1. Core pricing model: three mainstream charging models
1. Billing based on the effective time of finished products (the most mainstream and professional)
Definition: Pricing is based on the net duration of the edited and directly usable dubbing finished product (usually accurate to "per minute" or "per hundred words").
Advantages: The pricing standard is clear and transparent. No matter how long the recording process takes, the final settlement will only be based on the finished product time actually used by the customer to protect the rights and interests of both parties.
Applicable: The vast majority of commercial projects with clear budgets and duration, such as audiobooks, commercial advertisements, feature films, online courses, etc.
2. Package and charge according to the overall project/role
Definition: Negotiate a total price for a complete project (such as a short drama, a set of courses) or a fixed role.
Advantages: Suitable for projects where the character's lines are scattered and the total duration is difficult to predict. It is convenient for producers to control the total budget and also encourages dubbing actors to complete efficiently.
Applicable: Role-driven content, such as radio dramas, anime/game character dubbing, and multi-role short dramas.
3. hourly/daily billing
Definition: Billing is based on the actual working time (hour/half day/full day) of the dubbing artist in the recording studio.
Advantages: Suitable for high-specification and high-intensity projects that require real-time guidance from the director, repeated running-in, and on-site revision.
Applicable: High-end commercial advertisements, brand promotional videos, film and television trailers and other projects that require extremely high instant creativity and accuracy.
2. Price stratification: What is the value of your voice?
Online dubbing fees vary greatly, and the core determinant is "the professional level and market recognition of the dubbing staff."
level | Reference unit price (yuan/minute) | Features and positioning |
|---|
Entry level/novice | 50 - 200 | Most of them are students and enthusiasts. The sound quality is good, but it lacks experience and stability. Ideal for personal or non-commercial projects with extremely low budgets. |
Mature/Professional | 200 - 800 | The main market force. With many years of experience, skillful skills, able to control multiple styles, and stable and efficient delivery. It is a "cost-effective choice" for commercial projects. |
Well-known level/head | 800 - 3000+ | It has representative works and extremely high popularity, and its voice has a brand effect. Its participation itself can bring traffic and quality endorsement to the project. |
Stars/artists cross borders | Tens of thousands to millions (project based) | It belongs to the category of "brand marketing", and the cost depends on the influence of its stars, which far exceeds the ordinary dubbing quotation system. |
3. Key variables affecting quotation
In addition to the basic unit price, the following factors will directly affect the final offer:
1. Purpose and scope: commercial> self-media use> personal learning. Commercial use (especially national release) has the highest price.
2. Languages and dialects: The price of small languages and scarce dialects is usually higher than that of Mandarin. When bilingual or multilingual ability is required, the cost will increase significantly.
3. Production difficulty:
Sound/role requirements: Need special voices (such as old people, children, monsters) or one person to play multiple roles, usually a price increase.
Mood and style: High-intensity crying scenes, roars, or the need for a special atmosphere (such as suspense, horror) will increase the difficulty and price of recording.
4. Production cycle: Urgent fees are an industry practice. Items that require "delivery within 24 hours" may be subject to a surcharge of 30%-100%.
5. Modification and authorization: The contract will stipulate that the number of modifications will be free (usually 1-2 times), and additional fees will be required for exceeding the modifications. Buying exclusive licenses is much more expensive than non-exclusive licenses.
4. Practical suggestions for both parties
1. To the demander (Party A):
Clarify requirements and provide information: clear scripts, role settings, and reference sound samples are the basis for obtaining accurate quotations.
Sound testing is a necessary step: the sound sample library is for reference only, and directional sound testing is the only gold standard for judging whether "sound and shape are integrated".
Respect professionalism and transparent budgets: "Get what you get for a penny" has been repeatedly verified in the market. Low budgets often lead to repeated modifications, delayed construction periods, and higher final costs.
2. To the dubbing artist (supplier):
Establish a professional quotation system: reasonably price according to your own level, and clearly state the services included in the quotation (such as number of modifications, delivery format, etc.).
Pay attention to sound testing and demonstrate matching: Targeted sound testing is the key to winning the project, and is more important than simply displaying the sound.
Standardize the process and sign contracts: Even for small amounts of cooperation, fees, construction periods, copyrights, etc. should be agreed in written form (contract or confirmation form) to protect your own rights and interests.
The charging standard for online dubbing is a dynamic system that combines market rules, personal brands and project needs. There is no "buy it all", and wise choices start with clear self-positioning (for the voice actor) or clear project needs (for Party A). Full communication before cooperation and using professional audio testing instead of blind price comparisons are the cornerstone of achieving win-win cooperation.
