Nature sound effects
Explore our curated collection of nature sound effects. From the subtle rustle of leaves to a powerful thunderstorm, these sounds build atmosphere in films, games, and documentaries.
The complete nature soundkit
Finding the right sound is about building a world. Our collection is curated to help you create any natural environment you can imagine.
-
Forests & tropical jungles: Create a rich and detailed soundscape with rustling leaves, distant animal calls, and flowing rivers.
-
Weather & storms: Add atmosphere with everything from a gentle breeze to a powerful thunderstorm.
-
Animals & wildlife: Bring your scenes to life with the authentic sounds of birds, insects, and mammals from around the world.
-
Water: Use the elemental sound of water, from quiet streams and gentle rain to crashing ocean waves.
To get you started, explore our curated collections for these core nature sounds below.
Nature sound essentials
Sounds of the forest
Weather & stormscapes
Sounds of wildlife
Sounds of the water
Arctic & winter soundscapes
Pair nature sounds with documentary music
Enhance your scenes with music that complements the natural world. From expansive, ambient soundscapes to gentle, acoustic melodies, our documentary music collection is perfect for nature films, travel vlogs, and any project that needs an organic touch.
Beyond nature sound effects
From the sounds of the wild to the noises of the city, nature effects are only part of the story. Explore over 200,000 sound effects and variations designed for documentaries, film, games, podcasts, and more. Whether you need urban ambiences, foley sounds, or user interface clicks, there’s something for every scene.
Frequently asked questions
What are nature sound effects?
Nature sound effects are audio recordings of the outdoors. They capture everything from the sound of a specific environment to the elements within it. Think of sounds like:
- Flowing rivers and crashing waves
- Wind whistling through trees
- Thunderstorms and distant rain
- Birdsong and specific animal calls
What are nature sound effects used for?
Content creators use them to make their projects feel more alive and transport their audience. They are popular in:
- Films & TV shows: to build believable worlds and quickly set the scene.
- Video games: to create dynamic environments that make the world feel authentic.
- Podcasts: to add texture and atmosphere to storytelling.
- Guided meditations & apps: to help listeners relax and focus.
How can I create a rich and detailed nature soundscape?
To create a rich and detailed soundscape, build your world in three distinct layers:
-
Start with a foundational ambience: This is your main audio bed. Use a consistent sound like wind, a general forest hum, or a quiet room tone to fill the space and prevent any unnatural silence.
-
Add a 'life layer': This is where your environment comes alive. Gently mix in sounds that are constantly present in that habitat, like general birdsong, the steady chirp of crickets, or the buzz of insects.
-
Sprinkle in spot effects: These are the distinct, intermittent sounds that create realism and catch the listener’s ear. Add a single woodpecker, a distant wolf howl, or a branch snapping to make the soundscape feel dynamic and unpredictable.
By combining these layers, you create a soundscape that feels deep, rich, and truly alive.
My outdoor recording has too much wind noise. Can sound effects fix it?
Yes, this is a perfect use case for sound effects. It's often easier to replace bad audio than to repair it.
- First, try to remove the worst of the wind noise from your dialogue track using an EQ or noise reduction tool.
- Then, layer in a clean, high-quality ambience sound effect track from Epidemic Sound underneath your dialogue. This will mask any remaining noise and replace the distracting wind with a controlled, professional soundscape.
How are nature sound effects recorded?
Professional field recordists capture these sounds using high-quality microphones and portable gear. The main goal is to record a specific environment — like a forest or a river — as cleanly as possible, without any distracting background noise.
Where can I find royalty-free nature sounds?
You can find a huge collection of high-quality, royalty-free nature sounds at Epidemic Sound. An Epidemic Sound subscription gives you unlimited downloads and a license to use our sound effects on all major platforms. Simply connect your channels to your account to publish worry-free, without copyright claims.