Digitalks #18. The Role of Sound In Videos
How sounds create an immersive experience for the viewer and add realism to the video
Digitalks is a virtual brown bag meeting by Breadnbeyond’s Digital Marketing team where all valuable information, feedback, ideas, seminars, and training sessions are shared.
While visual quality is often seen as the main factor in deciding whether it’s a “good or bad” video, the sound is an element that is often overlooked.
Your audience might forgive a blurry, out-of-focus image but won’t forgive bad sounds if you can’t clearly hear what a person is saying.
Whether working on a film, TV show, music video, or commercial, the proper sound effects can take your project to the next level.
Breadnbeyond’s sound designer, Yonas, shares some insights into how music and sound effects can boost the visual and bring emotional impact.
The role of sound in video production
Sound plays a crucial role in video production, as it can greatly impact the overall quality and effectiveness of the final product.
Here are some key ways that sound is important in video production:
Dialogue clarity
Clear dialogue is essential in any video production, whether it’s a film, TV show, or online video.
Poor sound quality or improper microphone placement can make it difficult for viewers to understand what the characters are saying, which can greatly detract from the storytelling.
Sound effects (SFX)
Sound effects help to create a sense of realism and immersion in a video.
They can be used to enhance action sequences, add atmosphere, or highlight key moments in the story.
Music (BGM)
Music can greatly enhance the emotional impact of a video, whether it’s a dramatic film score, a catchy jingle for a commercial, or a background track for an online video.
The right music can help to create a mood or convey a specific message.
Audio mixing
Proper audio mixing is essential in ensuring that all of the sound elements in a video are properly balanced and complement each other.
This involves adjusting the volume levels, EQ, and other parameters to ensure that the final mix is clean and professional.
Foley
Foley is the art of creating sound effects for a video, typically using objects and materials that are not visible on screen.
This can include footsteps, rustling clothing, and other sounds that help to create a sense of realism.
Introduction to BGM and SFX
BGM and SFX are two important components of sound in video production.
BGM provides a musical backdrop for the action, while SFX enhances the realism and impact of the video.
Both should be carefully chosen and mixed to create a cohesive and effective overall sound design.
Background music (BGM)
BGM is the music that plays in the background of a video.
It can be used to:
- enhance the mood or atmosphere of a scene
- create a sense of tension or excitement
- provide a pleasant backdrop for the action.
BGM can range from a simple instrumental track to a full orchestral score, depending on the needs of the production.
In general, BGM should be carefully chosen to match the tone and style of the video, and should be mixed in such a way as to not overpower the other sound elements.
Sound effects (SFX)
SFX are the sounds used to enhance a video's realism.
They can be used to:
- create a sense of immersion
- enhance the impact of an action sequence
- add depth to the overall sound design
Examples of SFX include footsteps, gunshots, explosions, doors opening and closing, and many others.
SFX can be recorded live on set, or created in post-production using a combination of recorded and synthesized sounds.
How to get BGM and SFX
There are two main ways to obtain BGM and SFX for video production: creating them from scratch or using royalty-free sites.
Creating from scratch
Creating your own BGM and SFX can be a time-consuming process, but it can also be very rewarding.
For BGM, you’ll need to compose or record your own music, either using live instruments or digital tools such as synthesizers and sample libraries.
For SFX, you’ll need to record or synthesize your own sounds using various tools and techniques, such as field recording, foley work, and sound design.
This can be a great option if you have the time and resources to create your own unique sound elements, and want complete creative control over the final product.
Here are some popular tools you can use:
- Audacity
- Adobe Audition
- GarageBand
- Pro Tools
- Logic Pro
- Ableton Live
- Reaper
- FL Studio
- Steinberg Cubase
- Cakewalk by BrandLab
Using royalty-free sites
If you don’t have the time or resources to create your own BGM and SFX, or want to save time and effort, using royalty-free sites can be a good option.
These sites offer a wide range of pre-made BGM and SFX that you can license for use in your own productions.
The advantage of using royalty-free sites is that you can quickly and easily find high-quality sound elements that match your needs without having to create them yourself.
Some popular royalty-free sites include AudioJungle, PremiumBeat, and Shutterstock Music.
Here are some sites to get royalty-free BGM and SFX:
- Envato Elements
- Audio Jungle
- Youtube Audio Library
- Free Music Archive
- Bensound
- Incompetech
- FreeSound
- Pixabay
- Epidemic Sound
- Audioblock
Sound is a crucial element in video production that is just as important as the visual aspects.
Clear dialogue, effective sound effects, appropriate background music, and a well-balanced mix are all essential in creating a high-quality and engaging final product.
Neglecting the sound design can result in a video that is difficult to follow, lacks emotional impact, or feels amateurish.
Related: What Are Those Sound Effects That Get Your Videos Noticed?
Breadnbeyond helps you to create high-converting animated explainer videos with customized BGM and SFX.
Check out our useful resources to hone your social media marketing skills. Or, you can subscribe here to get free e-books!
