# How to add sound effects to Reels ads

> Add sound effects to a Reels ad: where to place them, how loud to set them, which tools have libraries and the licence check, with a 20-second cue sheet.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-09
- **Category**: Video editing
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-guides/how-to-add-sound-effects-to-reels

---

Add a sound effect at each moment the picture changes: a cut, a text pop, the price. Keep each one quieter than the voice, and use effects you have the right to use in an ad.

## Steps

1. Watch the cut and write down each moment that changes: a hook line, a cut, a product shot, the price, the call to action.
2. Pick one effect per moment. Skip a moment if nothing fits.
3. Line each effect up with the frame where the picture changes.
4. Set each effect below the voice, so the words stay clear.
5. Play it on a phone with the sound on. Meta says over 75% of Reels views are sound on (Meta developer blog, 2024).

## A worked example

Say you cut a 20-second Reels ad for a INR 1,299 steel bottle. Set every effect 10 dB below the voice.

| Time | What happens | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0 s | Hook text appears | Short pop |
| 2.8 s | Cut to the bottle | Whoosh |
| 9.0 s | Lid twist | Click |
| 15.0 s | Price INR 1,299 appears | Soft ding |
| 18.0 s | Call to action | Tap |

Five effects in 20 seconds is plenty. If you cannot hear the voice clearly, remove one.

## Where to find effects

Checked 3 Nov 2026.

| Tool | Sound effects | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Edits | Meta announced 400 more on 28 Nov 2025 | A free phone app |
| Clipchamp | Royalty-free sound effects in its stock library | Premium stock is on paid plans |
| PowerDirector | 3,000+ in PowerDirector 2027 | $139.99, one-time licence |
| Canva | Listed on its plans page | The library size depends on the plan |
| Captions (by Mirage) | Royalty-free music and sound effects | Listed on its home page |
| OpusClip | AI sound effects | Listed on its Pro plan |

[Marxx's AI video editor](/features/ai-video-editor) can place sound effects on moments in your cut, and its caption styles can add a sound on key words. We make Marxx.

## Check the licence

Meta's spec page for Reels ads says Reels ads cannot use licensed music. Sound effects from a stock library are a separate matter, so read the library's terms for ad use before you publish. Music has its own rules, so check those separately.

## Mistakes to avoid

- An effect louder than the voice
- An effect on every cut, until none of them stand out
- Sounds that clash with the music
- Skipping the licence check

Once effects are in, balance the mix with [ducking](/guides/how-to-duck-music-under-voiceover) and set the final level. See [how to normalise audio for Instagram](/guides/how-to-normalize-audio-for-instagram). To cut on the music instead, see [how to cut a video to the beat](/guides/how-to-cut-video-to-the-beat). For the whole ad, see [how to make Reels ads](/guides/how-to-make-reels-ads).

## FAQ

### Can I use a trending song in a Reels ad?

Meta's Reels ad spec says Reels ads cannot use licensed music (checked 3 Nov 2026). Use music or effects you have the right to use.

### How many sound effects should an ad have?

One per change in the picture, and fewer if the mix gets crowded. The worked example uses five in 20 seconds.

### How loud should effects be?

Below the voice. The worked example uses 10 dB below it. Adjust by ear on a phone speaker.

---
- [More Video editing articles](https://marxx.ai/library-guides/category/video-editing)
- [All articles](https://marxx.ai/library-guides)