How to quickly add audio effects in CapCut

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to quickly add audio effects in CapCut, a free video editor. In seconds, you can add fun, inspiring, and hilarious audio effects. They make every video better!

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to quickly add audio effects to all of your CapCut videos.

Pictures are worth a thousand words—and videos are worth so much more! But unlike a still image, videos cannot stand alone. Audio is a great start, and audio effects in CapCut can take your production to the next level.

Why add audio effects in CapCut?

Audio effects span every imaginable category. Applause? Fireworks? A laugh track? Sounds best kept to prank videos? You’ll find them all in CapCut audio effects. But beyond making a video more interesting, why should you add audio effects in CapCut?

CapCut audio effects like these help you boost the “wow” factor of every video.

The advantages are many. Here are a few of the best:

Sound effects help you control your narrative. Used sparingly, audio effects help you control the flow of a video. Add them during key scenes to signal a change in direction, to set the mood, and more.
They keep audiences engaged. Even the best videos can get a little dull. Audio effects are a great way to keep your audience engaged and alert.
You can add sounds without recording them yourself. When you record videos, you may want sound effects that you aren’t able to record. And with CapCut effects, you don’t have to worry about it. You can choose from a vast library—on demand—and use professionally edited effects.
Effects help you add emphasis at select moments. Audio effects can be dramatic and unforgettable. That makes them an ideal tool to add emphasis to key scenes in your videos.

Let’s be clear: audio effects are a great way to elevate any video. Let’s learn how to add them quickly, step by step.

How to quickly add audio effects in CapCut (step by step)

Adding audio effects in CapCut is quick and easy. One advantage of CapCut is its portability. Primarily a mobile app, you’ll see this tutorial demoed on an iPhone running iOS 17. Android user? CapCut is available from the Google Play Store as well. And if you prefer desktop video editing, no worries. You can download CapCut for macOS and Windows as well.

In the background, you’ll notice stock video footage in use. You can download the clip from Envato if you want to follow along.

1. Open the Audio panel in CapCut

With CapCut open on your device, open a project. What’s a project? In short, it’s the working file where you edit and produce videos. In a project, you can group multimedia and then compile it into a finished production.

As you open a video project, familiarize yourself with the layout you see on screen. At the top, you’ll see a large preview of your video clip or clips. This is a dynamic scene: in other words, as you make visual edits, you’ll see them previewed in real time.

On the toolbar, find the Audio button and tap it to open the Audio panel.

Immediately below the video preview is the Timeline. It does just what the name suggests: controlling the timing and sequence of your media. And below the Timeline is the toolbar menu. It’s here that you’ll find and launch the menus that let you add creative styles—including audio effects.

Look at the options on the toolbar. Among many are Edit, Effects, Filters, and more. Second from left is the one you need here. Find the Audio button and tap it to open it up.

2. Find and choose sound effects

When you tap Audio, watch the toolbar options transform. In CapCut, they’ll always feature controls for the menu option that you’ve selected. Here, you can now see an array of audio options. From left to right, they’re Sounds, Extract, Voiceover, and more.

Fifth across is the option you need. It’s labeled Sound FX. These are the audio effects that you’ll add to your videos. Tap it, and you’ll see CapCut’s collection of audio effects launch on your screen.

Find the Sound FX button and choose it. Then, browse the gallery and choose audio effects to add to your CapCut video projects.

They’re grouped here by category: Trending sounds, Transitions, Shows, Horror, and many more. You can browse these groupings by choosing any of the tabs across the top. On the menu below, you’ll see the effects listed.

Know a specific audio effect that you want to add? CapCut has you covered. At the top of the screen, you’ll see a search bar. Here, you can type in names or keywords to jumpstart your search.

When you find an effect you’re interested in, tap on its name, and you’ll hear it play. If you’re ready to add it to your video, click the blue + icon on the right. Instantly, CapCut will add the audio effect to your video.

3. Arrange audio effects on the timeline

With an audio effect added, you’ll find yourself back on the main Edit view. Look on the Timeline. Below your video clip, you’ll see a blue box labeled according to the audio effect that you just added. You’ll see it in place in a certain spot in your video.

You can move audio effects on CapCut’s Timeline for precise control over when they start and stop.

Want to change when the effect starts or stops? Simply press and hold on the blue Timeline bar. This lets you drag an audio effect into a new spot. Release your finger when you’re ready to place the audio effect.

Learn more top CapCut tips and tricks

CapCut includes countless tools and features to help you create amazing videos. And here at Envato Tuts+, we’re ready to help.

Here are some top tutorials from our library. They feature key skills and insights all about CapCut! Turn to them if you want to learn more, and elevate your video editing skills.

Use audio effects in CapCut today

In this tutorial, I showed you how to add audio effects to CapCut videos quickly. Don’t sweat the process—there’s nothing to it. Simply launch the Audio panel, choose Sound FX, and explore options. Find a sound you want in your video? Tap your finger, and it’s there! It’s hard to imagine an easier editing workflow.

You’re likely already thinking of how audio effects can enhance your videos. Add audio effects to your next CapCut video today, wherever you are.

Post date July 12, 2024

This content originally appeared on Envato Tuts+ Tutorials and was authored by Andrew Childress

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to quickly add audio effects in CapCut, a free video editor. In seconds, you can add fun, inspiring, and hilarious audio effects. They make every video better!

Why add audio effects in CapCut?

CapCut audio effects like these help you boost the “wow” factor of every video.

The advantages are many. Here are a few of the best:

Sound effects help you control your narrative. Used sparingly, audio effects help you control the flow of a video. Add them during key scenes to signal a change in direction, to set the mood, and more.
They keep audiences engaged. Even the best videos can get a little dull. Audio effects are a great way to keep your audience engaged and alert.
You can add sounds without recording them yourself. When you record videos, you may want sound effects that you aren’t able to record. And with CapCut effects, you don’t have to worry about it. You can choose from a vast library—on demand—and use professionally edited effects.
Effects help you add emphasis at select moments. Audio effects can be dramatic and unforgettable. That makes them an ideal tool to add emphasis to key scenes in your videos.

Let’s be clear: audio effects are a great way to elevate any video. Let’s learn how to add them quickly, step by step.