Whether you’re designing a horror game, editing a creepy YouTube short, or crafting a chilling cinematic moment, sound effects are your secret weapon.
The right sound can make your audience jump or glance nervously over their shoulder. And you can do that with only the sounds, without showing a single monster on the screen.
The classic scary sounds remain popular because they tap into our primal fears. These effects have stood the test of time because they have to create tension and suspense.
Hi, I’m Mik, one of TunePocket sound designers. I went though our catalog of royalty free music and sound effects and picked 10 of our most popular scary and horror sounds, from creepy footsteps to desperate screams, and more.
I’ve also include a bonus Halloween sounds (at #11), just for fun!
NEW Sorry, couldn’t resist 🙂 Just added “Ghostly Whispers” to the list. We’re beyond 10 now but these whispers are such as classic!
Watch the videos below or jump directly to my 10 best scary sound effects playlist.
The right sound makes the difference!
Check this simple video I made some time ago demonstrating how the use of sound effects can change the otherwise ordinary scene:
What are the most popular scary sounds in gaming / videos / podcasts?
The most popular scary sounds across gaming, videos, and podcasts tend to center around psychological tension and our primal instincts.
The right sound will trigger fear without needing any visual cues!
Creaking doors, distant footsteps, and ghostly whispers are timeless favorites because they make us think we’re being watched or followed in the dark.
Jump scare sounds like sudden stinger hits, screams, and distorted laughter are also widely used, especially in horror games and thriller content.
In audio-only projects like podcasts, elements like demonic laughs, heartbeat thumps, or static distortion are especially effective. These sounds compensate for the lack of visuals by overwhelming the listener’s sense of space and safety.
Top 10 scary sound effects
All sound FX in this playlist can be used in films, videos, games / apps, and podcasts (including commercial projects) with lifetime royalty free license.
Learn how to license our music and sound effects and save over 50% compared to similar services.
Looking for more sounds? Check out our scary sounds playlist.
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Isolated thunder clap no rain sound effect for video editing, game, film, commercial business use.
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TV static noise royalty free sound effects loop for video editing, game, film, and commercial business use. Download unlimited royalty free sound effects.
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Human heartbeat loop with energetic, excited pace for video editing, game, film, commercial business use.
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Eerie howling wind whistling royalty free sound effect for video editing, film, game, commercial business use.
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Scary monster or aggressive animal roar / growl royalty free sound effect for horror film, spooky game, Halloween vlog, eerie sci-fi video, commercial business use.
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Eerie cinematic royalty free horror sound effects with terrifying suspense feel for dark video, ominous film trailer, spooky game, and commercial business use.
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Terrified female scream royalty free sound effect for scary audio design, game, horror film, video, commercial business use.
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Spooky creaky door / treasure chest / wardrobe opening royalty free sound effect for video editing, Halloween game, scary horror film, vlog, commercial business use.
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Eerie ghost whisper / presence royalty free sound effect with ethereal supernatural feel for scary video, spooky Halloween vlog, dark ghostly game, suspense film, and commercial business use.
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Dark scary cinematic hit / thump royalty free sound effect for video editing, suspense game, dramatic horror film, spooky vlog, and commercial business use.
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Classic Halloween thunder clap with panicked woman scream royalty free sound effect / intro for horror vlog opener, video / podcast intro or outro, scary logo reveal, ident, and commercial business use.
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Eerie ghostly whispers royalty free sound effect with haunting supernatural feel for mysterious ghost video, spooky adventure vlog, dark game, suspense film, and commercial business use. Download unlimited royalty free sound effects.
