A stinger is a production FX sound used to emphasize scene transitions and key moments in video, games, and streams. Its length, attack, and tail communicate movement and change to the viewer.
Its basic role
A stinger reinforces screen transitions, text appearing, logos, success and failure, and rising tension with sound. Deciding why you are using one first makes choosing material easier.
When to use it
Short sounds suit cuts and interface actions, while longer ones suit scene changes and build-ups. Match them to the movement and timing of the picture so the sound does not rush ahead or lag behind.
Handling level
Effects are meant to stand out, but it is important not to make them so loud that they bury the voice or the music. Play the whole thing back and add short fades where needed for a natural join.
Choosing material
Pick a texture that fits the tone of the picture: bright, heavy, fast, or smooth. Using the same type of material too often makes things monotonous, so choose different sounds for different roles.
Terms of use
For distributed material, check commercial use, credit requirements, and whether redistribution is allowed. Licenses differ from one piece of material to another.
Basic checking
Check with the picture and the dialogue included, not the material on its own. The basics of audio files are explained in the audio file format article.
