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Royalty Free Sound Effects & Sound Libraries
It’s difficult to determine the most popular sound effects that people search for on the internet, as this can vary greatly depending on various factors such as current events, specific industries, or personal interests.
However, Sound effects play a crucial role in various forms of media, from films and TV shows to video games and podcasts. They add depth, atmosphere, and emotion to the audio landscape, bringing a scene to life and making it more immersive.
But with so many different types of sound effects available, it can be hard to know which ones are the most popular and sought after.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 most searched sound effects on the web to give you an idea of what people are looking for when it comes to adding real world sounds (not designed) to their projects.
We have many of these sound effects and ambience recordings captured all over the world. Just click on any category and it brings you our latest releases that we hope bring your next project to life.
Ambient background noise is the collection of sounds present in a specific environment, such as the bustle of a busy city street, the chirping of birds in a forest, or the hum of a crowded coffee shop. These sounds can be captured and utilized as sound effects to add context to a scene in film or video, or as background noise to mask unwanted sounds. They can be combined with other sound effects to create an immersive atmosphere, and are commonly used to establish a particular mood. Popular ambient background noises include the sounds of the city, nature, and cafes.
Are you ready to add some wildness to your production? Animal sounds are the way to go! From the chirping of birds to the howling of wolves, animal sounds are essential for creating a realistic atmosphere in films, TV shows, video games, and more. And let’s not forget the educational value they bring to documentaries and podcasts! Whether you’re creating a peaceful forest or a wild savannah, there’s an animal sound for every occasion. So don’t be a party pooper, include animal sounds in your toolkit and make your project come alive!
ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) sounds are soft, soothing sounds that are designed to trigger a pleasurable tingling sensation in the scalp, neck, and back. These sounds are used to create a relaxing and calming atmosphere and can include sounds such as whispering, tapping, and soft brushing. ASMR sounds are often used in meditation and sleep videos, as well as for stress and anxiety relief. Some popular ASMR sounds include the sound of rain, waterfalls, white noise, and rustling leaves. People searching for ASMR sounds can find a wide variety of sound effects online, including library collections and individual sound effects.
Our comprehensive sound effect libraries provide high-quality recordings of various airport sounds. These sounds encompass a variety of noises such as plane take-offs and landings, announcements through the PA system, the chatter of passengers in the terminal, the commotion of baggage carts and announcements, and the sound of security checks and alarms. These sounds are useful for adding a realistic atmosphere to video game or simulation projects, creating an ambiance in film or video productions, or as background noise in meditation and relaxation apps or videos.
Binaural sounds involve a recording technique that uses two microphones to create 3D audio that simulates a real-life environment. These sounds are designed to be listened to using headphones, and are popular for virtual reality, video games, meditation, and relaxation applications. They can create a more realistic and engaging audio experience, which can help to reduce stress and increase focus. Binaural sounds can also be used in various types of media, such as film, television, and video games, to create more immersive and convincing audio effects.
Capturing the auditory atmosphere of a group of people, crowd sounds range from small gatherings to stadium roars. They create a sense of atmosphere in various settings such as film, television, and video games. Examples include applause, cheering, shouting, and talking. Stereo recording provides spatial awareness and an immersive experience. Recording in different settings, including outdoor and indoor locations, produces diverse sounds that can be used in different contexts. Crowd sounds enhance the audio experience and help to create a realistic and engaging environment.
Doors can be more than just a way to get in and out – they can also be a key part of sound design in movies, TV shows, and video games. The sound of a door opening or closing can help create a sense of realism and enhance the overall atmosphere of a scene. And don’t forget about Foley, which is the art of creating sound effects for actions and movements on screen. From the squeak of an old wooden door to the thud of a heavy metal one, Foley can help add a sense of depth and realism to a production. So next time you hear a door creaking on screen, you’ll know that it’s not just any old door – it’s a carefully crafted part of the sound design.
Explosion sounds are crucial for creating powerful blasts in films, TV shows, video games, and other media. They can be small firecracker explosions or the loud explosion of a bomb, and are often used to create suspense, excitement, and action in a scene. Explosion are typically recorded using specialized equipment in a controlled environment or on location at a demolition site to capture the most realistic sound possible. Widely used in the film and video game industries, as well as in television and radio production, explosion sound effects can be found in many sound libraries and are used in advertisements and other media to create an impactful and attention-grabbing sound.
Electromagnetic sound effects are used to produce sounds through electric and magnetic fields, often used in science fiction, sound design, music productions and fantasy soundscapes. There are different ways to create electromagnetic sound effects, including the use of software synthesizers and or or equipment like the SOMA Ether or LOM Priezor.
Food and drink sound effects are like a seasoning that can add flavor to different types of media, from video games to movies and TV shows. These sounds can be anything from the sizzling of bacon to the sound of a fizzy drink being poured into a glass. They help to make the scene more immersive and realistic. In a cooking show, the sound of ingredients being chopped and stirred can build up excitement, while in a food commercial, the sound of a juicy burger being chomped on can make your mouth water. And if that’s not enough, there are also sounds of people eating and drinking, like the clink of silverware and the slurping of a milkshake, that can bring the scene to life. So add some sound seasoning to your next project and see the difference it makes!
Footstep sound effects play a crucial role in setting the tone, conveying character mood, and providing location information in various productions. They help create suspense, tension, and excitement in action and thriller scenes, as well as provide insights into the movements of the characters. As such, it is important for sound engineers to carefully design and select the right footstep sound effects to enhance the overall sound design and bring the production to life. Whether you’re new to sound design or an experienced sound engineer, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of how footstep sound effects work and how to use them effectively in your projects.
Gunshot sound effects can add an exciting and realistic element to movies, cartoons, and video games. They help viewers and players feel like they are right in the middle of the action. To create a good gunshot sound, sound engineers and sound recordist’s use special equipment and record real guns! Different guns and bullets can create different sounds, which gives sound engineers the ability to create a wide range of effects for all kinds of projects. So, the next time you hear a gunshot in a movie or game, you can appreciate the work that went into making it sound just right!
Are you ready to be spooked? Horror sounds are the key ingredient to a chilling and heart-pumping atmosphere in movies, games, and other forms of media. Listen closely for the ominous creak of footsteps on old, creaky stairs, ghostly whispers creeping into your ear, and hair-raising sounds of something lurking in the shadows. Doors slamming, floorboards groaning, and sudden loud noises will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t forget the power of white noise and static that can make your skin crawl. When used effectively, horror sounds will leave you with goosebumps, evoking fear and suspense, and making you jump out of your skin.
In Asia, markets are a vibrant and integral part of the culture, and the sounds and atmosphere of the market can be very different from those in Europe. For instance, in Asia, the sound of haggling and bargaining is more prevalent, and the use of music and street performers is more common. Additionally, in many Asian markets, the vendors use loudspeakers and microphones to advertise their goods, creating a unique soundscape. On the other hand, European markets tend to have a more subdued atmosphere, with sounds like the clinking of glasses and cutlery in a cafe or the chatter of people in a small town square. Regardless of the culture or location, market sounds can help to transport the audience to a lively and bustling setting and provide an immersive experience that enhances the visuals.
Nature sounds are sounds that come from things like the ocean, birds, and wind blowing through trees. They can make you feel calm and relaxed. Some nature sounds are loud and exciting, like thunderstorms. Other nature sounds are quiet and peaceful, like a stream flowing in the woods. Just like how different animals look and act differently, different nature sounds are unique too!
Office sounds, such as the sound of typing on a keyboard or the ringing of a telephone, can create a sense of workplace realism. Whether you’re looking for the sounds of a busy office or a quiet library, you’ll find plenty of office sounds to choose from. These sounds can be used in video or audio productions, such as films, television shows, podcasts, or video games, to create a realistic background environment. From the sound of shuffling papers to the soft hum of a printer, office sounds can provide the perfect ambience to any project.
Let’s make it fun! Room tone sounds are like the soundtrack of a specific room or place. They capture all the background noises you might not notice, like the hum of a fridge or the buzz of a distant car engine. Think of it like the background music to a movie scene. Room tones can be used to fill in any gaps in the audio or make different scenes sound like they’re part of the same place. It’s like creating a secret code for the ears!
Creating sounds is like painting a picture, but with your ears! Sound designers use different types of sounds, such as thunderstorms or car engines, to bring stories to life in movies, TV shows, video games, and more. They search for the perfect sound effects to make the story more realistic and immersive. Just like using different colors in a painting, they use different sound effects to create the perfect audio atmosphere. So, whether you need the sound of a train, city or car engine, sound designers use specific keywords to find the right sounds to make their projects shine. And that’s how you end up on our website – because you’re looking for a specific sound effect to make your project amazing!
Let’s talk about traffic sounds! They’re not just for annoying you on the way to school or work. Traffic sounds can help bring scenes to life in movies, video games, or animations. They can make you feel like you’re right in the middle of a bustling city, or add some excitement to a car chase scene. From the sound of revving engines to the screech of tires, traffic sounds are an important part of sound design. So next time you’re stuck in traffic, just imagine all the cool sound effects you could make!
Let’s hit the tracks! Train sounds are just the ticket for giving your projects an awesome sense of transportation. From the chug-chug of the engine to the blaring train horns, these sounds can make you feel like you’re right there in the thick of it. But it’s not just the sounds of the trains themselves – train stations have their own unique sounds too! With train announcements, the rattle of luggage, and the hustle and bustle of passengers, you can create a soundscape that will transport your listeners to a whole new world. So let’s all board the train and get our projects moving!
Vroom, vroom! Vehicle sounds are super important for making movies and video games sound like the real deal. The sounds of engines revving, tires screeching, and cars zooming by help create a sense of movement and excitement. When you’re playing a racing game or watching a high-speed car chase, those vehicle sound effects make you feel like you’re really there. And it’s not just cars – sound engineers also need vehicle sounds for things like planes, trains, and boats. So buckle up and get ready for some realistic sound effects!
Water sounds can make you feel calm and relaxed, and add a special touch to movies, TV shows, and even music. Imagine hearing the gentle sound of water flowing down a stream, the waves crashing on a beach, or the sound of raindrops on a window – it can transport you to a different place and help you feel more connected to nature. Sound engineers use these water sounds to create a certain mood in their projects, like making you feel calm and peaceful, or to create a sense of adventure and excitement. These sounds can be used to enhance the overall listening experience, making it more enjoyable and engaging for the audience.
Who would have thought a handy sound recorder in Cambodia would lead us here?
Hi there we’re Marcel and Libby and every sound on this site has been recorded by us. For nearly 7 years, we’ve been traveling around the world recording unique sounds for others to use!
If you’re curious and want to learn more about our journey traveling full-time as sound recordists you can read on here or on CNN Travel.
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