Whether you’re starting a new podcast or looking to improve one you’ve already started, sound effects are a low-cost way to add some production value.
With radio-style storytelling making a big comeback in the podcast age, sound effects are a useful tool to elevate a story. With no visuals to lean on, podcasters must use a clever combination of sound effects and audio mixing to transport users to another world. A drawn-out riser sound effect can build up tension until the reveal; the low hum of rain can be ideal as a backdrop for a sad, quiet scene; the mundane sounds of doors closing, footsteps, or barking dogs can also add texture to a scene.
These examples, while useful, can’t begin to describe the endless ways sound effects can enhance your podcast. From ambient sound effects to home and office sound effects, you can find just about anything online. However, we understand that not everyone can afford or create every sound they need — like in the video below — so we’ve compiled this mega list of free sound effects packs. Whether you’re looking for a specific sound to finish your podcast or want to play with sounds, we have everything you need below.
Does Your Podcast Need Sound Effects
Not every podcast needs sound effects, especially not ones where two to four people sit around a table talking about random topics. Whether it’s a lifestyle, news, or advice podcast, these kinds of podcasts are better off using zero or very minimal sound effects, as listeners are not there for storytelling but for information.
However, podcasts with a narrative are better with sound effects. Crime podcasts, live play podcasts — like Critical Role or The Adventure Zone — and pure storytelling podcasts need sound effects to feed listeners’ imaginations. In live-play podcasts, where people play Dungeons & Dragons, sound effects are crucial when characters are battling or talking to NPCs. The hushed voices of several people talking can help make a tavern scene feel more real.
Free Sound Effects
Mixkit Free Sound Effects
Mixkit provides free assets for video projects, and it uses the Envato Elements library to supply users with everything from sounds and music to video templates and more. The selection of free sound effects is vast, ranging from phone notification and technology sounds to animal and human sounds — e.g., sneezing, screaming, kissing, coughing, and more.
Transistor Podcast Music Pack
Transistor is a podcast-publishing platform used to host podcasts and distribute them across various podcast listening apps, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts. It’s got a ton of great features for podcasters, but that’s not why it’s on this list. Knowing the importance of a strong podcast intro and outro, Transistor created this pack of 13 podcast songs. The songs, while less than a minute each, are just long enough for an introduction or closing, and should be good enough to you get started. Later, you might consider royalty-free music from Videvo for your podcast.
Pixabay Royalty-Free Podcast Sound Effects
You may already know Pixabay as a resource to download free stock images and videos, but the Canva-owned company also offers a treasure trove of royalty-free sounds. This selection of 501 podcast sound effects includes user-created sound effects and sound effect packs. Within, you’ll find everything from introduction sounds and jingles to risers and ambient sounds.
Premium Beat’s 280 Free Sounds
PremiumBeat has compiled a massive list of nearly 300 free sound effects created in-house. While not all apply to podcasting, the explosions pack, the household sound effects pack, and footstep sound effects seem particularly useful. There is even a movie trailer sound effects pack, which could be just the thing to zhuzh up your podcast trailer — podcast trailers are super important for building an audience.
Motion Array
Motion Array is the go-to place for video creators in need of motion graphics and video effect presets, but that’s not the only two things the company offers. This curated list of totally free sound effects runs the gamut, from radio electric disturbance sounds to cinematic swooshes. Whether you end up using them or not, it’s worth downloading the entire list of free sound effects to keep in your sound library.
Abletunes Free Riser Sound Effects Sample Pack
The Free Riser Sound Effects Sample Pack from Abletunes is a must-have for podcasts in the thriller or investigation genres. This pack of over 200 sound effects includes risers, falls, and impacts, which are perfect for creating a suspenseful atmosphere that will have your listeners holding their breath. You might have to spend a couple of hours selecting the best sounds, but it will be worth it.
Zapsplat
Zapsplat offers a selection of premium and free sound effects packs that range from very niche scenarios, such as umbrella sound effects and jacket movements, to more general sound effects, such as door and doorbell noises. Not every sound pack is free, but Zapsplat is very generous. Premium packs like this monster sounds pack are only $2.49. Sounds are also easy to find, with a category dropdown menu that can help you narrow down your sound effect options.
Videvo Royalty Free Rain Sound Effects
Videvo’s vast library of images, videos, and music can help you fill in the gaps for any project you’re working on, and now that also includes podcasts. This particular collection of rain sounds includes over 1,000 rain sound effects, which can easily blend into the background to create a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. In addition to rain sounds, you can find sirens, laughter, wind, thunder, and whooshing sounds, allowing you to take the production of your podcast up a notch.
Upgrade Your Podcast with Royalty-Free Sound Effects
Sound effects are capable of transforming your podcast into an auditory experience. They can set the scene, provide context for a character’s actions, or fade quietly into the background. More importantly, they can put your users in the middle of the story, allowing them to see the world as you intend. So what are you waiting for? Download a free sound or all the ones you see above to get started.
This post was updated on May 1, 2024 to include fresh resources.
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