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Enhance your video storytelling with unique sound effects. Video creators can add new dimensions to videos by adding a wide range of free SFX audio like clapping, message pings, clicks, crowds cheering, and pops. If you’re creative, you can even layer multiple sound effects to create the perfect combination.
Read on to explore how to add sound effects to videos and pair them with transitions, background music and stock footage with Clipchamp.
How to add sound effects to videos
Step 1. Add stock or import your own media
To use stock footage for your video, click on the stock video tab on the toolbar. Search through the royalty-free video library to choose stock footage. You can type in keywords in the search bar to look for specific genres, themes, or moods, or click on the see more button within a video category.
To import your own media, click on the import media button inside the your media tab on the toolbar. Browse your media files and click on the open button to import. You can upload your own sound effects too, just make sure they’re in an MP3 file format.
Drag and drop your video onto the timeline to get started.
Step 2. Find the perfect SFX sound effect
Next, click on the music & SFX tab on the toolbar. To filter SFX sound effects only, click on the SFX button at the top of the tab.
Search through the categories like beeps, explosion, whoosh, and free, by clicking on the see more button. You can also search using relevant keywords in the search bar.
Once you have found a sound effect that suits your video’s needs, drag and drop the asset onto the timeline below your video clips or click on the + button.
Step 3. Edit your sound effect
Make changes to your sound effect by adjusting the volume, adding in fades, or editing the speed using the tabs on the property panel.
Trim your sound effect
If your sound effect file is too long, trim the duration using the green sidebars. Click on the audio on the timeline, then drag the green sidebars to the left of the timeline. This will reduce the length of the sound effect. If you accidentally make your sound effect too short, just drag the sidebar to the right of the timeline to make the file longer again.
Adjust the volume of your sound effect
Click on the audio tab on the property panel to open audio settings. Using the slider, adjust the volume of your audio drag the slider to the left to make the audio softer or drag to the right to make the music louder. You can also type in a specific number.
Add fade in and fade out to your sound effect
If you would like to edit your sound effect with fades, click on the fade tab on the property panel. To add a fade in, drag the fade in slider to the right. To add a fade out to your audio, drag the fade out slider to the right. The numeric value will also change simultaneously with the fade slider.
Edit the speed of your sound effect
If your video is in slow motion or fast motion, you can also increase and decrease the speed of your sound effects to match your video. Click on the speed tab on the property panel. Drag the speed slider left and right to adjust the speed. Choose from 0.1x to up to 16x speed options or input a specific value. Drag the slider to the left to decrease the speed and drag the slider to the right to increase the speed of your sound effect.
Step 4. Save your video
When you’re finished editing your video with sound effects, click on the export button and select a video resolution. We recommend saving videos in 1080p for the best video quality, or 4K if your video includes 4K footage.
How to pair sound effects with video transitions and text
To play a sound effect simultaneously with a transition between clips or with text, place the sound effect on the timeline directly under the transition and text. Make sure the sound plays at the exact same time as the text and transition by trimming the sound effect and moving it on the timeline until it’s just right.
Easy ideas to add sound effects to your videos
If you’re unsure what sound effects would suit your video, look at some helpful examples below.
Make your gaming wins more creditable with the help of an applause sound effect.
Get the right sense of emotions with sound effects that mirror your videos tone like cheering or crying sound effects.
Level up YouTube videos with swoosh sound effects paired with transitions and subscribe sticker overlays.
Layer different types of sound effects like snaps, clicks, pops, and pings to any social media video.
Boost the humor in your comedy videos with cricket chirping or laughter sound effects.
Add dramatic effects and capture your audience's attention in vlogs or cinematic videos with drumroll sound effects.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add multiple sound effects to videos?
Creators can add and layer a limitless number of different SFX sound effects to videos. Just remember not to add too many sound effects to avoid making your video overcrowded with noise.
Can I upload my own sound effects?
Just like adding personal media and audio, upload your own sound effects to the editor using the import media button. Make sure your audio sound effects are in an MP3 format.
Are sound effects copyright-free?
All stock audio and footage are royalty-free and ready for creators to share on social media without having to worry about copyright infringement.
From massive explosions to social media clicks and notification sounds, polish your videos and entertain your viewers with sound effects in Clipchamp.
For more ways to enrich your video content with audio, check out audio editing hacks.
