The exact source of this specific no signal clip is unclear, but sounds like this come from the familiar audio language of television faults, disconnected inputs and broadcast interruptions. Online, the no signal sound effect became a handy shorthand for technical failure, cringe and sudden comedic shutdown. It is still widely used in short-form edits because viewers instantly understand the cue: something broke, the moment crashed, or the speaker has been jokingly cut off by the edit.