(Nexstar) – Since 2015, Netflix viewers have been bl-linked to the eardrum with punchy sonic phrases that play before the original programming, with the streamer’s signature “Tudum” sound.
However, the origin of its sound has become a topic of conversation among online conspiracy theorists in recent years.
What exactly is the sound of “Tudum”?
Netflix’s own sound designer explains that the “Tudum” sound heard in the Netflix intro is based on a recording of wedding rings knocking on furniture. Created by Oscar-winning sound designer Ronvender. He thrusts the noise of his ring into the cabinet in his bedroom, then mixes it with the sound of a hammer hitting the anvil.
“To add different qualities, I’ve sweetened it with other things, which is normal for us in the film industry,” the vendor revealed in an episode of the 2020 “2000 Hertz” podcast.
For the final touches, Bender and composer Charlie Compagna installed synth-like ham (or “flowers”) using guitars containing effects, and placed them directly after knocking noise.
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Is there any reason to doubt the origin of the sound of “Tudum”?
Over the years, some Netflix viewers have expressed skepticism about the vendor’s explanation. Instead, they theorize that “Tudum” noise is merely a reused sound effect from the 2014 episode of “House of Cards.” They believe, specifically, the “Tudum” sound (or an early version of it) was first used in the final scene of the show’s second season.
Among other social media platforms, these theories shared on Reddit and Tiktok, Lon Bender’s story about the wedding ring is a deliberate attempt by Netflix to downplay the connection with Kevin Spacey, which was removed from “House of Cards” amid accusations of sexual misconduct.
“It was marketing to try and distance yourself from the show,” one Reddit user argued in a 2022 discussion about the origins of the “Tudum” sound.
The Netflix logo will appear in photo illustrations in Edmonton, Canada on January 28, 2025. (Artur widak/nurphoto via Getty Images)
Netflix representatives refused to comment on these theories and began to cycle more recently on Tiktok and Reddit. On the other hand, the vendor’s description appears to be one of the only record accounts of the origins of the “Tudum” sound from internal sources.
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In any case, Netflix appears to have achieved its goal of creating memorable sound logos that viewers will closely associate with streaming services.
Former Netflix executive Todd Yellin said in his own interview with “2000 Hertz” that he believes the sound of “Tudum” was successful because of how “cinematic” it was. Again, he also admitted that he is a fan of the previous version. This was different from the current “tuduum” in that it actually contained the sound of a bray, including the sound of a real goat.
“It was funny. I thought it was quirky. And it was our version. [MGM’s] Leo the Lion,” Yellin said. “So for a while we stayed with the sound of goats. I thought it was a fun time.”
