Why “All Media in Perpetuity” Isn’t Part of My Standard VO Rates

And why that’s a good thing—for both of us.

It’s a phrase that’s showing up more and more in voiceover audition specs: “all media, in perpetuity.”

On the surface, that might seem reasonable. After all, if you’re hiring a voice actor, shouldn’t you be able to use the recording however and wherever you’d like—forever?

That's a fair question. And it deserves a clear answer.

As a voice actor, I love collaborating with clients to bring messages to life. And part of doing that professionally means handling licensing with clarity, fairness, and flexibility. That’s why you won’t find “all media in perpetuity” included in my standard rates—and why there are better options that serve both your needs and mine.

Usage Drives Value

Voiceover rates are based on how, where, and for how long a recording will be used.

For example, a short-term radio spot airing in one city is priced very differently than a voiceover used across global TV, digital platforms, paid social, and streaming.

When someone requests all media in perpetuity, they’re essentially asking for the broadest possible rights: unlimited use, across all platforms, with no expiration date, no additional permissions, and no further compensation.

That level of usage carries significant value—and in the voiceover industry, just like in music, photography, and on-camera work, it's priced accordingly.

Why Licensing Matters

When we define usage—such as “digital only for 6 months” or “broadcast and streaming, one year, North America”—we’re not just placing limits. We’re protecting:

• You, from paying for more than you need

• Me, by preserving my ability to work with other brands and control how my voice is used.

• The integrity of the project, by assigning fair value to the creative work

Let me expand on that second point as it's a crucial part of licensing that many buyers may not have encountered or considered before.

Protecting my brand and voice

As a voice actor, my voice is more than just a tool—it becomes closely linked to the brands I work with. When a recording is licensed as “all media in perpetuity,” it means it could be used anywhere, anytime, and indefinitely—even long after a campaign has ended, a brand has evolved, or a product is discontinued.

Without time or media limits, I lose the ability to:

• Accept future work in similar categories, due to exclusivity concerns or brand conflicts with other hiring clients.

• Manage how and where my voice is heard, which could lead to my voice appearing on platforms or in contexts I wouldn’t personally endorse.

• Disassociate from outdated or off-brand content that no longer aligns with my professional values or image.

Licensing isn’t just a business formality—it’s also about maintaining artistic

integrity and ethical boundaries. It helps me protect the value of my voice, preserve professional flexibility, and continue delivering the best possible work for every client—including you.

Most importantly, this approach keeps things flexible and clear for everyone involved.

Let’s Find the Right Fit Together

I hope this gives you a clearer picture of why voiceover licensing works the way it does—and why “all media in perpetuity” isn’t typically included in standard voiceover rates. It’s about fairness, respect, and ensuring everyone gets the value they deserve.

If you have questions about a specific project or want to explore usage options tailored to your needs and budget, I’m always happy to chat. Please don't hesitate to reach out!

And THANK YOU for taking the time to understand this important part of the voiceover process.