Animation is a varied practice involving the creation of movement through frame-by-frame manipulation of images and objects—either tangible materials (e.g., drawn, painted, or constructed) or virtual ones produced digitally (e.g., 2D Flash or 3D Maya figures). Throughout the history of motion picture production, sound has been paired with animation in a wide range of ways, both as an accompaniment for images and the inspiration for them.

Animation sound can be divided into the three general categories applicable to other forms of motion pictures: voice, music, and sound effects. While the soundtracks of live-action media typically are dominated by voice recordings, it is common in animation to find work that contains no spoken words at all, giving sound effects and music a relatively larger role in conveying meaning.