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Game Show Sound Effects

These free game show sound effects cover a whole quiz round: a correct ding, a wrong buzzer, a drum roll, a rimshot, applause, a gong and a wah-wah for a missed answer. Click a button to play it, or download any sound as an MP3.

A sound for each moment of a quiz round

Most rounds follow the same shape. Start with the countdown beeps or the gong, build tension with the drum roll, then land the answer with the correct ding or the wrong buzzer. A short fanfare or applause rewards a winner, and the sad wah-wah is a gentle way to say better luck next time.

The crowd ooh works for a near miss, and the rimshot is there for the host's joke that did not quite land.

Run it from the keyboard

Each button has a hotkey printed on it, so a host can keep both hands free: 1 for the first sound, 2 for the second, and so on. Press Space to stop everything at once if a long sound such as the drum roll or gong should end early. Turn on "One at a time" if you never want two sounds to overlap.

Inspired by the genre, not copied from it

Broadcast game shows use recorded sounds that belong to their producers. These are different: each one is synthesised from scratch by this site, so the buzzer is an original buzzer. Because of that they carry a CC0 licence and you may use them in a classroom, a pub quiz, a video or a stream without asking anyone.

Questions people ask

Are these the same sounds as on TV game shows?

No. They are original sounds made by this site to do the same job: signal right, wrong, suspense or applause. Nothing is sampled from television, so they are free to reuse.

Which sound should I use for a wrong answer?

Use the Wrong Buzzer for a clear no, the Sad Wah-Wah for a gentler miss, or the Error Beep if you want something less theatrical. All three are on this page or in the alerts group.

Are these sounds free to use in videos and streams?

Yes. Every built-in sound is original synthesis released under CC0 1.0, so you can use it in videos, streams, games, lessons and commercial projects with no payment and no credit. See the sound licence.

Can I use these in a classroom quiz?

Yes, and there is a version with bigger buttons and a full-screen mode on the classroom soundboard.

How long is the drum roll?

About 3.6 seconds, building from a soft roll to a loud finish with a crash. Press Space to stop it early.

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