Male or Female Voice-Over: How to Choose One for Your Explainer Video
After creating countless explainer videos, one element that makes the final cut stunning is the voice-over.
The right voice actor can build trust and engagement, while the wrong choice can weaken even a well-crafted video.
Even a simple decision, like choosing a male or female voice, can shape how the message is received.
We’ll explore this matter further, including the difference between male and female voice actors and how to choose the right one for your explainer video.
Studies on Male and Female Voice-overs
A study from ConversionXL aimed to determine which type of voice actor worked best for an explainer video.
The goal was to measure how “trustworthy” and “attractive” each voice was perceived.
The main key findings reveal that female voices were generally seen as more trustworthy than male voices.
Meanwhile, another study from VoiceBunny explored how male and female voices appealed to different demographics.
The research compared the two genders in terms of forcefulness, soothing quality, and sales effectiveness.
46% found female voices more soothing, while 48% of respondents felt male voices sounded more forceful.
However, when it comes to selling, 28% believed a male voice was more persuasive for selling a car, compared to just 7% for a female voice.
Overall, female voices tend to be preferred in terms of trust and likability.
However, when targeting specific demographics, such as car or tech buyers, male voices may have a stronger impact.
If you want to learn how to become a voice actor, feel free to read our resource: Skills You Need to Learn Before Landing Your First Voice Acting Job.
How Can You Choose the Right Voice-over for an Explainer Video?
Your target audience’s demographic plays a key role in deciding whether to use a male or female voice-over.
In most cases, matching the voice-over to the majority gender of your audience is the better choice.
Before making a decision, it’s important to understand the distinct characteristics of each voice type.
Male Voices
Male voices are often used for products targeting male consumers, particularly in industries like automobiles, technology, and gadgets.
They are generally perceived as more authoritative and commanding.
“Men’s voices are associated with neutrality, with authoritative, factual information,” explains Arthur Chu, a voice-over artist for brands like Safeway and Intel.
He notes that instructional or historical content often benefits from a deep, steady, and slightly stern male voice.
Female Voices
Female voices tend to sound more intimate, emotional, and trustworthy. However, their effectiveness goes beyond just warmth and relatability.
There are at least four characteristics of female voices that can be beneficial for your explainer.
Higher Pitch and Trustworthiness
A study by psychologist Phil McAleer found that higher-pitched voices, often associated with confidence, were perceived as more trustworthy. This is one reason female voices tend to perform well in trust-driven messaging.
Comforting & Soothing
A Harris Interactive poll revealed that 46% of participants found female voices more soothing than male ones. A soothing voice can make an audience feel at ease, which, in turn, fosters trust.
Melodic & Engaging
Research from the University of Sheffield found that female voices are processed in the brain’s auditory region — the same area responsible for processing music — making them sound more melodic and engaging. In contrast, male voices are processed in the “mind’s eye” region.
Emotional & Nurturing
Female voices are often perceived as more compassionate and understanding.
Voice-over artist Debbie Grattan explains that this nurturing quality makes female voices ideal for messages that require empathy and connection.
Which Voice-Over Should You Choose?
A male voice may be the better choice if your product requires authority and neutrality.
Meanwhile, if trust, warmth, and emotional appeal are key factors, a female voice is often more effective.
Generally, the best choice depends on your audience and the message you want to convey.
Breadnbeyond can help you find the most suitable voice-over artist for your explainer video.
You can also read this resource to find the best voice-over platforms online.
