Need Royalty Free Sound Effects? Here’s Your Complete Guide

At Vidpros, we’ve edited thousands of videos across every industry imaginable, and one thing remains constant: excellent sound design can make or break your content. As professional video editors, we know firsthand how sound effects can turn an average video into something extraordinary.

Content with professional sound design gets 32% more engagement and keeps viewers watching 27% longer. Sound effects can be easily downloaded from various platforms, making it convenient for creators to enhance their projects.

We’ve created this comprehensive guide to help content creators like you navigate the world of sound effects. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or starting, you’ll find everything you need to know about finding and using the perfect ones for your content.

What are Royalty-Free Sound Effects?

These are audio files you can use in your projects without paying ongoing royalties or additional licenses. They’re great for commercial and personal use in videos, films, TV shows, video games, and ads. These are usually licensed under a one-time payment or subscription model where you can access a vast sound library without the hassle of ongoing fees. This is perfect for content creators who need a wide range of sounds for their projects so they can focus on being creative without worrying about legal or financial constraints.

Why do Sound Effects Matter in Content Creation?

Think about the last video that grabbed your attention.

Sound effects played a more significant role than you realized. Listening to these before using them can help creators choose the best ones for their projects. They’re not just background noise, they’re essential tools that:

• Create immersive environments that transport your audience.

• Emphasize key moments in your storytelling.

• Add authenticity to your content.

• Guide viewers through transitions.

• Keep attention focused on your message.

Types of Sound Effects

They come in many forms, each serving a unique purpose in content creation:

• Foley. These sounds enhance a scene’s audio, like footsteps, rustling clothes, or pouring water. Foley artists craft these sounds to match the screen, adding realism to your content.

• Sound. These are sounds that enhance the overall audio of a project. They include ambient noises, soundscapes, and textures that create an environment for your audience.

• Music. These are sounds used to create music or musical elements like instrument samples or loops. They can be used to build a soundtrack or add musical accents to your content.

• Nature. Recorded from the natural world, these sounds include birdsong, ocean waves, and wind. They’re perfect for creating a calm or dynamic atmosphere in your projects.

• Human. These are sounds humans make, for example: voices, laughter, or footsteps. They add a personal touch and can convey emotions or actions.

Now that you know the different types, you can choose the right ones for your content and create a more engaging experience for your audience.

Top 10 Platforms for Sound Effects

1. Artlist

Best For: Professional creators who need reliable, high-quality sounds.

Artlist is your one-stop shop for professional-grade sound effects, with over 60,000 options. You’ll find everything from subtle background ambiance to dramatic impact sounds. Artlist’s sound effects can be used in YouTube videos, ensuring compliance with licensing agreements.

What makes it stand out:

• Organized catalog with themed packs

• Advanced filtering options

• Simple licensing

• Compatible with significant editing software

How to use Artlist:

1. Sign up

2. Browse or search

3. Preview sounds before downloading

4. Download your chosen effects

5. Import into your editing software

6. Apply the sound effects to your project (works with major platforms like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro)

Pricing:

• Monthly: $9.99

• Annual plans available with savings

• Unlimited downloads included

2. Epidemic Sound

Best For: Content creators who need both music and sound effects.

With 200,000 sound effects and 35,000 music tracks, Epidemic Sound is a one-stop shop for content creators. They’ve thought of everything, from multiple file formats to AI recommendations. Users can connect their YouTube channel to Epidemic Sound to avoid copyright claims when using their sound effects.

How to use Epidemic Sound:

1. Sign up

2. Choose your subscription plan

3. Use the search filters to find sounds

4. Preview in your browser

5. Download in your preferred format (WAV or MP3)

6. Import into your project

7. Use their playlist feature to organize your favorites

Features:

• WAV and MP3 formats

• STEMS format downloads

• Smart recommendations

• Playlist creation tools

Pricing:

• Personal: $5.99/month (billed annually)

• Commercial: $11.99/month (billed annually)

• Enterprise: Custom pricing

3. Freesound

Best For: Creators on a budget who don’t mind giving credit.

Don’t let the “free” fool you, Freesound’s 400,000+ sound effects library is a pile of quality content. It’s community-driven, which means you’ll find unique sounds you won’t get anywhere else.

How to use Freesound:

1. Register for a free account

2. Use tags or descriptions to search

3. Check the license type for your chosen sound

4. Download the effect

5. Add required attribution to your project

6. Import and use in your content

What you’ll love:

• Comprehensive search functionality

• Curated sound packs

• API access for developers

• Creative Commons licensing

Cost: Free (with attribution requirements)

4. ZapSplat

Best For: Creators who want flexibility in licensing options.

ZapSplat’s 150,000+ sound effects library caters to both casual and serious creators. Their two-tier system lets you choose between free access with attribution or paid access without attribution requirements.

How to use Zapsplat:

1. Sign up

2. Choose between basic or gold membership

3. Browse categories or search for specific sounds

4. Download in MP3 or WAV format

5. Add attribution if using a basic account

6. Import into your project

Features:

• MP3 and WAV formats

• Personalized sound lists

• Simple licensing terms

• Regular library updates

5. MixKit

Best For: Quick, free access to good sounds.

Mixkit keeps it simple: free sounds, no strings. Their library has fundamental effects on complex atmospheres, all in WAV.

How to use Mixkit:

1. Go to the website (no account needed)

2. Go to sound effects

3. Preview on the site

4. Download effects

5. Use without attribution

Works well:

• No account needed

• Easy preview

• Categorized

• Commercial use friendly

6. Orange Free Sound

Best For: creators who need quality audio assets without spending money.

Orange Free Sounds offers free sound effects, music loops, and background music. The site has a large library across multiple categories, is easy to navigate, and there is no need to register to download. The library is updated regularly to keep the content fresh.

How to use:

1. Go to the website (no registration needed)

2. Browse categories or search for a specific sound

3. Preview the sound before downloading

4. Download for free

Most sounds are licensed under Creative Commons for commercial and noncommercial use. Please check the specific license for each sound to use it properly.

Pricing:

• Free to use

• No subscription fees

• No hidden costs

• No registration required

7. 99Sounds

Best For: Professional sounds in specific categories.

99Sounds focuses on quality over quantity. Carefully curated collections of professional grade effects in 24-bit WAV.

How to use 99Sounds:

1. Go to the website

2. Browse collections

3. Download ZIP files

4. Extract files

5. Import into your project

6. Use freely in personal and commercial work

Highlights:

• High-quality audio files

• Organized collections

• Clear file naming

• Professional grade effects

8. AudioMicro

Best For: Pro productions needing premium sounds.

With over 450,000 effects (some used in significant productions), AudioMicro is serious about quality. They even have a free library of 2,000+ sounds.

How to use AudioMicro:

1. Create an account

2. Go to the free or premium sections

3. Preview before buying

4. Buy individual sounds or subscribe

5. Download from your account page

6. Import into your production software

Notable features:

• Professional grade effects

• Preview before buying

• Multiple licenses

• Free and premium content

9. Pixabay

Best For: Content creators needing free options.

You may know Pixabay for images, but their 90,000+ sound effects library is equally impressive. All are free and royalty-free, with no attribution required.

How to use Pixabay:

1. Go to sound effects

2. Search or browse

3. Preview

4. Download without an account

5. Use without attribution

What works:

• Simple search

• Categorized

• No attribution required

• Commercial use friendly

10. Partners in Rhyme

Best For: Multiple sound effects needs across multiple projects.

With 960,000+ audio tracks across various websites, Partners in Rhyme has one of the largest collections.

How to use Partners in Rhyme:

1. Go to any of their associated websites

2. Browse categories

3. Preview before downloading

4. Download free or buy premium

5. Check licensing terms

6. Import into your project

Key features:

• Huge library

• Multiple access points

• Various pricing

• Clear licensing

How to Choose the Right Platform

Choosing the right platform comes down to a few things:

Project Requirements

Think about:

• The mood you want to create

• Your audience

• Technical requirements

• Budget constraints

Quality Standards

Look for:

• Clear recordings

• No background noise

• Consistent volume

• Appropriate format

Licensing Needs

Consider:

• Commercial or personal use

• Attribution required

• Distribution rights

• Budget constraints

Don’t let licensing confuse you. Here’s what you need to know:

• Royalty-Free. Pay once, use multiple times.

• Synchronization Rights. For use with visual content.

• Mechanical Rights. For reproduction and distribution.

• Performance Rights. For public play.

• Public Domain. No restrictions or attribution needed.

Using Sound Effects

Once you’ve chosen your platform, here’s how to use sound effects:

1. Consistency

   • -16dBFS volume

   • Same quality throughout

   • Same style

2. Test before committing

   • Preview in context

   • Try multiple options

   • Get feedback from others

3. Organize your library

   • Categories

   • Descriptive names

   • Licensing info

   • Back up collections

The Vidpros Recommendation

At Vidpros, we’ve been video editing for years and know what works for different content creators. We’ve seen firsthand how the right platform can streamline your workflow and enhance your content.

For professional content creators looking for an all-in-one solution, Artlist is our top recommendation. Consistent quality, straightforward licensing, and a massive library make it a must-have for serious content production. Epidemic Sound is a close second if you need music and sound effects in one platform.

Content creators on a budget aren’t left out. 

Freesound has an impressive collection of high-quality effects; you must manage attribution. Pixabay is a great alternative when you need attribution-free sounds and free. Both are perfect for creators building their sound libraries.

For professional productions needing premium quality, AudioMicro has repeatedly proven itself. With sounds used in major productions, it’s a go-to for high-end content. 99Sounds, while smaller, has curated collections that meet professional standards.

We’ve found that many successful creators use a combination of platforms. A primary subscription to Artlist or Epidemic Sound and supplementing with free resources from Pixabay or Mixkit can create a solid sound library. As your needs grow, you can add premium options like AudioMicro to fill in the gaps.

Capping off

While finding the proper sound effects is essential, it’s just one part of creating great content. At Vidpros, we understand the dance between visuals and sound, which makes content engaging. Our team has years of experience in sound design, effect placement, timing, and audio enhancement for every project we touch. Don’t let lousy sounds hold you back. Whether you need a one-off video or ongoing content creation support, our team can help transform your content with professional video editing. We’ll handle the technical stuff so you can focus on the content.

Book a call with Vidpros to find out how our video editing services can help you rise above the noise.