How Long Does It Take to Record and Produce an eLearning Voiceover?

How Long Does Recording Take?

Many people assume that recording a ten-minute course takes ten minutes.

In reality, professional voice recording involves much more than simply reading the script.

The voice artist (normally in conjunction with an engineer) will:

• Read the script carefully
• Correct mistakes and record retakes
• Check pronunciations
• Maintain consistency throughout the session
• Record alternative takes where appropriate

As a general guide, we can typically record between 1,500 and 2,500 words per studio hour for eLearning content.

The exact speed depends on the complexity of the material.

A straightforward onboarding course may move quickly, while technical, medical or compliance-heavy content often requires a slower and more deliberate approach.

What Can Slow a Recording Session Down?

The biggest delays are rarely caused by the voice artist.

More commonly, additional time is required because of:

• Unclear pronunciations
• Late script changes
• Missing acronyms or terminology guidance
• Complex technical language
• Multiple stakeholders providing feedback during a live session

Providing pronunciation notes and a final approved script before recording begins can significantly improve efficiency.

How Quickly Can a Voiceover Be Delivered?

For many eLearning projects, recording can take place within a few working days of approval.

Some projects can even be turned around within 24 hours if required.

However, availability will depend on the voice artist and the complexity of the brief.

One advantage of working with a voiceover company rather than relying on a single freelancer is that there are often multiple suitable voices available, helping to keep projects moving when deadlines are tight.

If your project has a fixed launch date, it's always worth mentioning this at the quoting stage so appropriate talent can be recommended.

What Happens After Recording?

Once the recording session is complete, the production process is only partly finished.

The audio will typically need to be reviewed, edited and prepared for delivery.

Depending on the project, this may include:

• Removing mistakes and retakes
• Editing pauses and pacing
• Volume levelling / dynamic processing / mastering
• Audio quality checks
• File splitting
• Applying naming conventions
• Exporting in the required format

For smaller projects this may only take a short time. Larger projects with hundreds of individual files can require considerably more production work.

File Splitting Often Takes Longer Than Clients Expect

Many eLearning projects require audio to be supplied as individual files for import into Storyline, Rise, Moodle or other authoring platforms.

Creating these files is rarely difficult, but it can be time-consuming.

For example, a course containing 150 separate screens may require 150 separate audio files, each named correctly and checked before delivery.

This is one reason why providing a clear file naming convention within the script can be so helpful.

Many producers use a simple two-column script format, with filenames in one column and narration in the other. This makes recording, editing and importing audio much easier for everyone involved.

Should You Direct the Recording Session?

Not necessarily.

Some eLearning producers simply provide the script and receive finished recordings, especially if previous modules have been recorded already and the delivery style is well defined.

However, there are situations where listening in can be beneficial.

You may wish to direct the session if:

• The content is highly technical
• The client has strong preferences regarding delivery
• There are unusual pronunciations
• The project is particularly high profile
• You want to involve the client in the creative process

A directed session allows questions to be answered immediately and often reduces the likelihood of revisions later.

How Long Do Revisions Take?

Minor amendments can often be completed very quickly.

If the original voice artist is available and the changes are limited, updates can frequently be turned around within a day or two.

This is one reason why maintaining relationships with the same voice artists can be valuable for eLearning projects.

When courses need updating months or years later, having access to the original voice can make amendments significantly easier and help maintain consistency throughout the learning experience.

It's often claimed that using human voice artists means paying a full session fee for every small update. In practice, that's usually not the case - most voice artists will provide sensible rates for minor amendments.

Planning for Future Updates

Most eLearning courses will evolve over time.

Regulations change. Products are updated. Procedures are revised.

When choosing a voiceover supplier, it is worth considering not only how quickly the initial recording can be delivered, but also how easily future updates can be managed.

Experienced eLearning voice providers often retain project information, scripts and production details, making it easier to revisit projects when amendments are needed.

That continuity can save considerable time later.

Typical eLearning Voiceover Timelines

Every project is different, but as a rough guide:

• Small projects (up to 1,500 words): Often delivered within 1–3 working days
• Medium projects (1,500–5,000 words): Typically several working days
• Large projects (5,000+ words): Often planned over multiple sessions
• Urgent updates and pick-ups: Frequently completed within 24–48 hours

The actual timeline will depend on the voice selected, the complexity of the material and the amount of editing required.