Diegetic and Non-Diegetic Sound in Your Video Marketing Strategy

Spin Creative • October 3, 2023

Never underestimate the power of sound in your video marketing strategy. 

A long exposure photo of a blue light wave on a black background.

Just like in the movies, sound plays a pivotal role in shaping the emotional landscape of your marketing content. Understanding the concepts of diegetic and non-diegetic sound can be your secret weapon in crafting videos that truly resonate with your audience.


Diegetic vs. non-diegetic sound explained


Diegetic sound is the kind of sound that characters within your video can hear and experience. It creates an authentic atmosphere and contributes to the immersion of your story. Whether it's the music at a concert or the sounds of the beach, diegetic sound enhances the realism of your narrative.


Non-diegetic sound, on the other hand, exists solely for the benefit of your audience. It's the background music, voiceover narration, or sound effects that guide your audience's interpretation and evoke emotions. Non-diegetic sound allows you to manipulate the viewer's perception and enhance the impact of your story.


The beauty of these concepts is that they often coexist within the same video, just like in the movies. Think of a scene where your character is dancing at a concert while the audience enjoys the music as well – that's diegetic and non-diegetic sound working in harmony.


Non-diegetic sound can even venture into the territory of trans-diegetic sound, where the boundaries between the two blur. This can create intriguing effects, such as characters interacting with voiceover tracks, adding a touch of humor and breaking the fourth wall.


Leveraging sound in your video marketing toolkit


So, how can you leverage this knowledge in your video marketing strategy?


·      Consider the emotional journey you want your audience to embark on. Are you aiming for authenticity and immersion, or do you want to guide their emotions with carefully chosen background music and sound effects? Knowing when to use diegetic and non-diegetic sound is crucial.


·      Think about the storytelling potential of sound. Just like a movie soundtrack can elevate a film's impact, the right music and sound effects can make your video marketing content more engaging and memorable.


·      Don’t be afraid to experiment with trans-diegetic sound. Mixing the boundaries between diegetic and non-diegetic sound can add a unique touch to your videos and create memorable, shareable moments.


Use sound to leave a lasting impact on viewers 


Sound is a powerful tool in your video marketing arsenal. Diegetic and non-diegetic sound, along with their intriguing cousin, trans-diegetic sound, offer you a wide range of possibilities to craft engaging and immersive narratives that captivate your audience. Need help leveraging the power of sound in your video marketing arsenal? Say hello to Spin Creative. Our expertise in harnessing the power of storytelling through visuals, sound, and creative innovation ensures that your brand's message not only reaches your target audience but resonates with them on a profound level.



About Us
Spin Creative is a video production company and creative agency helping marketers create winning video and creative strategies that engage, inspire and activate targeted audiences. Spin is headquartered in Seattle with offices in San Francisco and London, serving brands around the globe.

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