($275) $1275 - 8 Sessions ($275) $1550 - 9 Sessions ($275) $1825 - 10 Sessions ($275) $2100 - 11+ Sessions ($0) $2100.
Toys, Games, & Mobile Game Apps	Rate Range	Notes
Toys & Games	$500-$750 up to 2hr Session, $200 - $250/additional hr	For Buyout add $1,000 - $3,000 per product in addition to session fee. Buyout is for toy usage only. Includes usage to show toy speaking in a commercial advertisement featuring the product.
Toys & Games (Demo/Scratch Products)	$150 - $300/hr	Demo usage only (for invention companies or internal usage). NOT for product usage.
Mobile Game Apps - Non-Union (Character)	$300-$500/game \| 1hr session max or $200-$300/hr (2hr min)	Up to 3-4 voices. $75-$100 per additional voice. Full buyout rate. Session fee may be hourly if recording from a game. Multiple games being recorded in 1 session needs to be charged separately with $300-$500 per game min. Vocally stressful sessions should be limited to 2-hrs.
Mobile Game Apps - Union (Character)	$825.50/Session	Up to 4hr session up to 3 voices. Rate is per game.
Mobile Game Apps - E-Learning Educational	$350-$400 for 1-5 finished minutes \| $600 up to 10 finished minutes	Up to 3 voices.

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Promo & Imaging
Radio	Rate Range	Notes
Local	$150-$300
Regional	$450-$600
National	$600-$850
Station Voice	Custom Retainer	Utilize rates to build retainer rate
TV	Rate Range	Notes
Local	$150-$200
Regional	$350-$500
National	$750-$1,000
Station Voice	Custom Retainer
Trailers	Rate Range	Notes
Local - Small Market	$100
Regional - Medium Market	$325-$500
National - Large Market	$1,500-$2,000	Union Scale Common
General Notes
- Rates are Per Spot --> When recording multiple spots in one session, you should be paid per spot
- Cable Station Promos are considered “no union” work so there is no conflict with SAG-AFTRA, and each station has its own unique rate card. It is highly recommended that you run Promo work through a talent agency so that they can negotiate appropriately for you. It will not conflict if you are a union talent as promo is considered non-jurisdictional. Talent can be booked on guaranteed contracts with individual stations, or on a per spot basis. Contracts are usually for one year, but some are two.

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Audiobooks
Audiobooks	Rate Range	Notes
Union Scale - PFH	$150-$225/hr	Rate is per finished hour (PFH). This is a general rate for union contracts. Delivery is a clean punch record from home studio, no additional editing, clean-up, processing, or mastering.
Non-Union - PFH	$200-$500/hr	Rate is per finished hour (PFH). Includes production fees for hiring a professional to edit/master/proof (production add-on approx $75-$125/hr). If converting to union, additional fees may need to be charged to cover health and pension and paymaster fees
Per RAW Hr	$225/hr	RAW Narration only - NO editing at all.
Production Add-On	$75-$125/hr	This rate should be used for independent production - editing, proofing, mastering, etc.
Hybrid Agreemnt	$100/pfh plus royalty share
ACX Info - ACX has 2 agreement types royalty share and royalty + stipend (or a hybrid agreement). Rates should follow the non-union pfh or hybrid rates. For total royalty share, pfh/hybrid rates are not in play.

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IVR/Message-On-Hold
Direct Quote	Rate Range	Notes
IVR	$150 suggested minimum	RAW recording only. DOES NOT include editing. Editing should be an additional charge
	$150 + $1/prompt - $200 + $5/prompt
	$.08 - $.25/word, $50 - $200/hr
Message-On-Hold	$200 suggested minimum	RAW recording only. DOES NOT include editing. Editing should be an additional charge
	$100/min suggested, $8 per 3-6 sentence paragraphs
Rates as a "Roster Talent"	Rate Range	Notes
IVR & Message-On-Hold	Production Houses average rates $10-$20/paragraph
	Others start @ $50 per half hour booth time

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Cinema & Events - (Non-Broadcast)
Cinema Usage (1-3 States)	Rate Range	Notes
1 Month	$300	Non-Broadcast usage ONLY. Cinema usage only.
3 Months	$425 - $550
6 Months	$800 - $950
1 Year	$1,200 - $1,350
Cinema Usage (4+ States)	Rate Range	Notes
1 Month	$500	Non-Broadcast usage ONLY. Cinema usage only.
3 Months	$800 - $1,050
6 Months	$1,600 - $2,000
1 Year	$2,400 - $3,000
Event Video	Rate Range	Notes
1 Year	$600-$700/1st hr, $300-$350/hr after	Non-Broadcast usage ONLY. Examples include conferences, concerts and live events. The client may use the video for up to one year and at as many conferences as they like. Usage is restricted to live events/conference use only. Does NOT include Trade Show usage or Sporting Events. See “Trade Show” rates.
Full Buyout	$2,000-$2,100/1st hr, $1,000-$1,100/hr after	Non-Broadcast usage ONLY. Examples include conferences, concerts and live events. The client may use the video indefinitely for conference or live event usage only. Does NOT include Trade Show usage or Sporting Events. See “Trade Show” rates.
Trade Shows / Sporting Events	Rate Range	Notes
Single Video Rate for Trade Show or Event - 1 Year	$600-$700/1st hour, $300-350/hr. after	Non-Broadcast usage ONLY. The client may use the video for up to one year and at as many trade shows or sporting events as they like. Restricted to trade show or sporting event usage only.
Full Buyout	$2,000-$2,100/1st hour, $1,000-$1,100/hr after	Non-Broadcast usage ONLY. The client may use the video in perpetuity at as many trade shows or sporting events as they like. Restricted to trade show or sporting event usage only.
Add Trade Show or Sporting Event Use (Non-Broadcast) to an Existing Buy	+20-30% of original session cost	Non-Broadcast usage ONLY. Add 20-30% on top of original session buy. Usage mirrors the original usage terms. So if the original buy was for 6 months, the 20-30% covers usage for usage for 6 months. If original buy was a full buyout, the 20-30% covers a full buyout.

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Studio Fees & Editing
Studio Fees & Editing	Rate Range	Notes
ISDN/Source Connect	$25-$100/hr	Do not bill these separately --> Include in rates
Phone Patch	$10-$25/connection
Editing - Breaths/Mouth Clicks/Sequencing	$25-$50/hr
Pick Ups	Rate Range	Notes
Picks Ups needed Due to Voice Talent Error	Files should be re-recorded and sent to client free of charge
Minor Pick Ups - Under 15 mins	$150 minimum or 50% of original rate.
Major Pick Ups - Re-writes & Large Re-Records	$260/30 minutes in session	New session fee needed. Rate should be the same or similar to original hourly or flat rate. Talent may consider charging 50% of the original rate or 50% of original hourly rate. For commercial copy that has already aired, charge a full session fee for pick ups. $150 minimum.

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