Sound effects

Overview

ElevenLabs sound effects API turns text descriptions into high-quality audio effects with precise control over timing, style and complexity. The model understands both natural language and audio terminology, enabling you to:

• Generate cinematic sound design for films & trailers
• Create custom sound effects for games & interactive media
• Produce Foley and ambient sounds for video content

Listen to an example:

Usage

Sound effects are generated using text descriptions & two optional parameters:

• Duration: Set a specific length for the generated audio (in seconds)

  • Default: Automatically determined based on the prompt
  • Range: 0.1 to 30 seconds
  • Cost: 40 credits per second when duration is specified

• Looping: Enable seamless looping for sound effects longer than 30 seconds

  • Creates sound effects that can be played on repeat without perceptible start/end points
  • Perfect for atmospheric sounds, ambient textures, and background elements
  • Example: Generate 30s of ‘soft rain’ then loop it endlessly for atmosphere in audiobooks, films, games

• Prompt influence: Control how strictly the model follows the prompt

  • High: More literal interpretation of the prompt
  • Low: More creative interpretation with added variations

Prompting guide

Simple effects

For basic sound effects, use clear, concise descriptions:

• “Glass shattering on concrete”
• “Heavy wooden door creaking open”
• “Thunder rumbling in the distance”

Complex sequences

For multi-part sound effects, describe the sequence of events:

• “Footsteps on gravel, then a metallic door opens”
• “Wind whistling through trees, followed by leaves rustling”
• “Sword being drawn, then clashing with another blade”

Musical elements

The API also supports generation of musical components:

• ”90s hip-hop drum loop, 90 BPM”
• “Vintage brass stabs in F minor”
• “Atmospheric synth pad with subtle modulation”

Audio terminology

Common terms that can enhance your prompts:

• Impact: Collision or contact sounds between objects, from subtle taps to dramatic crashes
• Whoosh: Movement through air effects, ranging from fast and ghostly to slow-spinning or rhythmic
• Ambience: Background environmental sounds that establish atmosphere and space
• One-shot: Single, non-repeating sound
• Loop: Repeating audio segment
• Stem: Isolated audio component
• Braam: Big, brassy cinematic hit that signals epic or dramatic moments, common in trailers
• Glitch: Sounds of malfunction, jittering, or erratic movement, useful for transitions and sci-fi
• Drone: Continuous, textured sound that creates atmosphere and suspense

Key facts

• Maximum duration: 30 seconds per generation
• Output formats: MP3 for all effects; WAV at 48 kHz for non-looping effects
• Looping effects: Designed for seamless repeat playback — no audible start or end point
• Musical elements: Drum loops, bass lines, and melodic samples can be generated; for full music production use the Music API