Imagine watching a movie and putting whatever lipreading skills you have to the test. Or having to decipher the meaning of a scene solely through facial expressions and body language of actors. While some might call it art, others call it boring. Great visuals are not the only element that makes an amazing video. Sound effects play an equally important role in immersing your audience into the world you have created.
And when it comes to sounds, they are one of the most important elements of any incredible video. With the right sound effect, you are able to make your content stand out amongst the rest. So, let us dive in and explore the infinite world of audio effects together!
What Are Video Sound Effects?
Sound effects are artificial sounds added to a video to enhance the viewing experience. They can be used to create a mood, add emphasis to certain actions or scenarios, or provide context to what is happening on screen. From a simple click or beep to complex, multi-layered sounds, the world is really your oyster.
Types of Video Sound Effects
There are many types of audio effects that can be used in video editing. Some of the most common ones include:
Foley Sounds: Recorded in a studio, these everyday sounds enhance the realisticity of a video. These sounds lead audience attention to everyday actions seen in movies (or any video in general). Footsteps, door creaks, and car engine sounds are just some examples.
Ambient Sounds: These sounds are recorded in the environment of where the video is being filmed, capturing an authentic essence of the setting. They can include background noise such as birds chirping, waves crashing, or cars honking.
Special Effects Sounds: Created using digital audio software to add a specific effect to the video. Examples include explosions, laser beams, gun firing and magical spells.
How to Choose The Right Background Sound Effects For Your Video?
It is strange to watch a scene set in a jungle but all you hear is the sound of road traffic. Choosing the right sound effects is highly dependent on the content you are creating. So here are some tips to help you pick the perfect sound effect for your videos:
Animation Videos: Be it 2D or 3D cartoons, animation videos require sound effects that are light-hearted and fun. Most of the time, these videos tell a story, so sounds can be used to add emphasis to specific actions. For instance, a “swoosh” sound effect can be used when a character is flying through the air.
Stop-motion Videos: Stop-motion videos are often quirky and fun, and proper music help add to this playful mood. Look out for sound effects that are light-hearted and add a touch of humour to the video.
Explainer Videos: Sound effects in these types of videos help to explain complex ideas or concepts. For instance, if you are creating a video about how a product works, you might use a sound effect that mimics the sound of gears turning or machinery in motion.
Marketing and Promotional Videos: Sound effects here can be used to create a sense of excitement and anticipation. Look for audio effects that are dramatic and add a sense of urgency or importance to the message being conveyed.
Product Demo Videos: Audio effects that highlight the features and benefits of the product will be vital in these. For example, if you are promoting a new kitchen appliance, you might want to use sounds that mimic the sound of sizzling food, boiling water or the blending of juices.
Corporate Videos: For these, you might want to go for sound effects that are professional but laid back. Any sounds that add emphasis to specific actions or events, but do not overpower the message being conveyed would be good.
Onboarding Videos: Clear and concise is the name of the game here. Look for sound effects that help to explain steps or procedures being demonstrated, and add a sense of professionalism and authority to the video.
Motion Graphics Videos: Look out for music or sounds that are playful yet creative, adding a sense of humour to your video, and at the same time also help explain complex concepts or ideas.
Live action videos – when creating live action videos, sound effects can be used to add realism to the video. One example is, adding the sound of a crowd cheering in a live sports video allows you to make one feel like they are experiencing the environment itself.
Typography videos – using sound effects in typography videos can be used to emphasise the typography elements in the video. For instance, sound effects can be used to highlight the motion of the typography elements.
Some Great Examples of Sound Effects Being Used:
“Share a Coke 2019” by Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola’s famous “Share a Coke” campaign features various sound effects such as the sound of a bottle opening, a fizzing sound, and the sound of people enjoying their drinks. These sounds work together with the visuals to create a lively and fun atmosphere, engaging audiences of all ages.
“What is Bitcoin?” by WeUseCoins
This motion graphics video gives an introduction to what Bitcoin is, utilising a variety of sound effects to enhance the visuals. For instance, the sound of coins dropping is used to illustrate the concept of mining. The sound of a cash register ringing is used to signify buying and selling, and the sound of a ticking clock adds urgency to the message.
Audio effects used in this video help provide context and reinforce the visual message.
“In a Heartbeat” by Beth David and Esteban Bravo
The 3D animated short film “In a Heartbeat” tells the story of a closeted boy who falls in love with another boy. The use of sound effects in this film is subtle but effective. For example, the sound of a heartbeat is used to highlight the theme of love, and the sound of footsteps is used to create tension, building up the film’s climax.
The sound effects in this film were vital in contributing to the emotional impact of the story.
“Western Spaghetti” by PESfilm
This stop-motion animation video features various food items being used to create a spaghetti dish. The use of sound effects throughout the video, including the sizzling of bacon and the chopping of vegetables, adds to the visual appeal of the video and helps bring the food items to life.
Why is Using Audio Effects so Important?
Incorporating sound effects into your videos is an essential element of creating engaging and effective, immersive video content.
It is important to find high-quality audios that will complement the visuals. Fortunately, there are many resources available online that offer a wide range of music. Here is a list of sites that offer premium quality SFX:
Where to Find High-Quality Video Sound Effects
When it comes to finding high-quality video sound effects, you want to look out for platforms that give you the best array of options. Here are a few top resources to consider:
PremiumBeat – A great resource for high-quality, royalty-free music and sounds. With a vast library of sounds and a user-friendly interface, it is a great option for finding the perfect sound effect for your video.
AudioJungle – With a vast library of sounds and an easy-to-use search function, this is another great resource for royalty-free music and sound effects.
Epidemic Sound – With their user-friendly interface and easy licensing options, Epidemic Sound offers a vast library of high-quality music and audio effects, with a focus on modern, trendy sounds.
SoundSnap – A well-established platform for finding royalty-free music and sound effects, with a vast library of high-quality sounds to choose from.
Entrusting Professionals to Choose The Right Audio Effects For Your Videos
Finding the right sound effects for your videos can be one of the most time-consuming things in the production process. But it is also an essential element of creating high-quality video content. If you do not have the time or expertise to choose the right SFX, consider using a sound designer (or sound design company).
Last Words
We tried to cover the different types of sound effects and how to choose the right ones for your video in this article. When you use the right SFX in your video, your content stands out and gives your audience an immersive experience.
Go get some awesome SFX for your upcoming videos!