The “What Is” Series: What Is a Bump?

What is a "Bump" in voiceover?

You may have heard the term "Bump" at some point in your life, but it's a VO term as well. And no it doesn't mean that other thing.

What is a "Bump" in vo? - 2:07

Hey guys, it’s Gabby! Welcome back to another edition of The Gift of Gab. Today, I’m kicking off a brand-new blog series called “The What Is Series,” where I take excerpts from my book VO101 and break down voiceover terms and definitions you might not be familiar with.

If you’re new to the industry—or even if you’ve been around for a while—these quick VO explainers will help you navigate studio lingo with confidence.

Let’s dive in!

What Is a “Bump” in Voiceover?

I can’t feel my face… and yes, I could make a really terrible joke here, but I’ll refrain. Because a bump in voiceover? Definitely not that. So, what exactly is a bump?

Understanding Bump Time in Studio Sessions

In both studio terms and voiceover terms, a bump refers to a little extra scheduled time that gets held but not necessarily used.

Here’s how it typically works:

When someone books studio time—say, a one-hour session—they may choose to add on a half-hour bump. So you might hear something like:

“I’d like to book a 1-hour studio session with a 30-minute bump.”

This extra “bump time” acts as a buffer in case the client runs over their scheduled session.

Why Do Clients Use Bump Time?

A bump is beneficial for a few important reasons:

1. It Saves Money

If the bump time isn’t used, the client doesn’t pay for it. That’s one of the biggest perks. It’s essentially a risk-free hold on studio time.

2. It Helps With Planning and Budgeting

Studios and voice actors often manage tight schedules. A bump gives clients room to breathe and plan more effectively without having to commit to extra studio time up front.

3. It Prevents Overruns From Becoming Problems

If a session runs a bit long, that pre-held bump time ensures everything keeps moving smoothly without scrambling for additional availability.

In short, the bump is a simple way to keep recording sessions flexible and stress-free—without unnecessary costs.

The “What Is” Series Continues

And there you have it—What Is a Bump?

Stay tuned for more voiceover terminology deep-dives as I read through VO101 and help you better understand the VO world one concept at a time.

Thanks for joining me today, guys!

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, bump, recording studio, engineer, sound, recording session,