Hydrus - Voice Contributor - English (South Africa)

Welo is a global AI data company that works with hundreds of thousands of contributors across 100+ countries to create high-quality training data for advanced AI systems. Welo Data specializes in building more human-centered AI by combining human expertise with cutting-edge technology.

For Project Hydrus, Welo is recruiting native English speakers from South Africa to participate in audio data collection sessions. Your voice recordings will help train conversational AI and synthesized voice models. This is a remote contractor position paying $20 USD per hour.

Here's what the work involves

You'll complete two supervised recording sessions of approximately 4 hours each, with real-time guidance from a Session Director. During these sessions, you'll record scripted material in a natural, conversational tone—not polished or announcer-like—and then record spontaneous, unscripted speech on given topics while maintaining the same warmth and pace. You're responsible for setting up and managing your own recording space and equipment. All recordings must be entirely in English with your specific South African dialect, with no code-switching into other languages.

Before any paid recording begins, you'll review and sign a Consent Form that details how your voice data will be collected, used to train AI voice models, shared with approved partners, retained, and how you can exercise your data rights including access, correction, and deletion.

To succeed in this role, you need a performance background—whether as a voice actor, theater performer, or comparable experience. You must be a native or native-equivalent speaker of English as spoken in South Africa. You'll need access to a quiet, echo-free recording space (acoustically treated if possible) and a professional-grade microphone such as a RODE NT-USB Mini or Blue Yeti for the audition phase. If selected for sessions, you'll upgrade to a qualifying USB condenser microphone or XLR setup with audio interface. Closed-back monitoring headphones are required. You should be comfortable self-directing during auditions and taking live direction during sessions. Built-in laptop mics, AirPods, and headsets won't work.

Prior professional voice-over experience in conversational style (audiobook, dubbing, podcasting) is a bonus, as is familiarity with audio hygiene and an existing acoustically treated home recording setup. The total time commitment is approximately 8 hours for calibration and preparation, plus the two supervised sessions. Welo offers project-based flexibility, optional access to AI and LLM workshops, and a responsive global contributor community.