The Hidden Role of Sound in Everyday Apps

Ever notice how much you rely on your phone’s little sounds, until they’re gone? I had that realization recently, after missing a couple of messages because my phone was on silent. Suddenly, I felt a little lost. It’s funny how these tiny audio cues become such a big part of our daily routines, even though we rarely pay them any real attention.

So, I started thinking: how much do music and sound actually shape our app experiences? Sure, we all know about the Netflix “ta-dum” or the iPhone’s “tri-tone”, but what about the more subtle stuff like the background music in a meditation app, the “sent” swoosh in a chat, or even that gentle nudge when you finish a workout? 

If you’re a product manager, a tester, or just someone who’s ever been startled by a notification, this is for you.

Why do apps even bother with sound cues?

Let’s be honest: nobody downloads an app just for the notification sound. But when a sound is off, too loud, too harsh, or just plain annoying, you notice. And you probably notice with the first interaction.

There’s a reason for that. Sound is basically your app’s way of tapping you on the shoulder. Sometimes it’s a gentle nudge, like “Hey, you’ve got mail!” But sometimes it’s a little more urgent and feels like a jolt (looking at you, alarm).

I remember reading about research on user interface sound design. The Interaction Design Foundation notes that well-designed audio feedback helps users complete tasks faster and make fewer mistakes. I’ve experienced it myself: when an app gives you a satisfying “Sent!” sound, you don’t have to double-check if your message went through. You just know.

But honestly, sometimes it’s less about science and more about habit. We’re so used to these cues that when they’re missing, it’s like someone moved the furniture in our digital living room.

A quick trip down memory lane

Remember when phones only had a handful of ringtones? My first phone had a “beep beep” that could wake the dead. Now, apps are hiring composers to create signature sounds.

Some of these have become weirdly iconic, like the iPhone’s “tri-tone,” Slack’s “knock brush,” and Netflix’s “ta-dum.” I can’t be the only one who’s heard that Netflix sound and immediately felt like it was time to relax.

But here’s the thing. These sounds aren’t just about branding. They’re functional. They’re designed to be easily recognizable, so it’s hard to confuse them with anything else, and not annoying after hearing them the hundredth time, although even the best sound gets old over time if you hear it enough.

Where sound sneaks in and why it matters

At times, we don’t even pay attention to the sounds our apps make, but in their absence, the difference can definitely be felt. This is because they play an important role. Here’s how:

Feedback and guidance

Ever hit “send” and waited for that little whoosh? That’s not just for fun. It’s your app’s way of saying “Hey, I got this!”. I’ve tested apps where the sound was missing, and it feels surprisingly disorienting. You end up second-guessing yourself, tapping again, or worse—sending the same message twice.

Setting the mood

Some apps go all in for setting the mood. Thoughtful soundscapes, background music, or subtle audio cues can create a sense of immersion and emotion that visuals alone can’t achieve. Whether it’s a meditation app calming the user or a video game audio building tension, sound helps shape the overall experience and keeps users engaged on a deeper level.

I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for a good workout playlist. There’s something about the right song at the right time that makes you want to push just a little harder.

Branding and identity

A lot of companies want their app to “sound” like them. Netflix, Discord, Slack, they all have signature sounds. It’s subtle, but it works. I once worked on a project where we spent hours debating whether a notification should be a “ding” or a “chime”. You’d be surprised how much that matters to people.

Accessibility

This is huge. For users with visual impairments, sound is essential. A well-placed audio cue can make an app usable for everyone.

Screen readers, for instance, rely heavily on audio feedback to describe on-screen elements and guide users through navigation. Incorporating thoughtful sound design ensures that these tools work seamlessly and that no user is left behind.

Real-world examples 

Before diving into examples, it’s worth noting that companies are becoming more intentional about how their apps sound. A distinctive audio cue can act like a mini logo. It’s something users recognize instantly, even without looking at their screens. But when sounds are poorly designed or overused, they can just as easily irritate or distract.

• Messaging apps: WhatsApp, Messenger, and Slack each have their own notification sounds, and you could probably identify them just by ear. Slack’s “knock brush”, for instance, is designed to be soft enough for frequent use but still recognizable. The downside? When notifications pile up, even a pleasant sound can quickly become stressful.
• Fitness apps: Strava and Nike Run Club use motivational sounds to signal achievements or milestones. These cues can boost engagement and energy, but if they trigger too often, they start to feel repetitive instead of rewarding.
• Meditation apps: Calm and Headspace rely on gentle music, rain, or ambient tones to create a soothing atmosphere. When done right, the sound fades into the background. When not, it risks becoming distracting rather than relaxing.
• Productivity tools: Forest and Noisli use background sounds, like forest noise or café chatter, to help users focus. The challenge here is balance: sounds that are too loud or too short looped can end up breaking concentration instead of supporting it.

Ever wondered how apps manage to keep calls clear by suppressing background noise and echoes? If so, I can recommend a great piece on Testing Noise Suppression and Echo Cancellation in Apps. It’s a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making sure you only hear what you’re supposed to.

The psychology bit

It’s easy to say “ sound = dopamine = happy user”, but that’s only part of the story.

Sound can also create stress, like “Hello, you’ve received a work email at 10 pm” or even nostalgia. There’s a reason some people still use the old Nokia ringtone as a joke - it triggers memories.

I’ve noticed that the best app sounds are the ones you barely notice, until they’re gone. They’re like seasoning in a good meal: subtle, but essential.

Best practices for making app sounds

Designing sound for apps isn’t just about creativity—it’s about balance, usability, and accessibility. Here are a few key principles to keep in mind:

• Keep it simple. If your app sounds like an arcade, you’ve gone too far. Subtle, purposeful sounds enhance the user experience without being overwhelming or distracting.
• Test on real devices. Emulators can’t tell you if your notification is way too loud on Android or iOS. Testing in real environments helps you understand how sounds behave across different hardware and volume settings.
• Give users control. Let them mute or change sounds. This not only improves user satisfaction but also shows respect for users’ environments and personal preferences.
• Don’t forget accessibility. Always have a visual cue for every sound, and make sure sounds work well with screen readers to support users with visual impairments. Inclusive sound design ensures your app is usable by everyone, regardless of ability.

Tips for product managers and testers

If you’re in charge of designing or building an app, don’t treat sound as an afterthought. Work with designers, listen to the feedback, and test, test, test. And if you’re a tester, make sure audio is part of your checklist. I’ve seen too many apps where the sound was the last thing anyone thought about, and it showed.

The future of sound

App sound design is becoming smarter. Some apps let you pick your own sounds, or even use artificial intelligence to generate music that matches your mood.

I’m curious to see where this goes. Maybe one day, your app will know when you need a gentle nudge, or when you just want peace and quiet.

Conclusion

Next time you get a notification, pause and listen. That sound is doing more work than you think. It’s guiding your attention, shaping your emotions, and even communicating information before you’ve looked at your screen.

For product managers, testers, and anyone building apps: don’t underestimate the power of a good or bad sound. It’s one of those little details that can make or break your users’ experience. A well-designed sound can make an app feel polished, intuitive, and accessible, while a poorly chosen one can frustrate users or exclude those who rely on audio cues. Treat sound as part of the user interface, not an afterthought, and you’ll build apps that truly speak to everyone.