When you record a self-tape, the way you perform depends on the job. A commercial audition focuses on selling a product or idea, while a narrative audition focuses on telling a story. Each one has its own purpose, style, and feeling.

Since the pandemic, self-taping has become a major part of the industry—SAG-AFTRA surveys show that casting directors now request self-tapes for most first-round auditions. This shift means actors everywhere need to understand how to film strong tapes for different kinds of roles.

Many actors wonder how to switch between these two. The answer starts with knowing what each type asks for and how to prepare your setup and performance.

This post looks at how each kind works and why self-taping has become such a big part of the process.

What Is a Commercial Audition?

A commercial audition is more than a tryout — it’s a chance to connect truthfully on camera.

You’re not “selling” a product; you’re revealing something real in a moment that happens to involve one.

Bring authentic energy, stay present, and let your personality light up the frame — that’s what makes the work memorable.

Commercials are short. They often last 15 to 60 seconds, so you must make a strong first impression. Casting directors want to see how quickly you can bring energy and likability to the screen.

Here’s what makes commercial auditions special:

• Goal: Show that you can make people like and trust the product by giving an honest, grounded performance.

• Tone: Bright, upbeat, and confident.

• Time: Usually very short, so every second counts.

• Focus: Facial expression, energy, and clear delivery through focusing on what you are actually doing – focusing on the other not on yourself.

Example

You might be asked to act like you’re enjoying a snack or using a phone app. Even if there’s no dialogue, your expression and movement must tell the story fast.

Helpful Steps for Success

• Do your audition preparation early. Understand what the scene is really about.

• Practice smiling and speaking clearly on camera.

• Take commercial acting classes that focus on the actual craft of acting.

• Watch real commercials to see how other actors connect with the audience.

Key Reminder

Commercial auditions often ask for a slate (your name and details) and a short, clear audition recording. Good lighting, clean sound, and friendly energy help you stand out.

What Is a Narrative Audition?

A narrative audition is for a role in a movie, TV show, or play. The goal is to bring a story to life through a character. Unlike commercials, narrative auditions often are more challenging in regard to finding what kind of action works best for that particular scene.

Here, casting directors want to see your acting range and how well you can play the part. You must understand the script and make strong choices that fit the character.

Key Details

• Goal: Tell part of a story and reveal who the character is.

• Tone: Depends on a clear understanding of the particular style and genre of show.

• Focus: Focus on one very specific thing that you are actually attempting to do to your scene partner that is based one the stakes and tone of the show or film.

• Time: Often longer scenes, with space to show depth.

Example

You might play a scene from a family drama or a single camera comedy..
Your job is to stay truthful — to do something real with the other person, to follow the scene’s rhythm, and to let authentic emotion rise from the action you’re pursuing.

How to Prepare

• Study the sides (short script) carefully.

• Think about what the character wants and feels.

• Use your actor training to build a truthful performance – this is most important!

• Keep your movements simple so the camera stays on your face.

Narrative auditions need focus on storytelling. Speak clearly, but let action lead. Stay calm and steady, and make every moment count.

Why Self-Taping Matters

Today, most auditions happen through video. That means you record at home and send the clip to the casting team. Self-taping saves time and lets you show your best work, but it also means you must learn the basics of filming well.

Why It’s Important

• You can audition for roles anywhere, anytime.

• You control the setup — lighting, framing, and takes.

• You get to watch your work before sending it.

Good Setup

• Quiet space with good light on your face.

• Camera at eye level.

• Simple background.

• Clear sound with no echo.

When you self-tape for a commercial, usually keep your energy high and show quick connection. For a narrative role, it may take more time to ascertain what the action is in the scene. Both styles need clean video and sound.

Following strong clear self taping guidelines and tested acting audition tips helps your tape look professional. Use a tripod, test your lighting, and speak clearly. Treat every self-tape like a real audition room.

A simple actors guide is this: show who you are, be prepared, and follow directions. With practice, self-taping can help you book more jobs and feel confident on camera.

What’s Different About Self Taping Commercials vs. Narrative Roles

Self-taping gives actors the freedom to show their best work at home, but not all tapes are the same. A commercial audition and a narrative audition have very different goals. Understanding how to adjust your performance, setup, and energy will help you stand out and look professional.  The great news though is that you are using the same craft for both auditions!  Both auditions are about doing something honest and specific that reveals your actual personality in the role! 

Here’s a look at what makes each type special and how to prepare for both.

1. The Goal Is Different

Commercials are short and focused on selling a product or idea. The casting team wants to see if you look and sound like someone who can represent a brand. They look for energy, charm, and confidence. You might be asked to show how you’d enjoy a snack, use a product, or greet a customer.

Narrative roles are about storytelling. The casting team wants to see if you understand the character, emotions, and relationships. You’ll often perform a short scene from a show or movie. The focus is on truth and emotional connection through action – this is the only thing you can truly control – what you are actually doing/going after in the scene – what you want from the other.

So, the first big difference:

• Commercials = Sell the product

• Narratives = Tell the story

Knowing this changes how you act, move, and even how you look at the camera.

2. Performance Style and Energy

In commercials, usually you need a bright, friendly energy that connects fast. Your expressions should be clear. Your voice should sound confident and upbeat. Casting directors want someone the audience will trust in seconds.

In narrative auditions, the story still leads—but your truthful action drives it. You don’t build a character; you reveal honest human behavior inside the given circumstances. Let your focus, breath, and energy follow the moment so real emotion can rise naturally. Stay simple, grounded, and alive to what’s actually happening — that’s what makes it cinematic.

Quick comparison:

• Commercials: Fast, cheerful, and clean delivery.

• Narratives: Real, layered, and thoughtful performance.

This is where strong actor training helps. Practice adjusting your energy for each type. Watch real commercials and movie clips to see how tone changes.

3. Framing, Camera, and Setup

The setup for both can look similar—good lighting, clear sound, and a plain background—but the framing often changes.

• Commercials: Medium close-up (mid-chest to head). Sometimes full-body if asked.

• Narratives: Often waist-up or chest-up, depending on the scene.

The camera should always stay steady. Look slightly off-camera if you’re “talking” to another person in the scene. For commercials, you may look directly into the camera if asked.

Before recording, do a quick check:

• Clean background

• Even lighting on your face

• No shadows

• Good sound (use a mic if possible)

These small steps make your audition recording easy to watch.

4. Slating and Direction Following

Commercial self-tapes often require a “slate.” This is a short clip where you say your name, height, location, and show a full-body shot. Some ask for a quick smile or a spin. Always read the directions carefully.

Narrative auditions might also ask for a slate, but it’s usually simpler—just your name and representation. Sometimes it’s placed at the start or end of your tape.

Following directions is part of strong audition preparation. Casting directors notice when you pay attention.

5. Emotional Focus

Commercials want quick, clear emotions—happy, excited, surprised. Keep it simple. You don’t have much time to show your point.  And you don’t want to fake emotions!  Your focus should be on what you are actually doing to the other person, not on faking emotion.  The emotions will come from what you are actually doing.

Narrative roles want depth. Casting doesn’t need “inner thoughts” pantomimed—they want to see truthful behavior. Give yourself time for the beats to land: listen, let the moment affect you, and let small shifts in action show up—a change in eye focus, breath, tempo, or tone as you respond. That’s what reads. And this will happen if you go after one thing, your action. 

A good actors guide is to ask: “What do I want to do to the other person?”
For commercials, it’s often to share enthusiasm or uplift a friend
For narratives, the range is extremely wide – “Knock someone down to size”, “Get someone to take a big risk”, “Get a loved ones forgiveness” – it wants to be something very specific, that you can actually do and it needs to have it’s test in the other person. 

6. Script and Delivery

Commercial scripts are short and usually have one main idea. Your goal is to make the message clear and fun and active.. Even if you have no lines, use your face and body to tell the story by going after something honest that is very real to you in the scene.

Narrative scripts have more dialogue. You’ll need to understand each beat—where the emotion changes or where a new idea starts. Keep your delivery natural and grounded.

Take time to practice reading the script out loud before filming. This builds comfort and flow.

7. Preparation and Practice

You’ll feel more confident when you prepare the right way.
Here are steps that work for both:

• Read the instructions twice.

• Practice in front of your camera before filming.

• Watch your takes to check lighting and sound.

• Keep your energy balanced.

• Record a few takes, but choose your best one.

For commercials, you can build skills in commercial acting classes. These classes teach timing, expression, and on-camera confidence.

For narrative roles, work on playing your action truthfully. Acting and scene study classes help a lot.

8. Mindset and Confidence

Auditions can feel stressful. Many actors deal with nerves. It helps to practice acting through fear. That means learning to breathe, focus, and perform even when you feel unsure.

Confidence grows with experience. Every tape you record makes you stronger. Keep your setup simple, follow your plan, and trust your choices.

Remember: Casting teams want you to succeed! They’re hoping to find the right fit, and preparation helps you show your best self.

9. Control and Focus

Try to treat your self-tape like a controlled audition. You control the lighting, the background, and how many takes you do. Use that control wisely. Don’t rush. Take breaks between takes to reset your focus.

When you feel ready, send the tape and let it go. You’ve done your part. Each self-tape builds skill and confidence for the next one.

10. Tips to Keep Growing

• Watch professional ads and scenes to learn tone.

• Ask for feedback from teachers or friends.

• Keep improving your setup as you go.

• Stay organized with your files and notes.

• Keep practicing both styles—commercial and narrative.

The best acting audition tips often sound simple: stay clear, stay true, and stay prepared. Over time, you’ll learn what works for you.

11. Summary: The Key Differences

Feature	Commercial Audition	Narrative Audition
Goal	Sell product/brand	Tell a story
Tone	Bright, clear, fast	Real, emotional, steady
Framing	Mid-chest to head	Waist-up or chest-up
Slate	Full-body + info	Name only
Emotion	Simple, upbeat	Deep, layered
Prep Focus	Energy + clarity	Character + truth

 

When you understand the difference, you can switch styles easily and make each self-tape shine.

Conclusion

Knowing how a commercial audition differs from a narrative one helps you perform with purpose. Commercials want energy and clarity; narratives want truth and emotion. When you understand the goals, you can record self-tapes that shine.
Keep learning, practicing, and improving your setup. 

For more help building your skills, explore programs like PATH by Greg Sims to guide your next step in your acting journey.

FAQs

How long should a self-tape be?

Keep it within the time the casting asks for and use common sense..

Do I need special equipment to self-tape?

Use a phone with a tripod, good lighting, and a quiet space. Clear audio matters most.

Should I memorize lines for self-tapes?

Yes, learn your lines well. Reading too much can break eye contact and lower energy.

Can I use props in my tape?

Only if the directions allow it. Keep props simple so they don’t distract.

How do I name my video file?

Use your name and role: “YourName_Role.mp4.” Always follow casting directions.