Trends, Tariffs and Trade Wars: State of VO in 2025 with J. Michael Collins

Tariffs are here. Will they impact the voice over industry? I didn't bring J. Michael Collins on the podcast to talk tariffs and trade wars, but it just so happened that the day we recorded, that was the story of the day. So we tackled it.

We didn't stop there. We also talked trends voice actors need to watch in 2025 including shifts in commercial and political, the new "it read" that seems to be booking at the moment. How shifting demographics are opening up more opportunities for certain voice actors who may have felt a little left behind in recent years.

A lot of ground is covered in this chat. We even had time to get to VO Atlanta and some insights into this years conference.

If you're a voice actor looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry, you're going to want to dig into this one with a notebook!

CONNECT WITH J. MICHAEL COLLINS

J. Michael Collins Website - https://jmcvoiceover.com

JMC Demos - https://jmcdemos.com

J. Michael Collins on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmcdemos

J. Michael Collins on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jmcdemos

J. Michael Collins on X - https://x.com/jmcvoiceover

 

Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott
VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur

RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS

* Voice Over Marketing Playbook
Visit https://voiceovermarketingplaybook.com

* The VOpreneur Guide to Testimonials
Visit https://vopreneur.com/testimonials

* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam
Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott

* For voice over services:
Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com

* Want VOpreneur Swag?
Visit https://teespring.com/stores/vopreneur

* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group
Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur

EVERYDAY VOPRENEURS IN THIS EPISODE

* Thanks to "Uncle Roy" for production assistance!
Visit https://antlandproductions.com

* Thanks to Christy Harst for VO contributions!
Visit https://christyharst.com

* Thanks to Krysta Wallrauch for VO contributions!
Visit https://krystawallrauch.com

If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. Book Your Consult

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The voice over market is experiencing a glut in the middle tier.
• Short-term impacts of tariffs on voice over are uncertain.
• Assertiveness is becoming a key trait in voice over reads.
• Demographics in voice over are shifting towards older voices.
• The average consumer's perception of advertising is changing.
• Buyers are adapting to demographic shifts in their marketing strategies.
• The future of conversational voice over is being redefined.
• Voice over trends are evolving, especially in humor and delivery.
• AI's impact on voice over is minimal at the high end.
• Marketing is crucial for voice actors to succeed today.
• Demos need to reflect versatility and current trends.
• Political voice over requires frequent updates due to shifting issues.
• Online casting companies are facing challenges in the current market.
• The VO Atlanta conference aims to bring fresh insights and speakers.
• Voice actors should focus on building relationships with agents.
• Staying informed about industry changes is key to success.