Netflix viewers lose it as they 'work out' where iconic loading sound comes from

Some Netflix viewers think the iconic 'tudum' noise has a controversial origin which many people aren't aware of.

Whether it be booting up a classic like Stranger Things or the latest season of Squid Game, you would have certainly heard the loading sound before.

Apart from the fact of it being iconic nowadays, you may have wondered where it actually comes from.

Well, it appears many Netflix viewers have worked it out.

Subscribers will know that when you click on the show you want and are hit with the iconic ‘tudum’ - a noise that has become as well known as the streaming service itself.

One theory online as to the origin of it is doing the rounds, and it's certainly sparked conversation online.

"It’s so funny that Netflix now claims a different, brand safe origin for their 'tudum' sound to distance themselves from Kevin Spacey/House of Cards despite it clearly being a slightly modified version of how Season 2 ended," one Netflix viewer penned on Twitter.

They then posted a clip of Spacey hitting the table in the Oval Office on two separate occasions, which certainly doesn't sound too dissimilar to the ‘tudum’ noise.

It’s so funny that Netflix now claims a different, brand safe origin for their “tudum” sound to distance themselves from Kevin Spacey/House of Cards despite it clearly being a slightly modified version of how Season 2 ends: pic.twitter.com/BcYWuMpK1n https://t.co/iDzYQrhOIG

— F♯A♯∞, fka ☕️ (@coopercooperco) February 19, 2025

Fans were shocked, with one posting: “Holy s**t, never knew this”, and another saying: “Yeah, it’s hilarious how they’re rewriting history when the connection is so obvious. The House of Cards ending 'knock' is literally the blueprint for tudum!”

And a second added: "Lollll I actually never noticed this is where it was from."

Netflix has never outright addressed it being from House of Cards due to the controversy surrounding Spacey, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by 15 different people, which he denies.

The streamer has however offered their own origin on the matter.

Netflix Vice President of product Todd Yellin says he worked alongside Lon Bender, an award-winning sound editor to create the sound.

The company wanted a sound which could introduce shows and films, which led to ‘tudum' being born.

Spacey himself agrees with those on Twitter, and believes the loading sound is inspired by himself.

"You know what that is? [bangs coffee table twice] Boom, boom. According to your research, my influence is felt every time every customer opens the app," he said in 2023.

LADbible Group has contacted Netflix for a comment.