AI Voiceover Data Sets: What Voice Actors Need to Know (Before It’s Too Late)

If you’re a voice actor, especially a newer one, you need to understand this.

Have you ever seen an audition for a "dataset"? Let's talk about what it is and if you should avoid it.

These AI listings on casting sites are getting really sneaky. - 7:34

Hey guys — it’s Gabby, and welcome back to another edition of The Gift of Gab! 👋

Today we’re diving even deeper into the world of AI and voiceover — because let’s be real: AI isn’t just a trend anymore. It’s here. It’s growing. And it’s starting to impact our industry in major ways.

One of the more confusing — and honestly dangerous — aspects of AI in voiceover is something called a data set.

If you’re a voice actor, especially a newer one, you need to understand this.

What Is a Voiceover Data Set?

A voiceover data set is a collection of audio files — your voice — along with matching transcriptions. These files are used to train artificial intelligence models to replicate human speech.

Let’s break it down:

• Your voice + transcript = training material for AI

• The AI model learns how to replicate accents, inflections, speech patterns, and everything that makes us sound human

• These models can then generate synthetic voices that sound eerily real

This is how AI voiceover works. And yes — that voice could sound a lot like yours.

Why This Should Matter to You

You might’ve already seen audition notices for “voiceover data sets” — even if they never mention the word AI.

These gigs are everywhere now:

• Pay-to-play sites like Voice123, Backstage, Mandy, and more

• Casting calls that say things like:

  • “$100 for a voiceover data set”

  • “No demo required”

  • “Record on your phone — studio not needed”

Sounds easy, right? A hundred bucks for a few lines?

🚨 Here’s the catch: You’re not actually booking a job. You’re training AI to replace you.

These Auditions Are Targeting Newbies

Let’s call it what it is: exploitative.

They know new voice actors:

• May not understand the long-term consequences

• Might jump at quick money

• Often don’t have demos or pro studios yet

And they’re using that to harvest data for AI voices — cheap.

You’re not building your portfolio. You’re not getting exposure. You’re not getting a usable job credit.

You are, however, teaching a computer how to mimic you — and ultimately take work away from all of us.

Why It's So Messed Up

Look, if tech companies want to develop AI voices, fine — go hire random laypeople. But when they come onto voice acting platforms — the very places built to support our craft — and use them to undermine working talent, it crosses a line.

It’s tacky. It’s unethical. And it’s damaging to our industry.

Even worse? Some major platforms are partnering with these AI developers. That means companies you trust may actually be helping take jobs away from voice actors.

Let that sink in.

Think Before You Submit

Before you audition for anything labeled:

• “Voiceover data set”

• “Speech recognition project”

• “AI voice collection”

• “No studio required, record from your phone”

Ask yourself:

❓ Do I want my voice used to train artificial intelligence?❓ Do I want to be part of the reason future VO jobs disappear?❓ Am I okay with never getting credit — or control — over how my voice is used?

Because once your voice is in the system, it’s out of your hands.

This Is Bigger Than Voiceover

That’s why I’ve started a new initiative: ArtNOTAI.org 🎨🤖

We’re working to:

• Educate artists and companies about the ethical use of AI

• Advocate for fair treatment of creatives across all industries

• Help protect the future of artists — voice actors, actors, models, musicians, photographers, crafters, designers — all of us

If you care about keeping creativity human — I’d love your support.

💻 Visit: ArtAI.org🤝 Share it with fellow creatives💖 Consider making a donation

TL;DR: Know What You’re Signing Up For

The rise of AI in voiceover is happening fast. But that doesn’t mean you have to roll over and let it happen at your expense.

Stay smart. Stay informed. Stay human.

Thank you for watching, listening, and being part of this conversation.

As always:

👍 Like this post

📣 Share it with your community

🌐 Visit my website for more coaching and voiceover industry updates

Let’s protect our art — together.

Talk soon,

Gabby

704-674-8294 / GabrielleNistico.com / gabby@voiceovervixen.com

Gabrielle Nistico, Gabby Nistico, The Voiceover Vixen, The Business First VO Coach, #VoiceoverVixen #VoiceOnFire #BusinessFirstVOCoach Voiceover, Charlotte, North Carolina, criticism, thick skin, peer, growth journey