Artificial intelligence has transformed many industries and voiceover is no exception. AI-generated voices are becoming more realistic, offering convenience and efficiency in content creation. Studies show that 34% of businesses are now more inclined to use AI-generated voice-overs. The survey reveals that while 26% experimented with AI voices in their projects last year, 70% of them used it in less than a quarter of their work. 

However, this rapidly evolving technology also raises concerns about voice ownership and potential misuse. As AI-generated voice technology evolves, voice actors must take proactive steps to protect their vocal identity.

This is where AI Rider becomes essential. But what exactly is it, and why is it a must-have for voice actors today? In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of AI riders, their key features, and how they can safeguard your voice in this rapidly changing digital landscape.

What is Synthetic Voice/ AI Rider?

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the voiceover industry by enabling the creation of highly realistic synthetic voices. AI-driven voice generation tools are now widely used across various sectors, including advertising, gaming, audiobooks, and virtual assistants. While these advancements offer cost-effective and scalable solutions, they also raise critical concerns about voice ownership, authenticity, and ethical implications for human voice actors.

The Synthetic Voice/AI Rider (or addendum) was designed to address voice actors' concerns regarding AI, synthetic voices, digital doubles, and voice clones. It clarifies voice usage rights and restrictions related to AI voice generation and training. Organizations like the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) developed this rider as a protective tool for industry professionals.

Now that we understand why this rider exists, let’s explore how it works, its key protections, and why every voice actor should have one in place.

Key Aspects of Synthetic Voice/ AI Rider

A Synthetic Voice/AI Rider is an addendum to a contract that protects voice actors’ recordings from being used for AI training, cloning, or synthetic generation without their explicit, written consent. It doesn’t regulate AI voice technology in general—it safeguards the actor's recorded voice from exploitation.

Here are the core aspects of this protective rider:

1. Prohibition of AI Model Training & Cloning

• Forbids the use of voice recordings for training AI models, synthetic voice creation, or cloning without consent.
• Prevents clients from manipulating voice recordings to create unauthorized AI-generated voices.

2. Consent & Control Measures

• Requires explicit, written consent before any AI-related usage of the actor’s voice.
• Grants revocation rights, allowing voice actors to withdraw permission if misuse occurs.

3. Ownership & Licensing Terms

• Clearly defines who owns the original recordings and what clients can legally do with them.
• Ensures that AI-generated modifications of an actor’s voice do not transfer ownership rights to third parties.

4. Ban on Third-Party Transfers

• Prevents clients from selling, licensing, or transferring recordings to third-party AI developers without consent.
• Ensures that recordings cannot be used for AI voice generation by external companies.

5. Data Security & Storage Protections

• Requires clients to store recordings securely, using encrypted storage to prevent unauthorized access.
• Mandates controlled access to recordings, limiting who can handle or distribute them.

By incorporating these safeguards, voice actors can protect their recordings from unauthorized AI usage while maintaining full control over their vocal identity.

To see what a Synthetic Voice/AI Rider looks like, you can download this free template from the Association of African Voice Actors (AAVA):

🔗 Download the AI Voice Rider Template (PDF)

Benefits of Synthetic Voice/ AI Rider

A Synthetic Voice/AI Rider provides critical safeguards for voice actors in an era where AI-generated voices are becoming more prevalent. By establishing clear terms for usage, ownership, and modification, this contractual addendum helps voice professionals maintain control over their vocal identity and prevent misuse.

Here’s why every voice actor should consider including one in their contracts:

1. Legal Protection Against Unauthorized AI Use

• Prevents unauthorized reproduction or distribution of a voice actor’s recordings.
• Prohibits clients from using voice recordings for AI model training, cloning, or digital voice creation without explicit written consent.
• Includes third-party transfer restrictions, ensuring recordings can’t be sold or shared with external AI developers.

🔍 Legislative Support:
The proposed NO FAKES Act aims to protect individuals from unauthorized digital impersonation—including AI-generated voice replicas—by requiring explicit consent from the voice owner. While the bill is still pending approval, it underscores the growing legal push to safeguard human vocal identity.

2. Full Control Over Vocal Identity

• Grants voice actors complete control over how, where, and for how long their voice can be used.
• Usage restrictions specify the approved contexts for the voice, whether for ads, audiobooks, or animations.
• Voice alteration limits ensure that AI-generated variants cannot be excessively modified in terms of tone, pitch, or language.

⚠️ Revocation Rights:
The rider includes revocation clauses that allow voice actors to withdraw consent if their voice is misused or used beyond agreed terms.

3. Compliance with Industry Standards

• Aligns with ethical guidelines from organizations like NAVA and other professional voice actor associations.
• Prohibits the use of voice recordings in political ads, misleading content, or deceptive applications without consent.
• Ensures compliance with emerging industry standards for ethical AI development.

💡 Ethical AI Movement:
Campaigns like #fAIrVoices advocate for fair consent, control, and compensation whenever voice recordings are used in AI applications.

4. Transparent Agreements and Usage Terms

• Requires clear documentation of the scope and purpose of voice usage.
• Establishes financial terms upfront—such as flat fees, royalties, or usage-based compensation.
• Defines licensing terms for AI-generated variations, preventing future disputes.

📜 Clarity Matters:
By defining every detail—from AI training permissions to recording ownership—the rider helps voice actors avoid legal ambiguity.

Key Points to Consider in a Synthetic Voice/AI Rider

When creating a Synthetic Voice/AI Rider, it’s crucial to establish clear guidelines to protect your voice from unauthorized use. Defining key aspects such as usage rights, modification limits, and ownership ensures transparency and legal security in AI-generated content.

• Scope of Use: Clearly define the permitted use cases for AI-generated voices.
• Modification and Editing: Set clear boundaries regarding how much alteration can be made to the voice.
• Ownership and Licensing: Determine who holds the intellectual property rights over the AI-generated voice.
• Duration and Renewal Terms: Specify the licensing period and renewal clauses.
• Legal Enforcement: Ensure that the contract is legally binding and can be enforced in case of a dispute. 

With these considerations in mind, let’s explore where you can find the right resources to create your own AI Rider.

Where to Find Synthetic Voice/ AI Rider Resources?

Finding the right resources for an AI Rider is essential to ensure proper legal protection and industry compliance. From professional organizations to AI voice platforms, several sources offer guidance, templates, and best practices for drafting a secure agreement. Have a closer look at AI rider resources.

• National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA): Organizations like the National Association of Voice Actors and legal experts are actively pushing for standardized AI contract clauses. Industry professionals are encouraged to include AI Riders in their agreements, ensuring that their voice is not used without permission or adequate compensation.
• Voice Actor Websites: Many professional voice actors share their AI policies and rider clauses on their personal sites.
• AI Voice Generation Platforms: Companies like Smallest.ai, Murf.ai, Lovo AI, WellSaid Labs, and Synthesia provide guidelines on how to use AI-generated voices and offer templates or advice on legal considerations.

By integrating a Synthetic Voice/AI Rider, voice actors can confidently navigate the evolving AI landscape while securing their rights. Smallest.ai, as a responsible AI voice platform, proactively addresses voice actors' concerns about misuse, ensuring ethical AI practices. 

The Role of Ethical AI Platforms Like Smallest.ai

The Synthetic Voice/AI Rider exists because AI misuse is a legitimate concern. However, responsible AI platforms have implemented policies to protect voice actors' rights. 

We at Smallest.ai are taking proactive steps to protect voice actors from unethical practices. We understand that your voice is your identity—and it should never be used, cloned, or altered without your explicit, informed consent.

Our mission is to set the standard for responsible AI voice technology by implementing clear, transparent policies around voice usage, consent, and data privacy.

How Smallest.ai Supports Ethical AI Use?

Smallest.ai is committed to ensuring AI-driven voice technology is used ethically and responsibly. By prioritizing transparency, consent, and fair compensation, it safeguards both voice actors and users.

• Transparency in AI Usage – Provides clear terms in their privacy policy and T&Cs, ensuring AI-generated voices are not misused.
• Voice Actor Protection – Supports AI Riders and prevents unauthorized cloning or training on real voice recordings.
• Fair Compensation Models – Encourages ethical licensing agreements to ensure voice actors are fairly compensated.
• Customizable AI Solutions – Allows users to work with AI voices while respecting intellectual property rights.

By prioritizing these ethical practices, Smallest.ai fosters a responsible AI ecosystem where innovation and integrity go hand in hand.

Conclusion

As AI technology continues to evolve, protecting your voice has never been more crucial. A well-crafted AI Rider ensures that voice actors can retain control over how their vocal likeness is used in AI-generated content. By drafting clear, transparent agreements, consulting with legal professionals, and staying up to date on industry regulations, you can safeguard your career in the digital age.

If you’re looking for a platform that upholds ethical AI practices, Smallest.ai leads the way. Choose Smallest.ai and ensure fair, transparent voice technology!