What Are Those Sound Effects That Get Your Videos Noticed?

Types of Sound Effects You Can Use

When it comes to video production, not all sound effects are created equal.

Each type can perform uniquely, from grabbing attention in a fast-paced ad to building atmosphere in a quiet, emotional scene.

Over the years, I’ve worked with a variety of sound layers, and I’ve seen how choosing the right one can completely transform a video’s impact.

Let’s break down the main categories of sound effects you can use, and how each contributes to shaping the viewer’s experience.

1. Isolated Noise

One of the most common sound effects in video production is isolated noises. It includes the sounds of everyday noises around us:

• Wind
• Rain
• Boiling kettle
• Footsteps
• Animal sounds
• Traffic
• Door slamming
• Guns firing
• Dog barking
• Tire screeching
• and the list goes on …

If you want to present a clear and well-defined world in your video production, you’d better take every element at your disposal.

These types of sounds are both basic and impactful.

This type of sound effects brings more realism to your video production, reinforcing the visual metaphor of nature on a day-to-day basis, and even lumbering animals.

To get more insight, listen to sound effects examples from the iconic scene in Home Alone:

The well-enhanced sound effects in this scene did a marvelous job of punctuating the construction of the physical gags.

The playful sound background provides the scene with sufficient silly characters to immerse you more in excitement, but not too much that they are distracting.

2. Specialty Effects

Special effects are artificially created sounds for imagined objects and places.

These types of sound effects are usually used in cartoons, fantasy, and science fiction movies.

Although some sounds may be wrong in the literal sense, they can spark our imagination in ways “organic” sounds can’t.

It includes extraordinary sounds like man-eating monsters, space transporters, magical transformations, a shining gold genie lamp, aliens, meteor rain, space hurricanes, lasers, and anything else that you can imagine.

Sound editors or audio professionals technically specialize in all these sounds to help the “imaginary” scenes still feel very real, organic, and natural.

Check out this quintessential scene from The Avengers: Infinity War

Although it is not realistic, the fight highlights the ambient space sound, bringing up the suspense and tension.

Marvel successfully made the scene way more breathtaking by favoring emotionally suggestive sounds over literal ones.

3. Foley Sounds

One of the most exciting parts of video production is the audio or sound replacement. Unlike the special effects where the sound is digitally created, Foley recreates the sound with organic elements and synchronizes it with the visuals.

Examples of foley sounds are the rattle of a coffee cup on a table, breaking bones, water splash, horse hooves, the rustle of clothes, a punch in the face, and many other sounds. It’s named after Jack Foley, the pioneer in the sound replacement industry.

Foley is most used in horror movies just because it typically concentrates more on capturing the dialogue and scene. That’s where the Foley artist fills the gap to complete the process by recreating all of the ambient sounds needed in the movies.

After the foley sounds are recorded, the foley artists manipulate them in the next phase, the editing process, to synchronize the scenes.

Check out these sound effect examples from fascinating processes by Foley artists to make sound effects for A Quiet Place:

Interesting, isn’t it? Look how they seamlessly replace the monster walking sound with the crab legs.

Also, the terrifying ear-opening of the monster is none other than crunchy celery. And basically, all the creepy noises you’ve heard during this movie were actually … food.

4. Background Ambient

Background ambient is a combination of sounds that represent specific places.

It sets the mood by evoking the environment or surrounding vibe for the audience.

It also prevents the silence in the video when no other sound is present.

Common examples of this type are sounds in a train station, restaurant, jungle, space, market, harbor, office, church, and many other background noises created in a real-life situation.

Look how the train station ambient noise adds to the depth of the ending scene of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2:

From those examples of sound effects, we know that the sound combination of chattering, a steam train revving engine, and rolling suitcases brings the train station soundscapes more lively.

Well-added ambient noises allow us to connect with the environment as if we’re in Platform 9¾, too.

5. Soundtracks

It’s the music that makes movies much better and more memorable. The music can perfectly capture the movie’s scope and the gamut of emotions. It can make you tranquil, heighten the drama, and feel all the excitement in equal measure.

In some cases, the soundtrack is even more popular than the movie. So, it’s not a question anymore if the soundtrack is an integral part of a film since it gives the movie a personality.

Take a look at how music cues you to your emotional reaction in this iconic scene from Forrest Gump:

Many of these scenes, like “Run Forrest, run!” are instantly recognizable.

The beautifully added background music makes you warm with joy and inspiration.

It also hits you with high poignant power when the time comes for the tears.

No wonder Alan Silvestri, the composer, got nominated for the Academy Award for his genius work on Forrest Gump.

Why Are Sound Effects Necessary?

In my experience, sound effects are never just thrown into a project, but must be carefully planned.

Each one has the power to shape how an audience feels.

A single violin line can make a scene feel melancholic and isolating, a flute can instantly lighten the mood, while a waterphone can send chills down your spine.

I’ve seen this in both film references and our own projects: the right audio cue can elevate an otherwise ordinary scene into something unforgettable.

That’s why I always tell clients, never take the audio layer for granted.

When used strategically, sound effects grab attention, guide emotions, and can even influence how viewers connect with your brand.

Here are the key reasons sound effects are necessary in video production:

They Bring Your Video to Life

Sound breathes realism into visuals.

Even when the setting is unfamiliar, like deep space or a futuristic city, effects make it believable.

In one of our animated projects, we added subtle ambient hums and mechanical clicks to a sci-fi sequence, and suddenly the world felt tangible.

The right effects can draw out laughter, suspense, or even tears, pulling audiences deeper into the story.

They Emphasize What Matters

Every movement or transition becomes sharper with the right sound.

Action films are classic examples: gunfire, screeching tires, or breaking glass all land harder because of sound.

In my own workflow, I often add quick swooshes to highlight motion graphics or text animations in explainer videos.

It’s a simple touch, but it ensures the audience focuses exactly where you want them to.

They Save Time and Money

Producing original audio assets from scratch can be expensive.

Instead, I often rely on high-quality sound libraries to keep projects efficient without compromising creativity.

Libraries like Premium Beat, Zapsplat, SoundBible, or Freesound are affordable options that even beginners can use.

For teams on a tight budget, this approach saves both time and money while still delivering professional results.

They Direct Audience Emotions

Sound is one of the most powerful emotional triggers.

I use it to build anticipation, create momentum, or bring calm to a scene.

When you’re telling a story, you want to control how your audience feels in every moment.

The right sound effect can steer emotions in the direction you intend.

What’s the Difference Between Sound Effects and Background Music?

Sound effects and background music serve very different purposes in video production, but when used together, they can change a simple scene into something unforgettable.

Sound effects (SFX) are short, precise sounds tied directly to actions, objects, or environments.

For example, the clinking of glasses in a café scene, the rustling of leaves on a windy day, or the sudden roar of a car engine.

I often use these in client projects to add realism and make small details stand out, such as adding subtle clicks or swooshes to motion graphics so viewers instantly notice transitions.

Background music (BGM), on the other hand, is a continuous musical layer that sits behind the visuals.

It doesn’t point to a specific action. Instead, it sets the emotional tone.

A light acoustic track can make a tutorial feel approachable, while an epic orchestral piece builds suspense in a trailer.

In our explainer videos, we carefully choose BGM because it subtly influences how audiences perceive the message, even if they don’t consciously notice it.

The way I see it, sound effects ground the audience in what’s happening, while background music guides how they should feel about it.

When both are balanced well, you get a richer, more immersive viewing experience, one that not only informs but also creates a lasting impression.

Different Ways to Use in Your Projects

With sound effects, you can make your video more gripping and entertaining, so that the audience easily recalls it.

Here are three ways you can use sound effects in your video production.

Transitions

The transition sound effects can help you get your audience to get out of one scene and move on to another one smoothly.

The common transitions include swoosh, short sting, bass impact, and many more.

Story Development

Sound effects aren’t just essential for making scenes more realistic, but they’re also useful in story development.

Despite a fine-tuned script, sound effects can be a powerful storytelling tool.

The combination of sound effects, dialogue, and acting skills can help you inform your audience on how to interpret the scenes they’re seeing.

Realism

A great movie is one that can take the audience away from its world, even if it’s a real live-action or animated video.

If you want to represent a clear-cut world in your video production, you have to take every element in your video as realistically as possible.

Using sound effects is the best approach to make your video believable.

Even simple sounds like footsteps, door closing, and paper rustling are better enhanced.

Not having them in your scenes will make your video incomplete, and you’ll miss moments of impact.

Wrapping Up the Soundscape

Sound is one of the most underrated elements of a great video, yet it quietly shapes how people experience your story.

A powerful script and strong visuals can grab attention, but without the right sound design, the world you’re building feels incomplete.

Audio deepens the emotional impact and brings authenticity to every scene.

In my experience, the difference between a good video and an unforgettable one often comes down to how well the soundscape has been crafted.

At Breadnbeyond, we design explainer videos where sound and visuals work hand in hand.

Our packages include music and sound effects tailored to highlight your brand’s message and keep your audience engaged, ultimately helping your campaigns drive real results.

FAQs on Sound Effects

1. Do I need professional sound effects, or can I use free libraries?

Free sound libraries are a good place to start, especially if you’re experimenting or working with a limited budget.

They provide a wide range of basic effects that can add texture to your video.

However, there are trade-offs: many free sounds are overused, lower in quality, or come with restrictive licenses that may cause issues if you use them commercially.

Professional sound effects, on the other hand, are designed with clarity and originality in mind. They’re mixed to sit well with dialogue and music, and they come with proper licensing so you won’t run into copyright problems down the line.

If your goal is to make your video stand out and avoid sounding like countless others, investing in professional or custom sound design is a smart choice.

2. How do I choose the right sound effects for my video?

Sound effects should never be random additions. They need to support your story and your audience’s experience.

Start by thinking about your viewers: What emotions should they feel at this moment? Excitement? Tension? Relief?

Then, look at the action on screen. For instance, a swoosh can emphasize motion in an explainer video, while a soft chime can signal a transition or important takeaway.

The key is balance: sound effects should enhance, not distract.

Overloading a video with too many effects can feel chaotic, while using them selectively can add impact and professionalism.

In short, every sound should serve a purpose in guiding the audience’s attention and reinforcing the message.

3. What happens if a video doesn’t include audio aids?

Imagine watching a movie trailer with no sound effects or background music.

The visuals might still look impressive, but the overall experience feels hollow.

In marketing videos, this can mean missed opportunities.

Your audience might scroll away before your message lands.

In short, sound design is a vital storytelling tool that adds energy, emotion, and memorability to your video.

4. Does Breadnbeyond include sound design in its video packages?

Yes. At Breadnbeyond, we believe visuals and audio go hand in hand to create an effective video.

That’s why all our video packages include complete sound design, from carefully chosen background music to professionally mixed sound effects.

We make sure the audio doesn’t just “sit on top” of the visuals, but actually works with them to create a polished final product.

You don’t have to worry about sourcing sound effects yourself or dealing with licensing concerns.

It’s all part of the package.

Check out our pricing and packages, or try our video cost calculator to get an instant estimation for your project!