Add Sound Effects to Audio Online for Free

How to Easily Add Sound Effects

01
Sign Up, Start a Project, and Upload Your File
Create an account with Descript and begin a new project. Drag and drop your audio file into the project window, and Descript transcribes it automatically. This smooth setup helps you add sound effects and refine your audio.
02
Select and Apply Sound Effects from the Panel
After the upload finishes, open the "Music" panel, then choose "Sound effects." Here you can browse and pick the effect you want for your audio project. Descript’s user-friendly interface allows you to preview and apply effects with minimal fuss.
03
Publish and Export Your Audio File
After adding your sound effects, click "Publish" and go to the "Export" tab. Pick your preferred file type and choose "Export" to save. Your project is now ready to share or use elsewhere, preserving the quality and enhancements.

Add sound effects to audio with ease

Hundreds of music tracks and sound effects
Spice up your audio projects with Descript’s library of music tracks and sound effects. Whether you’re creating ambiance for a podcast or looking for the right accent for a video, Descript helps you add sound effects to audio so your content comes across as polished and appealing.
AI-powered audio editing
Descript's AI-powered audio editing streamlines how you add sound effects to audio. Advanced algorithms examine your track and highlight great spots for effects, delivering a polished final product. Save time and achieve high-quality results without heavy manual editing.
Upgrade audio quality in one click
Improve your audio projects with Descript’s one-click audio upgrade. Whether you’re adding sound effects to audio or fine-tuning a podcast, this feature keeps your sound clean and helps your content shine. Skip complex editing and get professional-grade results every time.

More than a sound effects tool

Descript is an AI-powered audio and video editing tool that lets you edit podcasts and videos like a doc.

Stock media library
Access Descript’s large stock media library to add a variety of sound effects. This can give your audio a polished edge.
Studio Sound
Give your track a professional touch using Descript’s Studio Sound. Add sound effects to audio for a more immersive experience.
AI effects
Use Descript’s AI effects to streamline how you add sound effects to audio, improving the overall quality of your project.
Multitrack editing
Add sound effects to audio with Descript’s multitrack editing for precise control and smooth integration.

Don’t just take our word for it

With a 4.6-out-of-5-star rating and a bunch of distinctions on G2, Descript’s users have declared it an industry standard in the video and podcasting world.

2025

Best Software

Video Editing

Text to Speech

Screen and Video Capture

“With Descript I'll be able to at least double my content output since editing is taking one-quarter the time it used to.”

Donna B.

“With Descript we can create videos for our YouTube channel and our LinkedIn page much faster and with high quality.”

Balázs N.

“Descript has made cleaning up and creating my educational videos into professional presentations [possible] without needing extensive technical computer skills.”

Barbara C.

“Descript makes recording and editing audio and video a breeze. It's advanced features have streamlined my workflows, saving me a lot of time usually spent editing.”

Roderick F.

“The collaborative tools streamline teamwork, allowing my team and me to work efficiently together on projects. Overall, Descript enhances productivity and simplifies the editing process.”

Aldrich M.

“Transcription based editing makes the process much faster…All in all, a must have editor for most audiences, especially in SaaS marketing.”

Nidhin M.

Surely there’s one for you

Free

no credit card required

Start your journey with text-based editing

Get started

1 transcription hour / month

Export 720p, with watermarks

Limited trial of Basic AI Actions

Limited trial of AI Speech

Hobbyist

$16

per person / month, billed annually

Elevate your projects, watermark-free

Get started

10 transcription hours / month

Export 1080p, watermark-free

20 uses / month of Basic AI Actions suite including Filler Word Removal, Studio Sound, Draft Show Notes, Create Clips, and more

30 minutes / month of AI speech with stock AI speakers and custom voice clones

5 minutes / month of avatars

Questions? We have answers

What types of sound effects are available in the tool?
Descript offers a broad set of sound effects, including ambient backgrounds, musical transitions, and Foley elements. It’s an easy way to add effects to audio, from footsteps and door creaks to background chatter, helping podcasts, videos, and other projects feel polished.
Can I customize the sound effects to fit my project?
Yes, you can customize the sound effects to match your project. Descript provides editing tools for volume, timing, and other parameters so everything blends smoothly with your audio.
What pricing plans does Descript offer for individuals and teams?
Descript has several pricing options for both solo users and teams. Individuals can pick from a free tier, a Creator plan at $12/month, or a Pro plan at $24/month. Teams can opt for an Enterprise plan that offers custom rates based on specific needs.
Does Descript support collaboration features for team projects?
Yes. Descript has collaboration tools that let multiple users edit, comment, and share audio in real time. This streamlines teamwork for group audio projects.