Voice123 Reviews…Major Update, Major Problems
So as in an earlier blog post, I talked about the future change with Voice123. And now that it’s officially out…can we PLEASE go back to the old way? I’m sure you’ll find no shortage of Voice123 reviews online. However, here’s my official review on this new update.
The History
Ok, it’s possible that you’re here because of my other post regarding a Voices.com review that I did. If you haven’t read it, I would recommend that you do. Because of that company’s never ending lack of ethics, I was more than happy to report the Voice123 update. They boasted that they were stepping up and making a change to cater to the talent. I want to go on record now by saying that I believe their hearts were truly in the right place. In other words, I believe they were really trying to help the industry. Unfortunately, the result has been nothing short of a disaster that has caused hundreds of top talent to quit. (When I refer to “top talent” and what they’re doing, it’s because a private group I’m part of on Facebook that has hundreds of the top voice over talents in the online casting industry.)
New Site Format
In the nicest description I can give, it reminds me of free websites that kids used to post on their Myspace page. I mean seriously, it looks like they brought in a 15 year old to construct an elaborate website. The appearance looks fine, but the functionality is mediocre at best.
Messaging
If you’ve read any recent reviews about Voice123, you’ve more than likely read this one. There were countless issues in the first few months. For example, the messaging feature never worked in the first few months! I would get a message asking if I was available to record that week. I would respond and multiple clients informed me that they never received it. A good friend of mine lost out on a multi thousand dollar job because he “never replied to the message after 3 days”, when in reality, he had replied within a few minutes.
Audition Times
No matter how old reviews might be about Voice123, this has always been an issue. However, now, I literally cannot believe is how convoluted the auditioning has become. To be fair, it wasn’t great on the old version of the site. What nearly all of the talent will tell you is that the majority of our auditions show up in the middle of the night. I’m talking about between 2am and 5am. Voice123’s weak explanation is that auditions go to talent’s in order, based on their qualifications for the job (voice type, language, age range, etc.). If that’s the case, I would like them to explain to me why jobs I’m 110% qualified for are showing up while I’m sleeping. It’s not like I’m on an island somewhere in a timezone you’ve never heard of. So, once I wake up (around 7am) and get to the inbox, there are typically 75+ people that have auditioned for each job, basically rendering it worthless.
Audition Numbers
Now, one thing that Voice123 has done right in the past is tell you how many auditions the client is seeking and how many people have auditioned for that job. Once that specific number had been reached, the auditioning for that project was cutoff. Also, Voice123 would let you know how many auditions have been reviewed for that specific project. So if you get to a job posting and see that only small percentage of auditions were reviewed, then the client has probably made up their mind. That way, you make more efficient use of your time with other auditions. Well, as unbelievable as it sounds, not only was that removed from the site, but now, they don’t cut off at the client’s requested number of auditions! Seriously, read that last part again. I’ll wait……..Ok, need a visual look at this picture?
Just so I’m clear on this, that smaller number on the right is the number of auditions the client is seeking. Are you getting this? With the auditions coming in a 3am combined with the auditions coming in that they feel I’m qualified for, by the time I get the auditions, the client has sometimes received double and even triple the amount of auditions that they were asking for. Explain any part of this to me that seems logical. Now, through my multiple conversations with the Voice123 team, they insist that this part of the site hasn’t changed. If that’s the case, why do the top talent that are members on this site collectively agree that we’ve seen our bookings plummet since this new update? So far, Voice123 can’t and won’t provide an answer.
The Bad
The site is very finicky since the update was released at the end of 2018. I don’t believe the people behind the scenes are unethical like Voices.com. However, they are very quick to listen and very slow to act. As one top voice over talent said, “I get the feeling that they’re smiling and nodding without the intent to make any changes”. For a period, the new site didn’t even have usage for projects listed, meaning that someone could post a job and not tell you what it would be used for, even if it was to air during the Super Bowl. It took them nearly 6 months to correct that issue and they didn’t even make it mandatory, which is what the major complaint was from the beginning. It’s like we needed a stool to be built and they gave us 2 legs. Just extremely odd behavior.
The Good
I still believe these people care about helping the industry. Unfortunately, since the new update, that’s all I can give you.
Overall
Collectively, the voice over community has the same story. All of us went from booking regularly on Voice123 to not booking at all. I could count on 3-4 jobs a week from Voice123 out of about 40 auditions. Since the update, I have booked one job. You read that right… one job. Yet, they’re the ones insisting that the invitation process is still the same and auditioning process is even better. I would rather them call me stupid to my face than think that I or any other talent would accept such an obviously false statement. Overall, Voice123 is currently a disaster. It’s definitely not worth the time and money, especially for someone starting out. However, don’t just take my word for it! Read Voice123 reviews posted by other top talent!
Sources
More sources will be added as they come in, as well as other Voice123 reviews.
1. Top voice talent J. Michael Collins has compiled a list of things that Voice123 is currently doing, including changes they are making, have made, and will make in the future. That can be read here.
Further Updates
November 27, 2019: As of now, I’m not seeing as much of an “audition overage” per job posted. This could possibly be due to the vast number of talent that have completely left the site. Right now, I believe the team is still working on improving the site. It’s just one of the most painfully slow processes I’ve ever seen. I’m still not giving them my recommendation.
Thanks for the post, Bryan! Wanted to check in with ppl to see how things are going for Premium members nowadays? Any updates/changes? Cheers —
Hey Peter! Thanks for jumping on here!
I wish I could give you good news, but I can’t. It’s about time for me to do another update. It’s really rough and, while not dishonest, it’s a little strange how the various tiers of premium memberships are listed. It only shows you a few tiers at a time. I decided to upgrade to the next tier just to see if I saw a difference. As soon as I upgraded, another tier magically appeared in the list and I was given the option to upgrade to that. However, considering the system really hasn’t improved and Voice123 doesn’t seem to be acknowledging the obvious issues, even when asked about them directly, I still am not recommending this site to anyone. And unfortunately, I really don’t know any website that I can recommend to beginning talent. However, even with you being an established talent, I would have a difficult time recommending it to you too. I would just say, proceed with caution and best of luck!
Hey Bryan! Really glad I came across your blog! I was just about to join Voices123…and now having second thoughts! $400 for the membership is a lot of money to waste. Do you still stand by that since the new interface, Voices123 might not be the best choice? I’m really on the fence and unsure what to do. I am a major market radio personality, as have voiced countless spots in my career. With that said, the fact you’ve been booked only ONE job since the change, from 3 jobs a week…..REALLY concerns me. I’ve also read numerous negative reviews online. https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/voice123.com Such as:
“ If a voice seeker requests 20 auditions, the system will deliver…40, 50, even 100”
“ With the new interface, I am receiving auditions that are old and I am finding that my auditions not even being opened. “
“ Many auditions aren’t real (they take them from other casting sites), they allow anyone to join (low-quality, non experienced talent), total waste of time for producers. “
The fact that when you purchase a premium membership with NO likes or reviews, also makes me think that one might be overlooked for months for any projects you might be qualified for.
May I ask what you would recommend I do AND which site in your opinion would be BEST suited for me to start with?
James
Hey James! Thanks for your comment.
While I’ve booked a few more jobs since the update, I can say without question that my opinions of the site haven’t changed. In fact, I would even say that they’ve worsened over time. The fact that indisputable issues with the site are still not being fixed is the instant red flag. They’re only a few ways to look at this. If Voice123 knows of the issues being reported by top talent and are doing nothing to fix them, it’s only because they’re lazy, apathetic, or incompetent. None of those allow me to recommend their site to anyone, including experienced talent.
I hadn’t heard about auditions taken from other sites. I would be interested in learning more about that.
Bottom line, I don’t think $400 is worth the service they’re providing and certainly not any of their higher tier pricing. This past year was probably my last time to renew my membership. Unfortunately, I’m now starting to see their ethics being called into question by a lot of the major talent.
Best of luck!
Oh my goodness. Bryan, I want you to know that I can not express my gratitude for the amount of time and effort you have out into the posts on this site. My childhood dream has always been to voice the funny side characters and animals from cartoons and movies, and I’ve finally found the conviction to stop making excuses. However I could tell that one could get chewed up easily if not on their toes. Thanks man, I’m stepping into the game with a bit more of an idea as to where to start. I’ll start with Bodalga and voiceovers.com, and start investing in myself what is required to be successful there. I’m expecting the jobs there will give me an idea of how a vocal coach can best train me. Maybe one day I’ll find an opportunity like the moose from Frozen! Hey, thanks again.
Hey Allan! Glad the info is helpful. Just get out there and put the work in. Most people fail things like this because they just don’t want to put in the hard work it takes. Best of luck with it!
Great article. Do you have an opinion on VOPlanet?
Hey Andrew! As of right now, I haven’t messed with VOPlanet. It seems like the creators of that site want to do the right thing as well. Might be worth a shot. I just can’t give my personal experience on it.
Hi,
So if voices.com AND voice123 are bad, which site is good? I was a member on voices.com and made a few bucks. I never did get the membership to voice123, I have been scouring the internet looking for the best site to become a member of. What is your opinion for the best site/sites out there?
Thanks!
Shari
Hey Shari! At this point, my best recommendation all around is Bodalgo. It’s the best site to accommodate voice talents at many different levels, including those just getting started. However, if you’ve been doing it a while (which it sounds like you may have), another site I can recommend is Voiceovers.com. This is a new casting site and was started by voice talent. Keep in mind that being new, they can’t provide nearly the number of auditions as the other sites, yet. However, my guess is that these people are going to wind up being pretty big. Bodalgo is also growing in big ways. The bottom line for me and other talent is that both of these sites are run by people that are on top of the ethics game. They don’t deal in gray areas and they try to improve the industry. Best of luck with it!
Hi, I wanted to get my daughter started with doing voice overs as she has no experience. And I saw that you recommended Bodalgo for people who are just getting started but when I wen to start the registration process it gives me the message on the website: Professionally trained talents only!
bodalgo will consider professionally trained talents only (no, a weekend course does not qualify as professional training). Profiles that do not fully support a professional background, will be deleted without notification.
Please understand that we will not respond to questions regarding deleted profiles….
What website would be great to get my 11 year old daughter started in voice overs? Thank you.
Hey Krissy! Thanks so much for your message! It definitely can be tough to get up and running. My highest recommendation is going to be to have a voice over coach evaluate her and give her some honest coaching. They’re going to be able to give you and her the next step to take. I can tell you that one of the most important things for her to have is a professional demo if she doesn’t have one already. If you send us an email from the site, we can setup a time to talk and I may recommend you to a coach that will get her started moving in the right direction!
Thanks for the great articles about Voices.com and Voice123. Lots of great information. Just a heads up, I took a look at Bodalgo and was going to sign up, but when I selected a voice talent account type I was given the following pop-up…
“Professionally trained talents only!
Bodalgo will consider professionally trained talents only (no, a weekend course does not qualify as professional training). Profiles that do not fully support a professional background, will be deleted without notification.
Please understand that we will not respond to questions regarding deleted profiles.”
While I have had quite a bit of extensive training both in classes and with a voice coach.casting director, sounds like my account would get insta-banned due to lack of professional experience 🙁
Hey Nevin! Thanks for jumping in here!
Of course I can’t speak for Bodalgo, but my guess would be they’re trying to keep people away who clearly shouldn’t be there. I was told early on that in the P2P world, 80% of talent disqualify themselves right out of the gate. It’s either because their equipment is terrible, they’re terrible, or both. I remember seeing profiles on some of these sites where people listed their microphone as, and I quote, “one of the good ones from Radio Shack”. People like this would also produce their own demos, which would be them reading a script with background noise and no post production. If I had to bet on anything, I’m guessing that’s what they’re trying to avoid. If you have solid equipment, you’re a solid talent, and you have quality demos, what can they really say?
ALTHOUGH!! If they claim they want a professional background, then maybe get a few clients under your belt before joining. However, I can’t imagine you needing more than that. I mean when I first joined Bodalgo, I definitely couldn’t consider myself as having a “professional background”. I was still very new, but it was clear that I wasn’t someone who bought a mic from Radio Shack. I had good equipment, a good coach, good demos, I could crank out a good read, and if my account had been deleted, you bet I would’ve been on top of them until I got an answer. In any event, I’ve mostly heard good things about the people at Bodalgo. You can always send them a message before you join. Again, while I can’t say for sure, I’m thinking you would be fine, as long as you have the requirements I mentioned (talent, equipment, demos).
Best of luck with it!
Hey Bryan
Thanks for sharing your experience with us about the online P2P world. Seems like, at best, there’s allot of lackadaisical ineptitude, and at worse, blatant dishonesty…I’m looking at you Voice.com!
Anyhoo, I have signed up with voiceovers.com, and they seem to be the best of a bad lot. However auditions are few and far in between; though keep in mind that in this time of COVID-19, there doesn’t seem to be much work for anyone.
Another thing I would personally recommend to anyone trying to get into this line of work is to stay away from the freelancer websites like UpWork.com and freelancer.com. Those websites are the stomping grounds of the ultimate low-ballers. Some guy will want to pay $5, yes five bucks, for 30 minutes of audio. I kid you not; I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Just stay with websites like voices123 and voiceovers.com that deal strictly with voice talent and nothing else.
Hey Peter! Thanks for reading!
There are definitely some things lacking in the P2P world. Besides just severe dishonesty from some, as well as laziness, there’s just an overall feeling of incompetence. Now obviously, I don’t work for any of these companies so I can’t say it would be easy to make a complete turnaround. However, it just seems like a few very basic changes could be implemented that would fix so many of the issues.
Voiceover.com has really gotten me puzzled recently. They are barely a year old, which in my mind, is still a startup. I haven’t seen many auditions from that site since day one. Somehow, they now have 2 tiers for memberships: the Limited Membership for $300 and then their Gold for……..$4000! Somebody tell me what I missed. Their Limited membership claims that you’ll receive 60-75 direct audition invites per month. I haven’t received that many in a month since I became a member a year ago. Yet somehow, the gold claims that 110-150 direct invites. Can someone explain to me where they’re getting those from? Does that mean they’re hiding invites from Limited members? Now, the only thing that sounds interesting to me is that at the end of the year, you will have made your money back or they will pay you the difference of what you lost. I would love to see the fine print on that statement. What percentage of invitations do you have to audition for in order for that to take effect? I mean, they can’t offer that to you if you’re not going to do anything. Again, they’re a new company, but they’re making claims that I haven’t found one member that can claim true. Also, according to some talent online, getting in touch with support is nearly impossible. I’m really hoping that they work out some kinks ASAP.
I totally agree with staying away from Fiverr. I’ve had people tell me that they’ve made $50 just to sit at home and record a couple hours of audio. That’s one of the rare times I will share some of my fees. Of course, I immediately follow it up with explaining what actual hard work in this industry looks like. Everyone wants the simple way to make money. No one believes the work that goes into voiceover.
Best of luck with everything!
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