Non-diegetic music

Non-diegetic music refers to sound that is added to a film, TV show, or performance but isn't part of the story's world. It's what the audience hears but the characters do not, like background scores, theme music, or dramatic soundtracks. This music helps set the mood, emphasize emotions, or build tension, guiding viewers’ psychological experience without the characters being aware of it. Think of it as the soundtrack that enhances your understanding and feelings about what’s happening on screen, separate from the sounds or music that the characters themselves would naturally hear within the story.