Here’s the thing, people will forgive a slightly grainy video, but they will not forgive bad sound. If your audio is crackly, hollow, or hard to hear, most viewers will click away within seconds. And that’s a shame, because your message could be amazing. But no one is sticking around to hear it.
This applies whether you’re shooting a commercial video, a brand story, or a scrappy piece of content for social. Audio is half the experience, and sometimes it’s the half that matters more.
1. Bad Audio Distracts From Good Visuals
Imagine watching a beautifully shot Toronto videography piece where every frame looks cinematic, but the dialogue sounds like it was recorded in a tin can. Instead of paying attention to what’s being said, the audience is thinking about how weird it sounds.
Your camera equipment can be top-of-the-line, but if you rely on the built-in mic, you’re gambling with the quality of your entire project.
2. Good Audio Builds Trust
Crisp, clear sound immediately makes a video feel more professional. Whether you’re selling a product, telling a story, or teaching something new, good sound makes your audience feel like they can trust you.
That trust is critical in commercial video work, it’s the difference between looking like an amateur project and a polished piece ready for broadcast.
3. How to Level Up Your Audio
Here’s where it gets practical. You don’t always need to spend a fortune on audio gear, but you do need to pay attention to it.
Use an External Mic: A lav mic or shotgun mic will outperform your camera’s built-in audio every time.
Monitor Your Sound: Wear headphones while recording so you can catch issues before they ruin a take.
Treat Your Space: If you’re indoors, throw down a rug, close the curtains, and kill reverb where you can.
4. Fixing Audio in Post is a Pain
Yes, there are tools to clean up noisy audio, but they’re time-consuming, imperfect, and expensive. Getting it right during production will save hours in post and produce a better result.
—
Bottom line: sound isn’t an afterthought. Treat it with the same care as your camera equipment and lighting, and your videos will instantly feel more polished and professional.
At Unusual Media, we put just as much attention into the audio as we do into the visuals. Because whether it’s a commercial video or a quick brand reel, great sound is what keeps people watching.