When it comes to voice over auditions, one of the most common questions voice actors have is: How many takes should I record? While the answer can vary depending on the client, there are generally accepted standards within the industry that can help guide you. Let’s explore how many takes you should aim for when auditioning for voice over jobs and how to give yourself the best shot at success.

Follow the Instructions

First and foremost, always follow the guidelines provided in the audition brief. Some voice buyers will include specific instructions about the number of takes you should submit. If the brief specifies the number of takes, make sure to adhere to it.

If the brief doesn’t specify the number of takes, it’s generally safe to submit one to two takes for a voice over audition. This lets you highlight your range and skills efficiently, without wasting time.

Start With One Clean Take

Always start your voice over auditions with a solid, clean first take. This should be your best attempt and should closely align with the project’s tone and direction. Think of this as your “go-to” version that represents your skill and understanding of the script. A well-executed first take demonstrates professionalism and ensures that you’ve provided the voice buyer with a high-quality option right from the start.

Keep in mind that voice buyers on casting sites generally only listen to the first three to five seconds of each audition. If your first take doesn’t grab their attention, they may not even bother listening to a second one. That’s why it’s so crucial to make your first impression count—your clean, polished first take is often your best chance to land the job.

Learn more about voice overs: Best Practices for Voice Over Auditions

Don’t Overdo It

It can be tempting to submit multiple takes, hoping to cover all your bases, but submitting more than two takes is usually unnecessary. Instead, focus on delivering your strongest performance in just one or two takes. Quality always wins over quantity—select the takes that best highlight your range and showcase your ability. Submitting multiple variations doesn’t increase your chances; it just creates unnecessary work. Keep it simple, keep it focused, and always prioritize the strength of your performance over the number of takes.

How to Know When to Stop Recording

Knowing when to stop recording can be tricky. The truth is, you’ll often find that your best take is one of your first and overdoing it can lead to diminishing returns. If you feel confident that you’ve nailed the performance after just a couple of takes, it’s usually a sign that you’re done. At this point, you’ve captured the essence of the character or script, and any further takes are unlikely to improve your chances. The key is to strike a balance between making sure you’re happy with your performance and knowing when to move on.

When You Might Need to Submit Multiple Takes

For most commercial or narration auditions, one to two takes is the sweet spot. But in the world of animation or character work, there’s sometimes room to stretch—especially if the brief encourages creativity or leaves room for interpretation. If you're auditioning for a character and you have distinctly different voice ideas, it can be helpful to show that range.

Even in these cases, always lead with your strongest, most fitting take first. That first impression still matters. And make sure each take has purpose—don’t just vary the pitch or speed slightly. Each character voice should feel like a distinct persona that could believably live in the world of the project.

How Long Should I Spend on Each Audition?

The time spent on each audition varies from one voice talent to another. Take the time you need to deliver your best performance - but don’t overdo it. Spending too long on a single audition can lead to burnout and wasted energy, especially when you consider that most voice actors need to audition many times before landing a job. The market, the competition, and the type of work you’re pursuing all play a role, so aim for balance: quality effort without getting stuck in perfectionism.

Submit Your Audition and Move On

One of the hardest parts of auditioning is learning to let go. But once you've submitted, it's important to move on. Overthinking or obsessing about every detail won’t help your chances — it only slows you down. Hit “submit,” trust the work you’ve done, and shift your focus to the next opportunity.

When it comes to submitting auditions, the key is to focus on quality rather than quantity. One or two solid takes are typically all you need to showcase your range and hit the mark for the project. Trust your instincts and submit your best work. With each audition, you’re honing your craft and moving closer to the next opportunity.

VOPlanet is a global marketplace that connects freelance voice talent with creators, casting directors and other voice buyers. Want to join our voice over team? Find out more about how to find voice over work.

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