Is AI Replacing Human Creatives? Not So Fast. Why Clients Are Still Choosing the Human Voice
This might be a controversial opinion, but…I don’t think AI will take over all the jobs. The human touch is still alive and well. In an era where artificial intelligence tools promise quicker turnarounds and lower costs, it’s no wonder that many clients feel pressure to experiment with automation in their content creation. But what happens when speed and savings come at the cost of clarity, and connection?
As a bilingual voice actor with experience in explainer videos, corporate narration, and branded content, I’ve seen firsthand where the human voice still shines—and why clients return.
Q: Is AI really taking over creative jobs?
A: There’s no denying the buzz around AI. Tools are getting faster, smarter, and better at mimicking human-like responses. But creativity is not just about pattern recognition. It’s about interpretation,performance, and intention. That’s where humans still lead.
In fact, many creative freelancers are feeling the pressure—but it’s not necessarily because AI is better. It’s because AI is cheaper, faster, and more scalable. But that doesn’t always equal effective.
Q: Why do clients still choose human voice actors like you?
A: One of my clients, a company onboarding new users to their online platform, needed voiceovers for animated explainer videos. They didn’t just need “a voice.” They needed someone not only experienced and knowledgeable, but who could understand their vision, what they were trying to achieve with the audio accompanying the animation for the video they were planning, even if they, marketing folks without a background in audio/video production, didn’t always know how to articulate it.
They told me what really mattered: working with a real person. Someone they could talk to. Someone who could pick up changes quickly. Someone who just got it.
We worked together on a new esplainer video project and I delivered pickups for a previous video they produced—and they said it was seamless. On time, on budget, quality audio. Exactly what they were looking for.
For commercial and narration voiceover talent, clients like this, that steady bread-and-butter work, matter. AI can’t nurture those relationships, but we, as human beings, can.
For me, this is a clear example where AI would not have been an ideal solution. To be able to get anything remotely interesting (and not laughable) out of AI in a creative context, you need to know how to prompt it correctly, provide it with the right raw material, and then keep tweaking the final result so it doesn’t look like a copy of all the other videos out there.
No one really has the time to do that. My clients certainly didn’t. To boot, we all now easily recognize the “signature” of AI. Why would they risk the stigma of fast-fashion on a brand they’ve taken years to build?.
Q: Can AI be a helpful tool in creative work?
A: Absolutely! I’ve used AI to help brainstorm blog topics or tighten up my podcast show notes. I’m not going to pretend I’ve never had AI write a blog post for me based on some prompts and some text I fed it, but I didn’t love the result. It only felt OK, like that essay you wrote in high school at the last minute and you know you’ll be happy if you get a “C”.
I know I have to specifically state in the prompt not to “rewrite the text for greater flow” when I only want my text spell and grammar checked. My voice gets lost when it rewrites it so some beige median ideal. And when Gen AI is used to create assets for a client’s website, branding or ad campaign…their voice gets lost too.
What results is a mass-produced, beige version of something that was once unique. It might check boxes, but it doesn’t connect. That’s a missed opportunity—and often, a waste of money.
Q: How can voice actors and creatives stay competitive?
A: By staying human. That might sound overly simple, but it works. Here’s how:
- Demonstrate your value. Be clear about how your work solves a real problem for your client.
- Make it easy to work with you. Fast, friendly, professional service counts.
- Stick to your rates. If clients mention AI, don’t panic. Instead, show what they get with you: nuance, reliability, adaptability, personality.
- Focus on relationships. Clients come back to the people they trust.
Q: So what should clients consider when choosing between AI and a human creative professional?
A: Think about:
- Will the result stand out from the sea of sameness?
- Will your audience feel something genuine?
- Will you be able to adapt, ask for tweaks, and expect consistency across projects?
- Do you want a partner—or just a program?
Still Not Convinced?
If you’re weighing your options, I invite you to think long-term. The brands that last are the ones that build trust, not just output. And trust is human.
And Creatives? Your clients aren’t running to A.I. Just because it’s new and cool.
Ok, well, maybe some of them are.
They’re running toward any tool that promises to allow them to get more done, in less time, for less money.
So I like to position myself as an affordable yet quality alternative to that.
If you want to hear more about this topic (and stretch your legs while you’re at it), check out my latest podcast episode on Freelance Fitness. It’s a 10-minute progression run with a side of freelance survival strategy.
Because yes, it’s a tough time in the industry—but it’s also an opportunity. Let’s not just keep up with the machines. Let’s out-connect them.
🎧 Listen to the episode: Freelance Fitness – Episode 10
📩 Have questions or want to work together? Reach out anytime at VoiceTalent@alisonpentecost.com.
