AI technology has really begun to take the world by storm. So many people are using this innovative functionality for everything from writing to movie making and many tasks in between. And with the use of your voice for AI and other possible setups, there are a lot of legal details to be aware of. Voice licensing comes into play here.
There are a lot of details to know when it comes to voice licensing. In this guide, we will share what voice licensing is and how exactly it works. Our goal is to help you have a better understanding of just where voice licensing might impact you or if it is relevant to you at all.
What is Voice Licensing?
Think of voice licensing as something similar to that of copyright when it comes to movies and music. The only difference is that this has to do with your voice. Of course, there are copyright free music sites that can help you get what you need, but the concept is the same. Those sites have either paid for royalties or received permission to use their provisions.
Voice licensing is a similar concept. Ultimately, the licensing allows you to use or provide your voice while also allowing the protection to choose where and how it is used. You, or any artist, can provide their voice, and then the voice is used to create. How and where the voice is used is established under the licensing and the agreements of licensing.
What is Your Voice Used For?
In terms of AI and technology, your voice could essentially be used for anything, assuming it is allowed beneath the license. This includes some of these things:
- Voice overs
- Voice dubbing
- Text to talk
- Synthesized voice
- Narration
These are just a few examples. Here is a great way to understand it. In animated movies, a person uses their voice for the characters involved. The movie is created, and then the voices are added to go with the movie and animation.
Thanks to AI and continual advances in technology, all a company needs is a voice. They can then use AI to generate the words using that voice. While this is great in some ways, you also have to ensure you are protected, and your voice isn't used somewhere you don't want it to be.
How Does Voice Licensing Work?
Understanding the basics of voice licensing and how you can protect your voice is important. In all actuality, having a very minimal recording of your voice gives the holder free rein to apply that voice to anything they need. And that is where licensing comes in. With licensing in place, you are provided royalties or fees for every use of your voice, and it has to be approved.
In essence, voice licensing gives you control of your voice while ensuring you receive compensation for the use of your voice. Voice licensing comes in different forms. The two most common are broadcast and non-broadcast licensing.
With broadcast licensing, you give rights to a certain company to use the voice as they choose within a specified timeframe. They can do ads, broadcasting, TV shows, and more, but it's all through that company and within the allowable time. This license is most common for advertisements, TV, radio, and similar uses.
Non-broadcast licensing allows a company or even an individual to use your voice forever in voice-over form. They can use it for whatever they want and whenever they want within the realms of that company. This is typically not paid per use, while the broadcast is paid per use. This type of licensing is common for audiobooks, movie trailers, podcasts, video games, and other similar uses.
In general, someone who provides their voice under a license will be paid either through a full payout from the beginning or will receive royalties over time. There can also be a combination of the two.
Know How Voice Licensing Affects You
Before you sign any type of voice licensing contract, be sure you fully understand the terms. You can bring in a lawyer for review if needed, but at the very least, you should be carefully reading and reviewing all terms before you agree to anything. Pay attention to details such as location, usage, longevity, and payment.
Final Thoughts
In a world of technology, the ability to provide your voice is a pretty cool option. You just need to be familiar with voice licensing terms and how they may affect you. Pay attention to the details, and don't agree to a licensing contract just because. Make sure that it's in your best interest and that the terms are acceptable to you. Let your voice be heard!