Short answer the voice over audition length should be as short as possible while still sounding great.

Here’s how it usually breaks down in the voice-over world:

🎙️ General rule

15–30 seconds is ideal for most voice-over auditions. Casting directors often listen to just the first 10-seconds, so clarity, tone, and connection matter more than length.

📌 By audition type

• Commercials: 10–20 seconds (often just the provided copy)

• Narration / e-learning: 20–30 seconds

• Animation / character: 10–20 seconds per character

• Audiobook: 2–3 minutes (if specifically requested)

• Corporate / explainer: 20–30 seconds

🎧 Why shorter wins

• Casting teams listen to hundreds of auditions per casting call

• They want to hear:

  • Your natural vocal tone

  • The delivery patterns

  • Emotional truth and attitude

  • Audio / sound recording quality

  • How you can interpret the script and message

• Longer auditions can feel unfocused or risky

✅ Best practice

• Follow the brief exactly (this matters more than any rule)

• Deliver one strong take

• Only offer multiple takes if they do not state “one take only”

• Start right in the pocket—no long lead-ins or set-ups

• End cleanly (no trailing chatter or fade-out)