Due to the increase in video editing and viewing, sound effects have become an in-demand product. As a result, many sound designers may find it worthwhile to build a sound effects library from their recordings in order to make extra money. The following tips give an overview of the steps involved in making a useful library to sell online.

1. Using a mobile hand-held digital recorder, record a huge variety of 48k sample rate single hits and ambiances of all possible types.

2. Edit, normalize, filter, and eq these files in a digital audio workstation (DAW) to clean up the sounds and increase volume.

3. Mix distinct stereo .wav files at 48k 24bit sample rates if possible.

4. As you bounce each file, name them with consistent SKU numbers with three unique letters followed by 5 digits such as AOS00001 Dog Bark 1, AOS00002 Bird Chirp 1 and so on.

5. Create a master excel sheet of all your products that includes SKU number, file name, categories and sub-categories, time length, pricing, descriptions, and keywords.

6. Make different formats for all the files such as .mp3s based on 44.1k sample rate for web use and .aiffs for people who use Macs.

Shoot for creating a few thousand sound effects if you want to actually generate enough money to pay some sizable monthly bills. Find as many online outlets as possible through which to license your sounds. With a bit of determination, one can find a dozen or so online distributors willing to host and license your library.