If you frequent YouTube, chances are you’ve heard of ASMR. The sometimes-strange videos have gone viral for their peculiar content, but people making fun of the videos often miss the point.
So, what is the point of ASMR videos? Maybe you’re even wondering what they are in general. These questions and more will be answered in this handy-dandy guide to ASMR, written by someone who’s been addicted for years!
What does ASMR stand for?
ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. A mouthful, right? It basically means a spontaneous feeling caused by a trigger. A trigger can be anything that causes a pleasurable or relaxing response. It is usually a sound, sight, or touch that causes people to experience ASMR.
Where are ASMR videos found?
ASMR videos are most often found on YouTube. The goal of these videos is to relax or induce “tingles” in the viewer.
What are Tingles?
“Tingles” are what people call the pleasurable feeling experienced when watching an ASMR video. They typically start at the scalp and travel down the spine. However, not everyone who watches ASMR experiences tingles. These people simply watch for the relaxation benefits.
You might’ve already experienced ASMR tingles before and just didn’t know what they were called. Have you ever had someone lightly run their fingertips over your arm, or play with your hair? Did you get goosebumps and a pleasant feeling as a result of this? Congratulations! You’ve felt tingles!
What types of ASMR videos are there?
There are many different triggers that cause ASMR, so there are many different categories of ASMR videos.
Common videos are Sounds Videos. These videos feature an ASMRtist (the YouTuber) making sounds for the viewer. They usually use a binaural microphone, which causes the viewer to experience the sound as if it were all around them, kind of like surround-sound. Any object can be used to make satisfying sounds, and the 3D sound effect makes the experience so much more enjoyable.
The ASMRtist will sometimes also whisper as they make the sounds. Whisper Videos are what ASMR has become known for in the public eye. People often find it funny or weird, but the whispering is to create an atmosphere of relaxation for the viewer, who may be using the video to fall asleep. If whispering isn't your thing, there are also soft-spoken videos.
A personal favorite of mine is Roleplay Videos. Roleplay videos are exactly what they sound like. The ASMRtist plays a character or role. For example, a popular type of roleplay video simulates a trip to the eye doctor. The ASMRtist will wear a lab coat and usually have an eye chart in the background. They will ask you to read the letters off the chart, etc. This is called personal attention, which is a common trigger for tingles. It’s when the ASMRtist gives the viewer interactive attention as if they were really interacting with you.
There are many more types of videos, but I urge you to watch them for yourself to see which you prefer.
Why do people watch ASMR videos?
People watch ASMR for relaxation, tingles, sleep, stress relief, and many more reasons. Many with anxiety or insomnia rely on the videos nightly to help them relax and sleep. I love to watch them for tingles, entertainment, and relaxation as well. Be careful not to watch too many, though, because you can experience ASMR immunity.
What is ASMR immunity?
ASMR immunity is when someone watches too many ASMR videos in a short time period. This reduces their ability to feel that nice tingling sensation that triggers can give. For this reason, I recommend a few videos a day to make sure your tingles are always super strong. If you do notice your tingles are fading, just take a break for a week and you should be ready to tingle again in no time.
Who are some ASMRtists to watch?
There are hundreds of ASMR channels on YouTube at this point in time, and it’s a personal journey to see who you like best. Some of my favorites are as follows:
There are tons and tons more than I’ve listed, and they all have their own unique style of ASMR. I encourage you to watch some different types of videos and see what you like, because I believe ASMR has a video for everyone. The benefits are numerous, and what college student doesn’t need some hardcore relaxation?
Enjoy and happy viewing!