Ray gun sounds have become a staple of online soundboards because they are instantly recognisable and extremely short, which suits fast-paced short-form video. Creators reuse the same kind of laser zap across gaming highlights, reaction memes and cartoon-style edits, where a single blast can signal a shot, a joke landing or a character being caught out. Its popularity endures because it needs no explanation: one brief zap tells the audience exactly what kind of playful, sci-fi moment they are watching.