Meet the Voice Behind Your GPS

Meet Karen Jacobsen, a voiceover artist from Queensland Australia, who has one of the most recognisable voices in the world. As the original voice of GPS, she’s helped billions of us to reach our destination.
Back in 2002, she recorded more than 50 hours of audio for the first ever GPS voice system, including 168 versions of the word “approximately”.
Has she told you where to go? Recalculating.
#GPS #Voiceover #Navigation
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[@GreatBigStory]

Thank you Karen, we'd be lost without you! www.youtube.com/@KarenJacobsen

[@EyesOfByes]

You have been lost for too many. Im so f*cking glad you're back!!

[@sir_albaxious1909]

I used to watch all of your videos long back. But when i saw your goodbye videos I got kind of depressed. So much glad you are back.

[@ichosedebateoveranger1520]

Yes, yes, the based chosen have returned, don't ever change or leave us again, stay a free and unbiased source of cultural and amazing history, we love you guys, welcome back.

[@Alkalus]

Good to see GBS back.

[@teareal09]

Yayayayayayayahayay They’re back guys ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@pyonpyonusagii]

I cannot express how happy we are knowing that this channel is back and running! We're looking forward how you can inspire us even further in the coming future!

[@VitorMadeira]

+1

[@summerrose1545]

When I saw my feed my 1st ques was, wait....GBS is back???

[@uppensai3709]

bro same

[@ThePmso]

So that was the channel I was missing.

[@SakitomiXD]

well said!

[@parampalsingh2376]

"And when the world needed them most... They returned!"

[@arnavjain.]

fr 🐐🐐

[@reality_official]

Yep

[@deontaeavila3514]

"turn left" "turn right" "recalculating" "you have reached your destination"

[@thedog5k]

YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I DIDN"T REALIZE IT WAS NEW HOLY FUCK

[@Dhlamedia]

I'm happy to give you the 666th like.

[@twotails]

This woman is a gem 💎, I love how positive the vibes she gives is!!

[@Archie.9005]

@hope. nice try, i recognize that link all over KZbin.

[@sarawatlism18]

She looks like Oli london ngl 💀

[@defaultworkouts]

waste of money for her labor when AI can easily do it for free. you can even google a transcriber yourself and do it free. why pay someone?

[@SweatedPear]

@@defaultworkouts I believe that's how they make the voices. They have a real person give audio samples and use ai for the rest.

[@kaelthunderhoof5619]

​@@defaultworkouts really? And where do you think the AI voice gets it from?

[@mrkeiths48]

I love it when she says, "You have reached your destination." No doubt a very pleasant voice. Here is to her success!

[@manoharmeka999]

Is it the pleasantness of her voice or because of Australian accent?

[@np7148]

@@manoharmeka999 I think it's just her voice, her accent is barely noticeable

[@AfrimaxEnglish]

Finally, you're back, welcome back 🙏🏻

[@Justinismynamee]

@FindThatRamp jealous

[@darius2640]

Ultimate Karen. Telling other people what to do on a scale of millions at a time

[@aaronlane8276]

and people actually do what she says too unlike most Karens

[@my3dviews]

She doesn't sound angry though. 😄

[@danielwright9418]

Finally… a Karen that uses her powers for good instead of evil!

[@buatlastshelter5319]

The only one i'd listen carefully

[@Josuke217]

@@aaronlane8276 🤣

[@yuffies3256]

IM SO HAPPY THIS CHANNEL IS BACK!! It really motivated and inspired me!! It's always so cool to see how incredible and unique us humans, and even the world, really is :) So, thank you!

[@sarawatlism18]

Doesn't the woman in this video look like Oli london ??

[@tripmcneely6519]

Motivated and inspired???🤣🤣🤣🤣 Off of KZbin content???🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@romancatholicgameing]

​@@tripmcneely6519 Yeah, you're definitely American.

[@Numbskulli]

I cannot express how grateful I am that you guys are back. Excited for more stories🎉

[@Sheer37111]

THEYRE ALIVE!THEYRE ALIVE!THEYRE ALIVE!THEYRE ALIVE!THEYRE ALIVE!THEYRE ALIVE!THEYRE ALIVE!THEYRE ALIVE!THEYRE ALIVE!THEYRE ALIVE!THEYRE ALIVE!

[@arnavjain.]

@@Sheer37111 ok

[@Numbskulli]

@@Sheer37111HELL YEAH!! So glad abt it

[@uppensai3709]

bro same

[@SakitomiXD]

samee

[@TheReacTT]

It's so crazy how she does it live. I always thought there was a filter or effect on it!

[@StaK_1980]

It is always refreshing to see when the VA actually enjoys the end product that he/she helped create. 🙂

[@saifabidalbloushi]

On behalf of everyone, thanks for directing us to the right path when we were lost.

[@davidslife989]

Yes! Also telling us where cops are when we are speeding!

[@saifabidalbloushi]

@@davidslife989 oh yea that too😂😂

[@bgrg]

@@davidslife989 how does she know all these things?

[@davidslife989]

@@bgrg That part I'm not sure, I'm chalking it up to CIA work or multiple agencies that is. 🤔😆

[@BambinaSaldana]

​@@bgrg She's an omniscient being who uses her powers to help us not get tickets.

[@nolestrono]

I was expecting this to not relate to my GPS voice growing up cause I’m Australian, I had zero idea that the Australian voice is what everyone had. Makes me very happy.

[@polanski2399]

FR i thought that it was just a setting and there were different accents. also thought it was completely computer generated

[@LEXeroma]

I've only heard American accents here in the U.S., like Garmin gps for example

[@AA-kl9xj]

@Phillip Banes Lol, you know you can choose the accent in your settings of all of those…

[@AA-kl9xj]

@Phillip Banes Oh gotcha! I agree

[@snakecharmer109]

I can't explain the joy I felt when I saw that this channel released a video again after so long. Great Big Story has always been a source of awe and wonder for me. I'm able to hear stories from people all over the world and see more of the world than I've ever known. This channel has always made me love this world and humanity more. Thank you. ❤

[@tylerredforge5563]

same

[@Jesus_Christ_loves_you_alot]

Hello! The best source of awe for anyone is knowing God. He created the universe and all we see after all.

[@soumyasikdar9323]

A big thanks to Karen for her incredible work helping people all over the world navigate lucidly

[@jameshaswell2345]

A couple weeks ago I was traveling to Norfolk International. I got into a lane that was wrong. I honestly believe that she yelled at me the moment I got in the wrong lane. The only time that I have gotten hollered at by my GPS. LOL I will definitely listen to her directions with the confidence that I will arrive at my destination! Thank you, Karen Jacobsen.

[@FPS2007]

i am- genuinely surprised she’s alive- her work is pretty cool and also glad you guys are back, this channel inspired me to do a couple of things back then, glad to see that little has changed

[@eel7157]

:D

[@Chey99]

Wdym alive?? 2002 wasn't that long ago💀💀💀

[@derkeksuchtige3416]

@@Chey99 I think because some people thought that she was just some computer-generated voice

[@thatonegamingnerdz]

@@Chey99 bro 2002 was 18 years ago thats a pretty long time now 💀

[@Chey99]

@@thatonegamingnerdz Yes I know math but obviously she's alive lol. Not like GPS was invented in the 14th century bruh

[@chiaradamore-klaiman8692]

I have missed stories like this so much! Many of the creators from Great Big Story have gone on to create their own channels, like the wonderful Beryl Shereshewsky, but it’s so great that some of the most diverse and fascinating content will now be in one place.

[@oumarkoume7238]

​@GreatBigStory11come on, the channel just got revived after 2 years and already with the scammers

[@belle8027]

This channel has always been such a huge comfort for me. So when you guys stopped making videos, I was so sad. And now that you’re back I’m jumping for joy!!

[@charlottesavitz]

Oh my goodness! I got into GBS last year and after watching EVERY SINGLE VIDEO was devastated to find out that they weren’t creating anymore!!! This just made my day! Thank you GBS!

[@livewiiiiire]

I hope you bring Beryl back!!! She added SO MUCH to these videos, and was the perfect personality for this channel. Good to see you back GBS ❤️

[@DC-id2ih]

Like others have already expressed - it's great that you guys are back!!! And the interesting/fun/quirky vibe of this video perfectly captures why I love this channel!

[@robinurmum8738]

This is what I've been waiting for the past 2 years This is amazing you came back at the right time of my life

[@miky8788]

@do not report

[@RayMak]

Best voice ever

[@shamilarifeen380]

Hearing the GBS ping at the end of a video brings the memories flooding back. Thank you for bringing this channel back

[@CoastalKite]

When we needed them the most, they returned. Thank you GBS team for bringing us more stories of the good and interesting side of humans. May we never take it for granted again.

[@kgtomi]

This is the most wholesome and yet educational channel in existence! :D

[@allluckyseven]

Well, she has a beautiful voice. I wonder if you guys asked her to sing a little when she said she wanted to be a professional singer... Also, this whole thing makes me think that in the future we will probably have more natural sounding GPS voices through the use of deepfakes. Thanks, GBS, I'm glad you're back!

[@christian19701]

Luv her voice, her cheery attitude, her whole demeanor. Kudos to the team that chose her. God bless Australia!

[@jqa16]

This channel is the biggest reason why I'm saving for Switzerland since 2019

[@Max-js1mx]

oh my gosh I am beyond excited to see this channel back, we need more of this in this world

[@walter7054]

This was one the the first channels that helped me actually make it through my sophomore year of high school. I’m now a senior and so happy to see y’all back. Literally on the verge of tears.

[@beemaliav.glazov3308]

This come back has brighten up my day, and I can say that 70% of knowladge in my head about global information came from this series. Welcome back Great Big Story!

[@willie-vj4ms]

Karen, I love your voice. You have taken me to many locations

[@nooneimportant8991]

Watching Great Big Story come back is the biggest blessing I've had in this decade. We missed you guys

[@Paradoxl1337]

Glad GBS is back! Stoked for more episode like this!!

[@DrWoofOfficial]

GBS x GPS crossover

[@DieselD7101]

On behalf of the whole KZbin community, we’re so glad you’re back, Great Big Story! Nothing was the same after you left!

[@WackAnims]

I am so happy you guys are uploading again, I legit love you guys!

[@middleearthtroll6183]

Wow amazing, everyone thinks its weird I have an Australian lady for the accent on my GPS (I'm in Canada) but I never did. I always thought it was a calming, soothing voice, that was helpful as I was angrily driving around.

[@SidenoteChannel]

Holy crap, is this channel back? I thought I was watching an older video until I read comments. So happy. Wish you guys best of luck!

[@randelcarpio]

Welcome back! What a pleasant surprise this was and genuinely made my day just seeing this channel again :)

[@LyraJolting]

What a great first episode!!! She must of been a lot of fun to work with, love her energy ❤

[@cheezynguyen3346]

When she said "my voice will live forever" i can feel the power too =))) in deed it sounds kinda scary like she still and will exist in another form :O

[@jimsweeney]

Karen's voice certainly makes navigating through Sydney traffic much more pleasant than it would normally be!

[@Saraseeksthompson0211]

Ohmygod, I was just thinking about how much I wished this channel would come back just a week ago. This is so awesome ❤

[@gothboschincarnate3931]

call me when you can do it seconds in advance. its all done thru portals. try opening a portal.

[@markeyiszra]

They back again,to tell more story!!! Don't stop there, please i want to hear more of story from every country that we never knew.

[@al-nur999]

Welcome back GBS! I missed this channel so much. ❤️

[@cheryldeshon8778]

I love this! I use this voice because who doesn't love an Australian accent?! Thank you, Karen 🙂

[@omahaw1728]

Nice to meet you Karen. I am from the US and sometimes I like to hear a GPS voice from another country. I like the Aussie and British accents.

[@hansdayo]

NO WAY! I can't believe this, I thought I won't be seeing this channel anymore, thank you guys!

[@poblanopupp9966]

I was literally mourning the death of this channel a week ago. I’ve really missed the top tier content y’all make! Congratulations on coming back!

[@o.portista]

The legendary channel has returned! What a time it was, but glad it's back again, one of KZbin's gems 💙👑

[@Shubhyduby]

I am so happy that you guys are back. I always had hope you guys would come back and this is just amazing. So glad to see you back!

[@hannahlynn1706]

I cried for HOURS when the channel took a break. I THOUGHT YOU WERE GONE FOR GOOD. Welcome back! 💘

[@dikeledihlabangane3854]

M sooo glad to finally see the person behind the gps voice. U have a beautiful voice and so are you. We are neva lost with you 🙏❤

[@its_teckerized1]

I thought you guys said you wouldn’t be posting anymore?

[@Sheer37111]

THEYRE ALIVE!

[@Irrationaaaaal]

THE GIFT OF LIFE HAS BEEN BESTOWED UPON THEM ONCE AGAIN!

[@abi3751]

Yesterday they posted a video saying the are alive

[@elmntss]

They made a New video about coming back

[@lukahmei2000]

Did you not see the trailer? They’ve returned for good!

[@Thebreakdownshow1]

I started my channel in the hopes of one day tell stories that way GBS does. It's just sooooo GOOOD to have you guys back. Love the channel.

[@daniela.valadez8870]

WE ARE GLAD YOU'RE BACK! And this is an amazing episode!

[@abubalo]

Am I sleeping ? This channel is back after nearly three years. OMG I don't know how to react 😱

[@stevenzin5834]

My life just get better knowing "Great Big Story" is coming backing to life. Thank you.

[@mzr967]

I love that the channel made a comeback! It really opened my eyes to the world around me, their videos were always so interesting. I can't wait to see what new stuff they have! ❤

[@mybadfriend]

we missed you ❤

[@pamirose8612]

Keep them Great Big Stories coming! This one is great! I'm glad you all are back! 😀

[@wayfaringstranger8430]

I've never heard this lady in my life, but I'd love to hear and see more 💯

[@yukikuro3808]

I'VE MISS THIS CHANNEL SO MUUUUUCH OMG 😭❤️😭❤️✨✨✨ Thank you for coming back, I'm literally crying tears of Joy right now 😭😭😭

[@nabibbs2402]

This is one the greatest things to happen this year, such an blessing to have you guys back🥺

[@ChillaMuzasi]

I AM LITERALLY SHOCKED THAT MY JAW DROPPED BECAUSE I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT YOU GUYS ARE BACK! TO MORE STORIES, WELCOME ONCE AGAIN GBS! 🥰

[@Evan_5646]

This is the best day ever I swear

[@philipanzelmo9711]

I have never unsubscribed from this channel even though you guys said you are done.I knew one day,you guys will come back and true enough,you guys did return! More of such stories please!

[@viola135]

Wow, I can't believe I'm 3 weeks late to know that you are back! Congratulation!

[@ratdoto2148]

Never realised her voice was used in GPS outside of Australia.

[@RS-xb9lo]

This is just as good as GBS used to be!!!

[@jonathanwishart9104]

Have never heard her voice ever on any gps, satnav or phone. How on earth did I manage to miss her voice on everything myself and my family and friends have used?

[@kirashinji]

Holy shit Great Big Story is back??? This is the happiest I've been in a while!! Glad to have you back❤

[@rovaifromkovai]

My favourite channel! Thank the LORD!

[@amigaone777]

You have reached your destination.

[@Jere2777]

Only good Karen

[@frederickotte565]

I was having a shitty today, then I found out great big story is back and now I'm happy.

[@thelawrencemathias]

Thank goodness this channel is back, I didn't know where to get my daily dose of facts

[@apexone5502]

Glad I never unsubscribed from this channel. This is a big surprise seeing a new story on here.

[@DeepfriedBeans4492]

Yoo, I was looking at this channel just a couple weeks ago hoping it’d come back, really nice to see you’ve been able to do that

[@mubchamp]

So happy to see a new video on this channel, thanks

[@dipressssh]

I'm literally crying. Finally you guys are back😭♥️

[@akpl4210]

It's nice to see you!! the voice you hear when you are lost, the voice which says don't worry, you are lost no more!

[@captaincobrakai8058]

We love you guys. Thank you for coming back!

[@daleincisions]

Omg You are Back!! Can't express how happy I am. You are my no. 1 YT channel since 2018

[@martynsingh]

Thank you for your contribution. Please guide us accordingly with flyovers as well. "Go above the flyover" or "Go below the flyover" is needed

[@AshwinAnil1]

OOOMMMMMGGGGG!!!!! You guys are back!!!!! More quality content coming right this way!! Cheers team!!!!

[@chicagotypewriter2094]

THEYRE BACK! Man I’m so happy!!! My brain did a double take when I saw when this was posted!

[@KK-wk1id]

Goosebump... Yes they are back 😍😍

[@bh5485]

WORTH THE WAIT!!!!!!! Thank you for coming back

[@craigoclock]

YOUR BACK!!!!!! I missed you guys so so so so so much!

[@b3blueblue]

Oh Great Big Story has been resurrected! Bravo!!! Im re-joining again for a great ride!

[@ifeyanishaminya]

I'm so glad that I stayed subscribed to this channel! Yay, Great Big Story is back!!!

[@mike_chr_]

I saw the words “days ago” and I couldn’t believe my eyes, welcome back!

[@edidiongedemeka2096]

I thought y'all were done, was surprised to see this pop up on my feed. Great to see this page is still around. Your videos are very interesting and high quality.

[@pingua.]

It’s finallly back I remember over like 2 years ago I commented on the “Goodbye Forever” and now it’s finally back! ❤ Welcome Back🎉 Also WE ALL miss you

[@ershadnadiro7293]

Oh I miss this channel so much!! welcome back guys!

[@harukrentz435]

I saw the date "2 weeks ago". Whoaaah a very pleasant suprise! WELCOME BACK YOU BEAUTIFUL YOU! 😍

[@itsnotme07]

Wicked awesome Karen and thanks for mostly great directions, which are NOT your fault when it goes wrong. Verizon should be ashamed. Haha!!