HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT PODCAST SOUND EFFECTS

The right podcast sound effects can add character and impact to each episode, helping to create a lasting connection with your audience. By carefully selecting and placing sound effects, podcasts can become more immersive and engaging, making them more memorable for listeners.

This guide will explore how different types of sound effects for podcasts can enhance your episodes and help build a unique audio experience.

 

Types of podcast sound effects

There are a variety of different types of podcast sound effects. Here are six different types of sound effects and how you can start using them in your podcast: 

• Stingers: These are short musical notes or sound effects that either introduce or close out a segment or important moment.

• Transition: These are brief, usually one to three seconds long, and often feature a ‘whooshing’ sound to signal a shift between topics or segments. This ensures the listener follows the flow without disruption.

• Sweepers: Quick sound bites or audio clips you use to transition between segments. They’re often paired with voiceovers like the name of a show, a tagline, or a call to action.

• Ambience: Background sounds like ocean waves or city noise make listeners feel like they’re in that environment. You can use these sound effects to fill in silent parts of the podcast and create a more immersive experience.

• Foleys: Everyday sound effects like footsteps or door creaks. They’re effective for adding realism to your storytelling.

• Emphasis: Short sounds that highlight important information or add humor. It can help break up long speech sections with little but effective audio.

 

When to use podcast sound effects

It's important to ensure that the sound effects used in each episode are consistent. This consistency gives your podcast a cohesive and professional feel. While sound effects add depth and emphasis, you should make sure they complement your content without overwhelming it.

Here are three ideas you can use to improve how your podcast sounds and feels to your audience:

1. Highlighting a point

BBC News uses a repeating bass line at the start of each bulletin to indicate to viewers that they are hearing the headlines. What gets you sitting up though is the sound of a crashing drum telling you that the newscaster is about to deliver another headline.

If you want your listeners to snap to attention, consider using a bold, distinctive sound effect like the crashing drum or a sharp chime at key moments. This can signal to the audience that something important is coming, helping to emphasize critical points.

 

2. Transitioning sections

Instead of only using music at the start and end of your podcast, adding sound effects during transitions can add pace and drama to each episode.

For example, a soft gong or subtle whoosh can signal to your listeners that you're moving to a new topic or segment. 

In a podcast about meditation, you might use a gentle bell to transition between calming exercises. In a travel podcast, it might be the sound of a seatbelt warning to introduce a new journey.
Sound not only adds flair to your content but also guides listeners through the content. 

 

3. Telling a story

Just as reading a book allows readers to imagine scenes visually, the right sound effects can help listeners picture the world you're describing. When telling stories on your podcast, sound effects can draw your audience deeper into the narrative.

For example, you could use the sound of clinking cups, steaming milk, and background chatter to capture the atmosphere of a coffee shop. This will make listeners feel more immersed in the scene you’re creating.

Using these techniques can make your podcasts more engaging and memorable.  

 

How to edit sound effects into your podcast

Editing sound effects into your podcast is a skill that improves with practice. Timing the sound effects and music requires precise editing to ensure the final result sounds seamless.

After uploading your audio, listen through it to spot when sound effects are needed, such as silent or quiet parts. This will help you decide where to place the sound effects to fill in the gaps. 

You can experiment with your chosen sound effects by layering them on top of each other or adding filters to see how they sound in the podcast. This creative process can help refine the sound and make the audio more engaging.

 

How to choose the right sound effect

Selecting the correct sound effects can transform the feel of your podcast. Consider the following factors when it comes to sound effects:

1. Know your genre

Use sound effects that match your genre and the overall theme of your show. 

Upbeat and cheerful music would work well for lighthearted podcasts, such as those on travel or sports. For true-crime podcasts, dramatic sounds that build suspense will engage your listeners. 

 

2. Target audience

Think about your target audience when choosing sound effects.

For example, a podcast aimed at a younger audience might benefit from dynamic and energetic effects. However, an older or professional audience may prefer subtler, more relaxed sounds. 

 

3. License agreements

It’s important you comply with copyright laws and always choose sound effects that you have the correct license for. 

If required, be sure to give credit to the creator of the sound effects in your podcast description or credits.

 

4. Quality over quantity 

Use sound effects sparingly to create a recognizable sonic signature for your podcast.

Too many sounds can dilute your message, so focus on selecting a few impactful effects that enhance key moments. Using them consistently across episodes can help reinforce your podcast’s identity.

 

Where to find podcast sound effects

The right sound effects can create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your audience.

By selecting sounds that complement your content and resonate with your listeners, you can make your podcast distinct and engaging. This will leave your audience eager for more.

Universal Music for Creators can help you find the right sound effects to transform your podcast. From cooking and beauty shows to gaming and travel podcasts, we have the sound effects to complement your creativity.

Sign up today to access over 50,000 tracks and 200,000 sound effects, ready to upgrade your podcast.