Last updated: August 2, 2026
Every business puts callers on hold sometimes. The question is what they hear while they wait. Silence makes people wonder if they've been disconnected. A repeating beep is worse. But a professionally recorded on-hold message turns dead time into your most captive marketing moment, since callers are already interested, already on the line, and have nothing else to do but listen.
This page covers what to say, how long to make it, and how to get on-hold messages recorded in a real human voice. It's part of our full guide: Voicemail Greetings: The Complete Guide
Why on-hold messages are worth it
A caller on hold is a caller who's chosen to wait for you. That's valuable attention. Good on-hold messaging:
- Reduces hang-ups. Callers who hear content perceive shorter wait times than callers who hear silence.
- Promotes products and services they may not know you offer.
- Reinforces your brand with a consistent, professional voice.
- Answers common questions ("Did you know you can book online at...") and lightens your team's load.
On-hold message script examples
On-hold messages are usually a series of short segments, 15 to 30 seconds each, separated by music. Here are examples you can adapt:
Thank-you + reassurance: "Thanks for holding. A member of our team will be with you shortly. We appreciate your patience and we'll be right with you."
Promotional segment: "Did you know [Business Name] offers [service/product]? Ask the representative about it when we connect, or visit us at [website] to learn more."
Helpful tip / self-service: "While you wait, you can [book an appointment / check your order / browse our services] anytime at [website]. It's the fastest way to get what you need."
Social proof: "Customers across [area] trust [Business Name] for [what you do]. We're glad you called, and we'll be with you in just a moment."
A typical on-hold loop strings several of these together with music between segments. Because these run longer than a voicemail greeting, the word count is higher, which is where flat per-word pricing makes budgeting easy.
How long should an on-hold message be?
Most businesses use a 2 to 4 minute loop made up of 4 to 8 short segments. That's long enough to feel like fresh content without becoming repetitive on a longer hold. Refresh it seasonally or when you have a new promotion.
Real human voices make the difference
On-hold audio plays for a captive listener with nothing to do but evaluate how you sound. That's the worst possible place for a flat, synthetic AI voice. A real human voice actor brings the warmth and energy that keep callers listening and keep your brand sounding premium. VoiceJungle records every on-hold message with real human talent, never AI.
For the best result, match your on-hold voice to your voicemail greeting and phone menu so your entire phone experience sounds like one consistent brand.
Simple pricing, full ownership
On-hold messages are priced the same simple way as everything at VoiceJungle: 38¢ per word, with a $55 minimum for scripts up to 30 words and an $85 minimum for scripts over 30 words. Since on-hold loops usually run long, most land in the higher tier and simply cost proportional to length. You pay once and own the audio forever, with no monthly licensing, no residuals, and no surprises. One free revision is included, plus a money-back guarantee. Need music too? VoiceJungle offers a royalty-free music library to pair with your message. See the rates page for details, use our pricing calculator to get an exact cost for your message.
Build your on-hold experience today
Stop letting callers sit in silence. Choose your voice, submit your on-hold script, and get a polished, professional recording back fast, with a 2-hour rush available when you need it.
Frequently asked questions
How long should an on-hold message loop be?
Typically 2 to 4 minutes, made up of several 15 to 30 second segments with music in between.
What should on-hold messages say?
A mix of thank-you and reassurance, promotions, helpful tips, and brand messaging. Rotate segments so the loop feels fresh.
Can I add music to my on-hold message?
Yes. VoiceJungle offers a royalty-free music library you can pair with your voice recording.
How much do on-hold messages cost?
A flat 38¢ per word, with a $55 minimum for scripts up to 30 words and an $85 minimum for scripts over 30 words. A longer loop simply costs proportional to its length, and you own the finished audio forever with no residuals.
Do you use AI voices for on-hold messages?
Never. Every recording is performed by a real human voice actor.
