Over the past decade, Youtube has become widely popular. It has a great variety of videos like comedy, educational tutorials, science experiments, and more. However, there is one type of video that has been hiding in the shadows for sometime now: ASMR.

ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. ASMR videos are targeted toward people with anxiety, depression, and insomnia.These videos are where someone whispers gently into a microphone and creates “triggering sounds.” These sounds are supposed to make one tingle from the top of the head and travel to the top of the spine, making a person feel relaxed and euphoric. What causes the euphoric feeling is the brain releasing endorphins while listening to certain sounds. Such sounds can range from water being poured out, light fingernail tapping, brushing hair, soft whispers, scratching, and even the sound of one chewing.

Some videos can be over an hour, but on average are about 20-30 minutes.

There are even entire Youtube channels that only do ASMR. The people who conduct these videos are known as “ASMRists.” Some have over one million subscribers on Youtube.

With the sudden boost in popularity, many people have enjoyed and used these videos for relaxation and meditation. However, many have found the videos “creepy” and “disturbing to listen to.”

Even with the mixed reactions, ASMR has taken the Internet by storm.

These videos not only have someone creating sounds with objects, but they can also have roleplaying scenarios. Such scenarios include vampires, a comforting boyfriend, a doctor’s visit, and even being in a college class.

Most ASMRists use binaural microphones to make the viewer feel more connected. The binaural microphones are designed to make the sounds go to only one side separately instead of both at one time.

ASMR can also be used to combat suicidal thoughts and bring awareness to mental health. Although not much scientific research has been put into ASMR, many believe it can also help with depression.  

Whether one listens to ASMR to combat insomnia, anxiety, or just to relax, ASMR has made its way into people’s lives.