About the Project
Project Hydrus is a scripted and conversational audio data collection project. We're looking for native-level speakers who can deliver natural, everyday-sounding speech — recordings that hold up whether you're reading a script or speaking spontaneously.
Please note: the recordings you produce may be used to create synthesized, AI-generated voices for conversational AI products. Full details on how your data is collected, used, shared, and retained are set out in a Consent Form, which you'll review and sign before any paid session recording begins.
What You'll Do If Selected:
- Two supervised sessions of approximately 4 hours each, guided in real time by a Session Director on a separate recording platform.
- Record scripted material in a natural, conversational tone — faithfully, without a polished, performed, or “announcer” delivery.
- Record unscripted, spontaneous speech on a given topic, matching the same warmth and pace as your scripted takes.
- Set up and manage your own recording space and equipment for session recording.
- Deliver all recordings entirely in the required language (with specific dialect), without code-switching into other languages or dialects.
What We're Looking For
Required
- Experience as a voice actor, actor, or theater performer, or a comparable performance background.
- Native or native-equivalent fluency in the required language (with specific dialect).
- Access to a quiet recording space, free of echo and background noise (acoustically treated for session recording, if selected).
- Owns or will acquire a dedicated, professional-grade microphone for the audition (e.g. RODE NT-USB Mini, Blue Yeti), upgrading to a qualifying USB condenser or XLR mic + audio interface for session recording if selected. Built-in laptop mics, AirPods, earbuds, and headsets are not accepted at any stage.
- Owns closed-back monitoring headphones (required for session recording if selected).
Comfortable both self-directing for the audition and taking live direction from a Session Director in guided sessions.
Preferred (nice to have, not required)
- Professional voice-over experience (dubbing/ADR, audiobook, podcasting) in a conversational rather than commercial/announcer register.
- Baseline audio hygiene: comfortable setting mic distance and catching noise, clipping, or distortion yourself.
- An existing home recording setup already treated for sound.
Commitment & Compensation
- Estimated time: Approximately 8 hours calibration, plus supervision across two recording sessions of ~4 hours each per participant
Your Data & Privacy
Before any session recording, you'll be asked to review and sign a Consent Form covering how your voice recordings are collected, used (including to train synthesized/AI voice models), shared with approved partners, retained, and how to exercise your data rights (access, correction, deletion, and more, depending on where you live). If you'd like to review these terms before applying, contact us and we'll share a copy in advance.
Why Join Welo Data?
✨ Limitless Flexibility
Project-based opportunities that fit your availability. Choose when and how much you want to contribute—fully remote, with complete autonomy.
🌱 Limitless Growth
Optional access to AI and Large Language Model workshops designed specifically for professionals like you. No coding required—just your expertise.
🌍 Limitless Support
Be part of a global contributor community with responsive guidance and support.
💡 Real Impact
Apply your expertise in the Legal field to influence the AI systems shaping the future of your industry—while collaborating with data professionals and expanding your skills.
How to Apply?
Apply now by answering a few quick questions to join our database and become part of our growing community.
About Welo Data
Welo Data, part of Welocalize, is a global AI data company with 500,000+ contributors delivering high-quality, ethical data to train the world’s most advanced AI systems. We’re building smarter, more human AI with a diverse community in 100+ countries.
At Welo Data, Limitless AI. Limitless You. isn’t just a slogan—it’s our promise. We build smarter AI through the power of human contribution, offering limitless opportunities for our global community to grow, contribute, and work on their terms.
Skills Required
- Experience as a voice actor, actor, theater performer, or comparable performance background
- Native or native-equivalent fluency in English with the specified South African dialect
- Access to a quiet, echo-free recording space suitable for session recording
- Dedicated professional-grade microphone for the audition, with a qualifying USB condenser or XLR microphone and audio interface for recording sessions
- Closed-back monitoring headphones
- Comfort with self-directing auditions and taking live direction from a Session Director
- Professional voice-over experience in dubbing, ADR, audiobooks, or podcasting
- Basic audio hygiene skills, including setting microphone distance and identifying noise, clipping, or distortion
- Existing treated home recording setup
