Soundtracks are often considered mere background music for films, when in fact their role is much deeper. Audio itself is half of the cinematic experience, and one element that often confuses audiences is the difference between sound design and soundtrack. Although both involve sound, their functions are different: sound design builds the acoustic foundation that makes the world of the film feel real, while the soundtrack is the emotional “spice” that binds the audience through feeling.
What is Sound Design?
Sound design is the process of creating, recording, processing, and arranging sounds to suit the needs of the story. It’s not just about sound effects like gunshots, footsteps, or creaking doors, but also includes building an audio atmosphere that makes the film’s world feel alive.
If you watch A Quiet Place (2018), you’ll notice how quiet the film is… but that silence itself is part of the sound design. The sounds of sighing, fabric rubbing, and even the characters’ breathing are processed in such a way that the audience feels tense.
Sound design usually includes:
- Foley – artificial sounds that are re-recorded in a studio, such as the sound of shoes on a wooden floor.
- Ambience – background sounds such as wind, traffic, or birds chirping.
- Sound effects – explosions, bangs, or the sound of a door being slammed.
- Audio manipulation – altering pitch, tempo, or sound effects for dramatic effect.
In essence, sound design is the art of building a world through sound.
What is a Soundtrack?
A soundtrack is a collection of music used in a film, either in the form of existing popular songs or original music (original score) created specifically for the film. If sound design is the world, then the soundtrack is its mood.
For example, in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), the playlist of retro songs such as “Hooked on a Feeling” is not just background music, but also shapes the character and tone of the film. The audience feels like they are “vibing” with Star-Lord.
Soundtracks are usually divided into two types:
- Original Score – music created specifically for a film by a composer (e.g., Hans Zimmer in Interstellar).
- Compiled Soundtrack – a collection of songs selected according to the theme and mood of the film (e.g., 80s songs in Stranger Things).
While sound design focuses on audio reality, soundtracks focus on emotions.
Functional Differences
| Aspects | Sound Design | Soundtrack |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Creating a realistic soundscape that supports the story. | Adding emotional depth and mood to the story. |
| Element | Foley, ambience, sound effects, audio manipulation. | Instrumental music, popular songs, original scores. |
| Goal | Making the world of film feel real. | Strengthen the audience’s emotions and mood. |
| Process | Recorded, processed, and adjusted to the scene. | Selected or created according to the theme and emotion of the story. |
To put it simply: sound design makes you believe in the world of the film, while the soundtrack makes you care about the characters.
Examples of Use in Films
1. Powerful Sound Design
Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk (2017) has sound design that makes your heart race. The sounds of aircraft engines, gunfire, and even the waves on the beach are mixed in such a way that the audience feels like they are on the battlefield.
2. Memorable Soundtrack
La La Land (2016) wouldn’t be as magical without the music of Justin Hurwitz. Songs like “City of Stars” immediately immerse the audience in the romance of the film.
Sometimes the two support each other. For example, in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), the roar of engines and explosions (sound design) are combined with adrenaline-filled tribal music (soundtrack) to make the audience feel like they are constantly being chased by time.
Why Are Both Important?
Imagine if a horror film didn’t have a suspenseful sound design—the sound of slow footsteps in a dark hallway, creaking doors, or the heavy breathing of characters. It would definitely feel lacking.
Conversely, a drama film without an emotional soundtrack would definitely feel bland. Scenes of separation or reunion would not feel sad or happy if they were only accompanied by ambient sounds.
- Sound design ensures that you believe what you see.
- The soundtrack ensures that you feel what is happening.
Both work together to make the film a complete experience.
Tips for Beginner Filmmakers
If you are making a short film or video project, try to pay attention to the following:
- Separate sound design and music work—don’t mix them up. Create different folders so you don’t get confused.
- Use references – listen to movies or series you like, then analyze their sound design and soundtrack elements.
- Pay attention to audio balance – sound effects shouldn’t drown out dialogue, and music shouldn’t distract the audience.
- Don’t be afraid of silence – sometimes, silence can be more powerful than music or sound effects.
- Use royalty-free music if your budget is limited – many platforms provide free music for indie film projects.
Read also: 15 Film Genres and Their Various Subgenres.
Sound design and soundtrack are both important, but they are not the same thing. Sound design is the backbone of audio reality, while the soundtrack is the bridge to the audience’s emotions. When both are done well, a film can leave a deep impression—not just in the mind, but also in the heart.
So, next time you watch a film, try to notice: are you being drawn into the world that’s been created, or are you being carried away by the music? If the answer is “both,” then that film really knows how to play with audio.
