Sound Effects
Meme sound effects

Download meme sound effects for funny, shareable videos. Preview record scratches, air horns, cartoon boings and more, and give every joke, reaction and twist its timing.
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Create free accountTL;DR: Meme sound effects are short clips that mark a joke, reaction or twist, such as record scratches, air horns and cartoon boings. Licensed meme sounds from Epidemic Sound keep your videos cleared, while viral clips from other creators can lead to muted audio or removed videos.
Meme sound effects for funny, shareable videos
Meme sound effects are short, recognizable audio clips that mark a joke, a reaction or a twist. A record scratch, an air horn or a cartoon boing gives a moment its timing in under two seconds. Download meme sound effects for your YouTube, TikTok and Instagram videos, cleared with your subscription instead of taken from someone else's content.
Popular meme sound effects
- Record scratch: Stops a scene for an awkward pause or a sudden reveal.
- Air horn: Adds excitement to a win, a surprise or an exaggerated reaction.
- Cartoon boings and bonks: Add slapstick to a stumble or a fast cut.
- Musical stings: A dramatic chord or a single awkward note adds irony to a moment.
- Animal sounds: An unexpected moo, bark or squawk adds absurd humor.
- Fart sounds: A dependable choice for low-brow comedy, from cartoonish to realistic.
How to use meme sounds in your edit
Timing matters more than the sound itself:
- Find the exact frame that carries the joke.
- Place the peak of the sound on that frame.
- Keep the volume below your voiceover so speech stays clear.
- Use one sound per joke. Fewer sounds make each one clearer.
For short-form video on TikTok and YouTube Shorts, place your strongest sound in the first three seconds.
Meme sounds vs. licensed meme sound effects
Many viral meme sounds come from films, shows, songs or other people's videos, so the rights belong to someone else. Using them can lead to muted audio, copyright claims or removed videos. Meme sound effects from Epidemic Sound are cleared for your content with an active subscription.
Keep your videos cleared
Connect your channels to your Epidemic Sound account (called safelisting) before you publish. Videos published during an active subscription stay cleared forever, even if you cancel. Content published after a subscription ends is not cleared.
Find more sounds for your edit
Add timing and personality with funny sound effects, fail sound effects and foley sound effects. Browse 250,000+ sound effects and variations in total.
Frequently asked questions about meme sound effects
Where can I find meme sound effects without copyright claims?
You can find meme sound effects including record scratches, air horns, cartoon boings and musical stings. A subscription gives you the license to download and publish them. Connect your channels to your account before you publish to keep your videos protected from copyright claims.
Are meme sounds copyrighted?
Many are. Popular meme sounds come from films, shows, songs or other creators' videos, and the original owner holds the rights. Using them without permission can lead to muted audio, copyright claims or removed videos. Licensed meme sound effects remove that problem.
Can I use meme sound effects on YouTube and TikTok?
Yes. Connect your YouTube and TikTok channels to your Epidemic Sound account (called safelisting) before you publish. Content you publish during an active subscription stays cleared. Channel limits depend on your plan, so check the plans page for your setup.
How do I add meme sounds to a video?
Download the sound file and import it into your editor, such as CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. Place it on its own audio track and line it up with the moment you want to emphasize. A separate track lets you adjust volume without touching your voiceover or music.
What is a record scratch sound effect used for?
A record scratch signals a sudden stop. Creators use it for an awkward moment, a plot twist or a freeze frame before a narrator explains what happened. For air horns, see DJ sound effects.