Sound design vs music composition: which does your project need?

What sound design is

Sound design creates the non-musical audio: footsteps, button clicks, whooshes, impacts, machinery, ambient backgrounds, interface sounds and special effects. Sound designers record, edit and layer sounds so that what happens on screen feels real and satisfying. In an animated explainer, sound design makes icons pop and transitions feel smooth. In a game, it gives feedback for every action. In an app, subtle interface sounds can make interactions feel polished. Our sound design guide covers what to expect.

What music composition is

A composer writes original music: melodies, harmonies, rhythms and arrangements that create mood and emotion. Music tells viewers how to feel, sets pace and builds identity. Composers create theme music, background scores, loops for games and short pieces for ads and intros. Custom music gives you something unique that competitors cannot use, and it can be written to match the exact timing of your video. See our composers guide.

Side-by-side comparison

Which does your project need?

• Explainer or motion graphics video: usually licensed or custom music plus light sound design.
• Game: both. Sound effects for every action, plus music that loops smoothly and changes with gameplay.
• App: mostly subtle interface sounds, perhaps a short audio logo.
• Ad or commercial: music that fits the brand and timing, sound design for key moments and possibly a jingle.
• Podcast or channel: intro music and transitions; see our jingles and intros guide.

Briefing a sound designer

Share the video, animation or game build, and list the moments that need sound. Describe the style, such as realistic, cartoony, futuristic or minimal, and give references. For games and apps, provide a list of every sound needed with file names, lengths and formats, and explain how sounds will be triggered. Mention any volume or file size limits.

Briefing a composer

Describe the mood and emotional journey, share reference tracks and explain what you like about them, and give the exact length or a timed video. Say whether the music must leave room for voice over, needs a clear ending or must loop seamlessly. For games, explain the different areas or situations that need music and whether music should change dynamically.

Making them work together

When both are involved, coordinate them so music and effects do not compete. Share the music with the sound designer, or ask the composer to leave space at important sound moments. A final mix that balances voice, music and effects is essential; often the sound designer or an audio engineer handles this.

How the process usually works

Composers often start with a short sketch or demo to confirm the mood before writing the full piece. Sound designers may deliver a first pass on part of the video or a sample set of sounds. Give feedback early, at the sketch or sample stage, when changes are easy. Watch or play the project with audio on several devices, such as headphones, laptop speakers and phones, because sounds that feel balanced on one may be too loud or too quiet on another.

Rights and licensing

Agree on ownership or license terms for custom work, and keep license documents for stock music and sound libraries. Check that licenses cover all uses, including paid advertising, broadcast and games sold commercially. Ask for high-quality files and, for music, stems that allow future edits.

Good audio is often noticed only when it is missing. Planning both sound design and music early, rather than adding them at the last minute, gives your project a more finished, professional feel.