Voice-over & re-recording
Professional voices in the target language replace or overlay the original voice. Script, direction and timing are planned together.
Languages. Service. Quality. Technology.
New markets need more than a translated audio track. We bring together language, voice, subtitles and visuals to suit your audience, medium and budget – even when no script is available.
Corporate · E-learning · Explainer videos · Documentaries · Social media
Languages. Service. Quality. Technology.
depending on project volume and requirements
localization experience at zappmedia GmbH, since 1993
completed localization projects
published feedback from our clients
for translation, voice recording, subtitling and transcription
TÜV-audited quality management at zappmedia GmbH, since 2006
The result depends on the material and intended use. This overview supports your choice; explore each method in detail below.
| Method | Approach | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| Subtitles & SDH | Preserve original audio | Tutorials, social media, documentaries |
| Classic voice-over | Target-language voice | Interviews, documentaries, corporate |
| Traditional dubbing | Adapt dialogue to unchanged visuals | Films, series, demanding dialogue |
| AI lip-sync | Adapt lip movement to the audio | Suitable adverts, e-learning, short videos |
| Professional voice or speech synthesis? | Balance expression and production volume | Brand films, factual content, frequent updates |
| Video avatars | Digital presentation | Product updates, training, explainers |
| On-screen text & motion graphics | Localise visible content too | Graphics, UI, lower thirds, infographics |
| Hybrid: AI & human review | Combine tools deliberately | Series, archives, mixed requirements |
| Transcreation & modular production | Plan ahead for more markets | Advertising, humour, brand messages |
Translated subtitles convey the content while preserving the original visuals and audio. We shorten the text without losing its meaning and account for line breaks, reading speed, cuts and speaker changes.
SDH adds relevant sound cues, speaker identification and delivery information, such as a slamming door or an ironic tone. Scope and target platform are agreed in advance.
One or more target-language voices overlay the original voices. The original audio can remain quietly audible, preserving an authentic sense of expression and delivery.
For complete re-recording, the original voice is replaced. Adapted translation, suitable speaking duration, direction and an appropriate audio mix connect speech and visuals.
Professional voices replace the originals while the visuals remain unchanged. Translation and dialogue writing need to align meaning, performance and lip movement.
Depending on the production, the work involves translators, dialogue writers, actors, dialogue directors, Foley artists, editors and sound teams. Work and casting are planned for the project.
AI lip-sync adapts areas of the image to the new audio. It requires a suitable target script, good audio material and agreed rights for editing the image and voice.
Close-ups, strong emotion, fast cuts, side views and obscured mouths can complicate the process. We assess suitable scenes and review the visual result; technical examples are available on zappmedia.io.
Professional human voices use emotion, expression and subtle emphasis deliberately. Speech synthesis can suit clearly structured factual texts and regularly updated content.
The choice depends on the script, audience and intended impact. Synthetic versions also require checks of pronunciation, wording and timing. Text-to-speech is covered on zappmedia.io.
Video avatars are digital people whose voices, facial expressions and gestures are generated partly or entirely synthetically. They can present standardised, frequently updated content without a new shoot.
Before use, we establish design, rights, audience and language quality. Suitability is assessed using the specific example; natural emotional impact is not assumed.
Lower thirds, charts, UI screens, infographics and calls to action are part of the language version. Depending on available project files, we replace text, create localised text layers or adapt animations.
Longer texts, different scripts and right-to-left reading directions require space and typographic changes. The source layout and available editable files determine the approach.
A hybrid workflow combines suitable automated steps with editorial and technical review: for example, translation with dialogue editing, synthetic speech with professional key passages, or AI-generated subtitles with editing.
With AI lip-sync, post-production can correct critical shots. We define automated steps and human review and approval points in advance. Cost, timing and impact are assessed for your material.
Advertising, emotional or humorous videos may need cultural adaptation. Wordplay, idioms, country references, claims, units and date formats are reviewed for the target market.
Modular planning makes further language versions easier: independent visual and text timing, neutral B-roll, text-free sequences, space for longer graphic text, and separate music, effects and speech tracks.
We translate the content and carry the chosen production approach through to the finished language version.
Professional voices in the target language replace or overlay the original voice. Script, direction and timing are planned together.
Translated subtitles preserve the original audio. SDH subtitles for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers add speaker identification and relevant sound cues according to the agreed scope.
Lower thirds, charts, UI screens, infographics and calls to action are adapted in language and design.
A video in one language can be the starting point for many more versions.
We create a script from the original audio, with speaker changes and timecodes if required. The transcript is prepared for the next production step.
Translation accounts for speaking duration, reading speed and visual context. A literal translation is often insufficient.
New voice recording or subtitles are synchronised with the visuals, mixed or integrated, and delivered in the agreed format.
Documents & deliverables
We plan individual productions and series for businesses, media and learning.
Language and technical production work together.
We review video, audio, script and project files. We agree languages, platform, rights, approvals and method.
We transcribe the audio if needed. Target texts are adapted to timing, speakability, readability and visual context.
Casting, native-language direction, recording, subtitles and graphics follow the agreed production plan.
We review the finished versions and deliver the agreed masters, audio tracks or subtitle files online.
Script, language pair, number of versions, visible text, usage rights and post-production determine the work involved. Our price lists provide guidance; your fixed quote brings together the agreed services and resources.
For larger video archives, we plan reusable workflows and templates. Subtitles can reduce production work compared with a new recording; the right choice depends on audience, visuals and audio.
Your individual quote and agreed scope apply to your project.
Audio price list ↗Yes. We first transcribe the original audio and create the script. Translation, adaptation to the medium and the chosen voice recording or subtitling follow.
Subtitles preserve the original audio and can suit tutorials, documentaries and social media. Voice-over conveys the content through a target-language voice. Viewing conditions, audience, impact and budget guide the choice; we advise based on your material.
SDH subtitles communicate important sounds and speaker information as well as dialogue. They are one part of accessible media. Other requirements, such as audio description, player functions or platform rules, need separate assessment for the intended use.
The video module on zappmedia.io explains the technical options and shows examples. Here, we plan the language and editorial work and the appropriate combination with professional voice talent.
Client references from zappmedia

A selection of our clients and partners.
Send us your source material, target languages and preferred deadline. We clarify the requirements and quote for the services your project needs.