A hit is a production sound effect used to emphasize scene changes and key moments in video, games, and streams. Its length, attack, and tail tell the viewer that something is moving or changing.
Basic role
A hit reinforces cuts, text appearing on screen, logos, success or failure, and rising tension with sound. Deciding why you are using it first makes the material easier to choose.
When to use it
Short sounds suit cuts and interface actions, while long sounds suit scene changes and build-ups. Match it to the motion and the timing of the picture so that the sound does not run ahead or lag behind.
Handling the level
Sound effects are meant to stand out, but it is important not to make them so loud that they hide the voice or the music. Play the whole thing back, and add a short fade if you need it to blend in.
Choosing material
Pick a texture that fits the tone of the picture: bright, heavy, fast, or smooth. Using the same type of material over and over makes the result feel monotonous, so use different sounds for different roles.
Terms of use
For downloadable material, check whether commercial use, credit, and redistribution are allowed. The terms differ from one library to another.
How to check
Check it together with the picture and the voice, not on its own. The basics of audio files are explained in the audio file format article.
