Sound effects or short audio clips can have a huge impact on the entertainment value of your project. Sound clips can be added for comical pieces, or they can highlight dramatic moments during storytelling.
There are many places sound clips should be used, here are a few that I think add greatly to the quality and entertainment value of your project and will keep listeners interested.
Sound effect placement
Intro audio: Using an intro audio clip is a great way to create brand awareness. An intro can become the signature of a podcast or show and the audio clip you choose to use for this will be what listeners expect to hear at the start of every podcast. For example: The CDBaby DIY Musicians Podcast has been using the same intro audio for years and I know when start an episode that this will come just before the host comes on to introduce the topics that will be discussed in the episode. The CDBaby podcast intro is an exciting way to start the show because it so familiar that for me it has become synonymous with quality and accuracy of the great information that will follow during the podcast.
Podcast news alert audio: Another great way to signify that you are about to deliver a news story to your listeners is to use a recognizable sound every time you present a news announcement in your podcast. Here is any example of a memorable news announcement audio clip that listeners will become familiar with when you begin a news segment. You can find an example of a news segment audio clip on our audio clips page.
Special guest segment: Interviewing a special guest or topic expert on your podcast can add credibility and hold listener interest. Branding is so important with any show or product so having a recognizable segment audio clip that plays while you introduce your special guest will make your guest segment more exciting and let listeners know that one of the segments of your podcast that they know and love is about to start. You can find examples of podcast special guest segment intro audio clips on the Sweet Fret sound effects download page.
Games or giveaway segment: If your podcast has a game segment, contest, or giveaway, you might use an exciting sound clip to begin the segment. You could use a music clip to announce the segment and then turn the music lower to play in the background during the segment. Check out some of the sound clips on this page that might work well for a games segment. Rock guitar sound clip
Main podcast segment: The main segment of your podcast should tell a story and although there are portions of storytelling that background music is not needed, depending on the subject / style of your podcast. You may want to use background music or sound effects during the main segment for certain mood development, and other times it may be best for the host to speak to the listeners without sound clips. You can listen to a few examples here https://coffeeandaplaylist.com/category/sound-clip/
Podcast outro: Having an outro that becomes a very familiar sound to your listeners is a perfect way to wrap up your show. Thanking your guests and sponsors, announcing what’s coming next and signing off. There are so many things you can do to end your show in a way that makes it memorable and provides information about what is coming to future shows.
You may also want to include a segment for answering listener questions, providing tips related to your genre, hobby or industry. There are endless possibilities and the more you can do to retain listeners and have them come back for the next episode the better for your brand.
Thank you for reading and happy podcast creation!
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