Sound Effects Websites: Top 6

There are currently many sound effects websites and it might be confusing to know which one is the best. And that’s why we wrote this article.

If you’re passionate about video editing and want your story to come to life, sound is key. Audio can help tell the story being shown in the images and at the same time convey emotions that need to be felt by the viewer. For example, imagine that you are watching a video about water and suddenly you hear the sound of a bottle being filled with liquid, it is likely that you will feel thirsty without even knowing why.

Sound effects are everything for a successful video. Want to know how to make your videos even more awesome? So keep reading this post! Here, you will discover the importance of using sound effects in your videos and, to make your life easier, I also prepared a list of websites that offer high quality audio for you to use in your projects. So stay tuned, because these tips are precious!

Why is it important to use sound effects in videos?

The expression “audiovisual” is not for nothing. To tell a video’s story effectively, you need to combine audio and video elements. Inadequate, out-of-sync or poorly equalized soundtracks can jeopardize all of your video production and capture efforts. On the other hand, when the audio elements are in harmony with the action on the screen, the narrative becomes more attractive and fluid.

When creating content for social networks, it is important to remember that most of them offer the option to play videos without sound. This means that if a follower chooses to watch your content with their sound on, it needs to be impeccable. Often times, the sounds in a video are the main culprits in keeping the audience’s attention.

Now, let’s focus on the sound effects. They can be the missing link in your content, helping to tell a story in a video or a podcast. Sound effects, such as buzzing, popping and others, are essential to create a rich and immersive sound design.

Remember that the attention of viewers on the internet is increasingly dispersed, and good sound design can be what your content needs to stand out. It is important, however, to pay attention to copyright when making choices on sound effects websites.

1. BBC Sound Effects

If you are looking for sound effects to enhance your audiovisual productions, the BBC has the solution for you! The internationally renowned British broadcaster has made more than 16,000 sound effect options available in its online archives.

The BBC Sound Effects website is easy to use and offers a wide range of options, from the sounds of an elevator door opening to an old film projection. With just a basic knowledge of English (or a quick help from Google Translate), you can search the sound effects by keyword and download them for free for personal use.

But, attention! These audios cannot be included in videos that have monetization. If you want to bring your stories to life through sound effects, BBC Sound Effects is the place to be!

2. Freesound.org

Freesound is one of the top sources for looking for sound effects. With a huge collection of files available for download, it behaves like a social network, allowing users to share and discuss sound effects. And, for the more creative ones, Freesound offers the possibility to upload your own creations!

But here’s a warning: while some audios can be used for commercial purposes, others need to have the authors mentioned. Therefore, it is important to carefully check audio licenses before downloading. Some licenses are Creative Commons, while others need an author mention. Be sure to explore this amazing platform to find the perfect sound for your next project!

3. YouTube Library

The YouTube Audio Library is one of my favorite places to look for sound effects and music tracks for my videos. It’s super practical and efficient, since when you upload the audio to the platform, it automatically becomes available for use in videos hosted on YouTube.

This means you can get rid of situations where YouTube removes audio from your video after uploading. The library is divided into soundtrack and sound effects, and the search is performed using keywords.

As a content producer looking for easy and convenient options for effects and soundtracks, YouTube Audio Library is the right choice!

4. Facebook Sound Collection

Facebook is ensuring its presence in the audio for video market, with the Sound Collection, one of the most complete ever launched.

Launched at the end of 2018, the Facebook Sounds Collection started with about a thousand tracks and sound effects, but currently there are more than 2,500 tracks in high quality, available for use on both Facebook and Instagram. In addition, its main advantage is its ease of use – just search for keywords and choose the soundtrack or sound effect that best fits your video.

But it is important to remember, dear Content Producers, that when making these audios available on other networks, such as YouTube, you need to be aware of the licenses and rules of use. Don’t miss this opportunity to upgrade the sound quality of your videos with the Facebook Sounds Collection!

5. 99Sounds

Content Producers looking for high quality sound effects, 99Sounds is the place for you. With its differentiated approach, the platform releases themed “packages”, instead of you having to search and download tracks individually.

Needing drone sounds, magnetic fields, among others, just download the chosen package and have a wide selection of options at your disposal. Best of all, all the audio available on 99Sounds is free for commercial use, which means you can use it in your projects without worrying about licenses or restrictions.

Want to be the coolest Content Producer in the galaxy? Be sure to check out what 99Sounds has to offer.

6. Get-Sounds

Do you prefer simplicity when searching for sound effects? Get-Sounds is the right sound effect website for you. Do not be alarmed by the smaller size of the collection compared to other sound effects websites, as the organization by categories can be a great help.

From animals to domestic situations, sirens, transport, sports and much more, you’ll find everything separated and within easy reach. Furthermore, Get-Sounds can be a great option to complement your video editing.

Which of the sound effects websites did you like the most?

Adding sound effects to your videos can be a simple way to make them more engaging and captivating for your audience. Fortunately, there are many free options available on the web that you can use without having to spend a dime. It is important, however, to take care to ensure that the sound effects you use are copyright free or that you have the proper permissions to use them in your content.

Using sound effects can help make your videos more interesting and memorable, which can be especially helpful if you’re trying to grab your audience’s attention in a highly competitive market. With so many options available online, it’s easy to find sound effects that fit your videos perfectly, making them even more impactful and engaging.