What is Diegetic and Non Diegetic sound?

Diegetic sound is heard by the character and Non Diegetic sound isn’t heard by the characters.

Diegetic sound

• Definition: Sound that has a source within the story’s world.
• Heard by: Both the characters and the audience.
• Examples:
  • Character dialogue
  • Footsteps
  • Music from a radio or a character playing an instrument
  • The sound of a car horn or a door slamming 

Non-diegetic sound

• Definition: Sound that is added to the film and is not part of the story’s world.
• Heard by: Only the audience.
• Examples:
  • A musical score that adds drama or suspense
  • Voice-over narration
  • Sound effects added in post-production to heighten a moment 

The effects it has on the viewer

Diagetic sounds keeps the viewer connected with the character as they hear the same thing making it more emersive.In contrast, non-diegetic sound is the opposite weather it’s narroation or music it takes the viewer out of the emersion.