My Top 5 Voiceover Industry Trends for 2026
Here’s the truth: The voiceover industry keeps moving forward and it’s not slowing down in 2026.
Based on what’s happening right now (and where it’s clearly heading), here are my Top 5 Voiceover Trends for 2026 and what they could mean for you. Let’s dive in.
1. “Consent” will be the new standard in AI voice use
AI voices aren’t going away. But in 2026, the big focus will be permission.
More contracts and platforms are adding clearer rules around digital voices: when they can be made, how they can be used and what the performer gets in return. That’s good news for everyone, because it brings structure to a topic that’s been been messy during 2025.
A nice development is the success story of organisations like NAVA in the USA, who embolden voice actors by helping them to stand for their rights. Their AI Voice Rider is an excellent ‘must have’ in your voiceover tool box. It’s a free document you can customise and share with your clients. Visit: NAVA here for more information.
My Pro Tip: If AI comes up in a job, ask for usage, the terms and conditions and approval in writing. Be as specific as you can be. You can’t be too careful. Download the NAVA AI Voice Rider, customise it and share it with your clients.
2. AI Voices will grow and human voiceovers will become more “premium”
YouTube and Meta are already rolling out auto-dubbing and AI translation features. That means more content will be “good enough” in more languages, according to most people.
But most people aren’t voice actors and “good enough” isn’t the same as great. When a brand needs emotion, timing and cultural nuance, human voice work will still win. The good part is that it will be treated as the “premium option”.
My Pro Tip: Always sell the value of nuance, not just that you provide a voice. Do this is in any language you may be able to provide, but also your own language. Always explain to clients that nuance matters.
3. Audiobooks will split into two lanes: human performance and AI
Audiobooks keep growing and platforms are investing heavily. At the same time, Audible for example is expanding AI narration and translation tools with publishers.
So in 2026, I expect a clear split:
High-end titles that still want a full human performance.
High-volume and niche books that might sometimes go to AI.
This will affect casting, budgets and timelines, especially for long-form narration.
My Pro Tip: Position yourself as a “Performer or Voice Artist”, not someone who just ‘reads’ a book. The words “Voice Artist” shows gravitas and a ‘knowledge’. Remember that with your professionalism, you’re here to deliver something special.
4. Brands will build “voice systems,” not voiceovers they need for one project only
More brands want one consistent sound across everything: ads, explainers, podcasts, apps and even their IVR or telephone messaging.
That means they’ll need voices that are consistent across many pieces of content. In 2026, expect more repeat work for talent who can become a true brand voice.
My Pro Tip: Create a short “brand voice” checklist you can share with clients, which they can fill in and send back to you. Once you have this, you could open the conversation with your client about other pieces of content, as you now know what “sound” they are looking for. It makes you look organised and on the ball.
5. Final thoughts before we officially launch ourselves into 2026
Maybe this should not be seen as a “trend” as such, although in a certain way it is something we all can create. For me, the keyword for 2026 is clarity.
Clarity in contracts. Clarity in what I need to do to run my business. Clarity in workflow.
The main thing is always to keep moving forward. Stay curious, connect with other voice actors and people in the industry. Keep going, find your way and you’ll find your flow.
I hope you will have a fantastic and productive year ahead!