You don't have to wait for your old television to glitch just to capture that crackling static sound effect, nor do you need to go through the hassle of piecing together low-quality audio files to create a similar one.
Many TV static sound effects are easy to download and ready to use anywhere you need them. Looking for something unique or more specific? You can also generate custom static sounds to get you the exact effect you want.
We'll show you the best places to find and download TV static noise, along with how to apply it directly to your projects, only in one platform.

In this article
Part 1. How TV Static Sound Effects are Used in Media
TV static sound effects carry a very distinct audio texture. It's a mix of hissing, crackling, and white noise. You can use them in different ways, such as:
- Adding suspense: In horror videos, static noise is often layered right before a jump scare or creepy reveal to build tension.
- Nostalgia: Retro edits and old-school montages use static to mimic the feeling of flipping through analog channels. TV static noise can give the audience that nostalgic vibe of watching late-night television.
- Signaling a glitch: YouTube creators and gamers like to pair static noise with quick cuts and visual distortion to create the effect of a broken signal or corrupted footage.
This sound effect works best when it's paired with visual overlays like flickering frames, VHS filters, or screen distortions like the clip below.

Part 2. Download & Generate TV Static Sound Effects
Most people spend time hopping between websites to grab different versions of static noise. But you don't have to do it if you are using Wondershare Filmora. This video editor lets you download TV static sound effects and even generate custom ones on the same platform.
Filmora gives you access to a built-in sound library where you'll find static, glitch, and other effects that fit right into your edits. If you're looking for something more unique, itsAI Sound Effect Generatorcan help you generate one based on the text prompt you input.

Download TV Static Sound Effects from Filmora's Library
You can find and download the TV static sound effects in Filmora by navigating to Audio > Sound Effects. There are different kinds of sounds that you can preview first.
If any of the effects sound perfect for your project, you can immediately download and use them in your project.


















Find More TV Static Sound Effect in Filmora!
- Drag and drop the sound onto the timeline.
- Select the audio track to open editing options.
- Use the right-side panel tools to adjust speed, control volume, and apply other edits.
Generate Custom TV Static Using AI
For generating a custom TV static noise, Filmora's AI Sound Effects generator is accessible through the same Audio tab. It creates a few sound effects variations from the text you input. For the duration, you can set the length you need before generation.
01 of 04Go to the AI Tools panel
In the top menu, head to Audio and select AI Audio > AI Sound Effects.

02 of 04Enter Prompt for Creating TV Static Sound Effects
Pick the option to create a new sound effect. Here, you can type in prompts like “TV static noise,” “glitch crackle,” or “retro static background.” You can also select tags, such as Abstract, to give your ideas and add related keywords into the prompt box.

03 of 04Adjust the Sound Effect Duration
Open settings and use the slider to set the length of the sound effect.

04 of 04Preview and Apply
Once generated, preview the sound. If it feels right, drag it onto your timeline. You can also layer multiple versions together for a richer effect.

Part 3. Pair TV Static Noise with Video Overlays in Your Projects
Your TV static effect is now ready, but it may feel incomplete without matching visuals. Still using Filmora, you can enhance it by pairing the sound with:

- Glitch Effects / TV Noise Overlays: You can add built-in glitch or static overlays to mimic the look of an old screen.
- Blend Modes: Import or find TV static assets from the library (video or PNG) and apply Screen or Overlay mode to blend them with your footage.
- Retro/Old TV Filters: Use Filmora's vintage filters to instantly create the classic television vibe.
Follow the steps below on how to do it.
01 of 04Import a Video or Photo to Filmora
Import or drag a video clip image into the Filmora media library, then place it on the timeline.

02 of 04Apply Glitch Effects or TV Noise Overlays
To give your clip a distorted look like TV static, head over to the Effects tab and search using keywords like “TV static.” From there, download and drag your selected effect onto the timeline above your media to apply it.

Tip: Use the tools in the right panel to adjust the effects. You can layer multiple effects to get the result you want.
03 of 04Import and Blend Assets
Import additional static assets, such as PNG textures or video overlays, from your local folder or Filmora's Stock Media library. Then, add them to the timeline. Select the track and set the Blend Mode to Screen or Overlay to merge them with your footage.

04 of 04Apply Retro/Old TV Filters
Finish off the look by applying Filmora's filters. Go to the Filters tab and search for a filter you like. Then, drag it to the timeline.

💡 You Might Like This: Give Your Image a Retro Look to Match the Effects
Not feeling like the content you add to your project fits well enough? You might want to stylize it using Filmora's AI Image Stylizer. Choose from templates and presets inspired by vintage artwork, then apply them to your image with just one click.

To apply this effect, import and drag and drop the image you want to edit to the timeline. Select it and head to the Image > AIGC tab on the property panel. After enabling the Image Stylizer option, you'll get to select and generate the effect for your photo.

Part 4. Explore More TV Static Sounds from Online Libraries
Besides relying on Filmora, you can also find and download more television static sound effects from online libraries and bring them to Filmora later on for edits. These files are usually available in MP3 or WAV format, which are widely supported for use in most projects.
1. StoryBlocks
StoryBlocks is a subscription-based online library platform where you can find various high-quality stock media, including sound effects. The subscription starts from $15/month (billed annually) for 5 downloads/month. For unlimited downloads, it costs $30/month (billed annually).

2. Pixabay
Pixabay is a free option to download TV static noise. It's a community-based platform where users can upload and share sound effects, music, images, and videos. All content is released under the Pixabay license, which can be used freely for personal or commercial projects.

3. Myinstants
Unlike most platforms, Myinstants has a unique soundboard-style interface. You get to preview the sound by pressing the big button on the page. To save it, you can select the audio name and find the download option. The sounds are free for personal use, although the ads on the site can be bothersome.

Conclusion
TV static sound effects are good for adding suspense or giving a retro feel to your content. If you need one, you can download static sounds or even generate a custom noise with AI in Filmora. There's no need to jump on multiple platforms just to find the sound you need.
This video editor is all you need to keep your workflow simple. Combine static noise you download with glitch overlays, blend modes, and vintage filters in Filmora, and you'll have everything to make that old, classic television look in your projects.