DEFINITIONS for VOICE ACTORS

The foundation of this standard is Essential Vocalization: who gave voice to this?

 

Voice acting is unique. Unlike writers, voice actors typically don't write their scripts—they perform them. The craft lies in bringing words to life through vocal performance. Voiceover must be heard to be experienced; even closed captions can only reference the words, not the inflection, emotion, and nuance that voice actors provide.

 

When a human performs vocal work, they are the essential vocalizer. When a machine generates it, the machine is the essential vocalizer.

 

Vocal work means the production of vocal elements for live performance, broadcast, or recording—narration, dialogue, or voice-over that has been performed, recorded, or broadcast.

 

The human voice remains distinct from AI simulation. Modern voice production involves technical processes in which AI tools may be employed—from studio recording enhancement to post-production processing—but these tools support, rather than replace, the voice actor's performance.

 

We support voice actors who use AI in non-standard ways.

 

For instance, some voice actors may experiment with AI tools for creative effects or stylized productions. They may find the VerifiedHuman label unhelpful on that piece, but use it for traditional voice work.

 

In this way, we hope to be helpful and encouraging to all voice actors.

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HUMAN-AI COLLABORATION LEVELS
 

Our 5-level Human-AI Spectrum shows who led the creative process. All VerifiedHuman-labeled work must meet or exceed VH3, meaning the voice actor performed the vocal work.

 

Note: Voice acting differs from other creative domains. The core question isn't whether you transformed AI material—it's whether a human voice or a synthetic voice speaks. At VH3 and above, the voice must be human.

 

VH5 - Entirely Human-Performed

• The voice actor performed all vocal content without generative AI

• Traditional tools (noise reduction, EQ, compression, mastering) are fine

• The work reflects the performer's voice, interpretation, and emotional expression

 

VH4 - Human-Performed, AI-Enhanced

• The voice actor performed all vocal content

• Generative AI may assist with non-performance tasks: script generation, research, session notes, technical documentation

• The performer's voice and artistic choices dominate; AI supports the workflow but doesn't generate vocal content

 

VH3 - Human-Led, AI-Assisted

• The voice actor leads the performance; AI contributes to production but doesn't replace the human voice

• AI may assist with significant production elements (heavy processing, timing adjustments), but the core vocal performance is human

• The final work reflects the performer's voice and interpretation—not AI-generated or AI-cloned vocals

• If the voice itself is AI-generated, it's not human performance

 

Work below VH3 is not eligible for the VerifiedHuman label.

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USING CONTENT OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN (AIU)

 

Sometimes, voice actors work with audio elements where the origin is uncertain. In rare cases, a voice actor may suspect that AI has generated some audio components they are working with, but the origin, time, place, or purpose is unknown or uncertain. When using audio elements of unknown origin, add the AIU (AI-Unknown) tag to your VH level designation, for example, VH4-AIU.

 

In the spirit of this standard, the question remains: Did you perform it, or did AI generate it? We believe the voice actor's intention to create and present vocal work as their own should always remain with them.

 

We acknowledge the hard work of skilled professionals—women and men who have honed their skills and mastered this craft in various languages. We appreciate your human voices and are grateful to be able to help you mark them as appropriately yours.