Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this lesson you will learn how to work with audio layers and audio effects. and make a fun audio spectrum animation that is great for sharing on social media and/or promoting podcasts.
1. Importing and Adding Audio
1. Dragging Audio Files into the Composition
1. Dragging audio onto the comp window or layers panel.
2. Previewing audio with the animation by tapping the Spacebar.
2. Troubleshooting Audio Playback
1. Adjusting audio settings in After Effects settings for proper output.
2. Creating Compositions Based on Video Settings
1. Using Video to Set Composition Settings
1. Dragging video to the new composition icon to match settings.
3. Viewing and Adjusting Audio Properties
1. Twirl Open Audio Layer
1. Viewing audio levels and Waveform.
2. Keyboard Shortcuts for Audio
1. Tap 'L' to show audio properties, 'LL' to show Waveform.
3. Scrubbing Through Audio
1. Holding Command (Mac) or Ctrl (Windows) to hear audio while scrubbing.
4. Muting and Adjusting Audio Levels
1. Muting Audio Layers
1. Clicking the volume icon next to the visibility icon.
2. Adjusting Audio Levels
1. Using the audio levels property or the audio panel.
2. Animating audio levels with keyframes for fade-ins and fade-outs.
5. Creating and Applying Audio Effects
1. Adding Audio Tracks and Effects
1. Dragging audio tracks onto the composition window.
2. Using effects from the Generate category:
1. Audio Spectrum
2. Audio Waveform.
2. Creating a New Solid Layer
1. Methods to create a solid layer for applying audio effects.
2. Selecting and applying audio effects to the solid layer.
6. Customizing Audio Spectrum and Audio Waveform
1. Setting the Audio Layer for Effects
1. Choosing the correct audio layer for the effect to react.
2. Adjusting Effect Properties
1. Customizing frequencies, colors, thickness, and softness.
2. Display options: Digital, Analog Lines, Analog Dots.
7. Advanced Customization with Masks
1. Creating Masks on Solid Layers
1. Using the shape tool or pen tool to create masks.
2. Aligning and adjusting masks for dynamic audio visualizations.
2. Applying Effects to Masks
1. Selecting masks in the effect controls panel for different visual effects.
8. Practical Examples and Tips
1. Animating Logo with Audio Effects
1. Adding drop shadows and hand-drawn effects to enhance visuals.
2. Creating Templates for Reuse
1. Setting up reusable templates for podcasts or regular projects.
9. Review and Practice
1. Combining Keyframes and Audio Effects
1. Using both keyframes and effects for dynamic audio-visual animations.
2. Encouragement to Experiment
1. Exploring different effects and customizations for unique results.
In this lesson you will learn how to work with audio layers and audio effects. and make a fun audio spectrum animation that is great for sharing on social media and/or promoting podcasts.
1. Importing and Adding Audio
1. Dragging Audio Files into the Composition
1. Dragging audio onto the comp window or layers panel.
2. Previewing audio with the animation by tapping the Spacebar.
2. Troubleshooting Audio Playback
1. Adjusting audio settings in After Effects settings for proper output.
2. Creating Compositions Based on Video Settings
1. Using Video to Set Composition Settings
1. Dragging video to the new composition icon to match settings.
3. Viewing and Adjusting Audio Properties
1. Twirl Open Audio Layer
1. Viewing audio levels and Waveform.
2. Keyboard Shortcuts for Audio
1. Tap 'L' to show audio properties, 'LL' to show Waveform.
3. Scrubbing Through Audio
1. Holding Command (Mac) or Ctrl (Windows) to hear audio while scrubbing.
4. Muting and Adjusting Audio Levels
1. Muting Audio Layers
1. Clicking the volume icon next to the visibility icon.
2. Adjusting Audio Levels
1. Using the audio levels property or the audio panel.
2. Animating audio levels with keyframes for fade-ins and fade-outs.
5. Creating and Applying Audio Effects
1. Adding Audio Tracks and Effects
1. Dragging audio tracks onto the composition window.
2. Using effects from the Generate category:
1. Audio Spectrum
2. Audio Waveform.
2. Creating a New Solid Layer
1. Methods to create a solid layer for applying audio effects.
2. Selecting and applying audio effects to the solid layer.
6. Customizing Audio Spectrum and Audio Waveform
1. Setting the Audio Layer for Effects
1. Choosing the correct audio layer for the effect to react.
2. Adjusting Effect Properties
1. Customizing frequencies, colors, thickness, and softness.
2. Display options: Digital, Analog Lines, Analog Dots.
7. Advanced Customization with Masks
1. Creating Masks on Solid Layers
1. Using the shape tool or pen tool to create masks.
2. Aligning and adjusting masks for dynamic audio visualizations.
2. Applying Effects to Masks
1. Selecting masks in the effect controls panel for different visual effects.
8. Practical Examples and Tips
1. Animating Logo with Audio Effects
1. Adding drop shadows and hand-drawn effects to enhance visuals.
2. Creating Templates for Reuse
1. Setting up reusable templates for podcasts or regular projects.
9. Review and Practice
1. Combining Keyframes and Audio Effects
1. Using both keyframes and effects for dynamic audio-visual animations.
2. Encouragement to Experiment
1. Exploring different effects and customizations for unique results.
