iMovie Sound Effects: How to Add Sound Effect on iMovie

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iMovie Sound Effects: How to Add Sound Effect on iMovie

Last Updated: 2024. 07. 05

Sound is the essential part of making videos alive, setting the tone of your video. Besides, adding sound effects like birdcalls in the right place of your video will arouse emotions and take your video to the next level.

Adding sound effects to videos in iMovie is relatively easy as it provides extensive resources. If you're looking for ways to add sound effects in iMovie, this guide is here for help.

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Part 1. How to Add Sound Effect on iMovie

iMovie includes a collection of sound effects that make your video charming. You can apply these sound effects in various manners like professional, leisure and horror. Follow the steps below to learn how to add sound effects in iMovie on your Mac.

Step 1

Open an iMovie Project

Open iMovie on your Mac and click on the Create a new project to enter the editing page. Now import videos by selecting File > Import Media. When the video is loaded, drag it to the timeline.

Create a New Project in iMovie

Step 2

Add Sound Effect in iMovie

To get to the built-in sound effects library, you need to go to Audio and then look on the left here. You should see Music, Sound Effects and GarageBand.

Music will show you songs that you have in your Music Library.

GarageBand gathers things that you've created in GarageBand.

Sound Effects gather these built-in sounds and you have to go here, Click here, and it gives you a list of all of the different things you have installed. So you should see Sound Effects, which are part of iMovie, and they are actually built into the app.

Select your favorite one and add it to your video.

Add a Sound Effect to Video

Step 3

Edit Your Sound Effect

Slide your sound effect on the timeline and place it anywhere you want to insert it. Adjust the duration and change the sound volume to match your needs.

Edit Your Sound Effect

Part 2. iMovie Alternative to Add Sound Effects Easier

iMovie is an excellent tool for adding sound effects but the number is quite limited. So, if you're looking for more interesting sound effects, you must need an iMovie alternative like FlexClip.

FlexClip is a comprehensive video editor with millions of sound effects available, all categorized by themes, scenes, vibes, feelings, actions. Additionally, by using its speed change feature, you can speed up or slow down the the soundtrack to give it a special effect. Most importantly, no editing experience is needed.

Quick Tutorial on How to Create Videos Online with FlexClip

Key Features of FlexClip for Adding Sound Effects:

It has an extensive music stock with 1000+ loyalty-free sound effects where you can search for high-quality sound for booing crowds, birdcalls, babbling brook and more.

The timeline mode enables you to add multiple sound effects and sync them to the video with great ease.

It supports the fade in/out effect to make the audio transition like a breeze.

There are thousands of templates and designer-made images to unleash your creativity.

Multiple editing tools to level up your video without quality-loss.

Steps to Add Sound Effect Using FlexClip

Step 1

Upload your footage to FlexClip's editor page and drag them to the timeline.

Upload Media Resources to FlexClip

Create a Video

View Templates

Step 2

（Optional) Use the Split tool to separate the row video into several parts and drag the playhead to where you wish to add sound effects.

Split the Video to Select the Specific Clip

Step 3

Navigate to the Audio section located on the left menu, search your video's sound effects, then apply it to your video. Freely change the position, volume or use the fade in/out to create a smooth flow. If necessary, use the audio speed changer function to emphasize the sound effects.

Add Sound Effects to Video

Step 4

Click the Export button to save it on your computer or directly share the video to YouTube, Google Drive and Dropbox.

The Before-and-after Video of Sound Effects Using FlexClip

The Bottom Line

A proper sound effect can be your video's icing on the cake. To add sound effects, iMovie is the safe bet to have a try, containing limited sound effects. If you want to archive more effects, FlexClip is our recommendation for more flexibility and diversity. Now, it's your turn to make a decision!

Bella /

Full of vitality, curiosity and hope, Bella is an energetic copywriter at FlexClip. She mainly concentrates on video creation and troublesome issues related to video editing, providing users with practical solutions and tricks. Personally, Bella loves novels, sci-fi movies, cooking and travel. And, she believes that all her life is the best arrangement from God.