What in the world is ASMR? What is it used for? What does it stand for? What the heck is it this sorcery?!
ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, and is a tingling sensation that usually begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine. This sensation is usually brought on by listening to relaxing and satisfying sounds (or “triggers” like nails tapping, hair brushing, lip/mouth sounds, whispering, etc.
An ASMRtist is someone who creates these sounds for an audience, who in turn uses the audio to help them sleep, or to help with anxiety, or to simply enjoy. The sounds themselves can give the listener tingles that can be felt on the scalp, down their spine, etc. This effect isn’t guaranteed for everyone, but even those who don’t feel the tingles can still enjoy the calming sounds of ASMR.
ASMR audio is often combined with pleasing visuals like lights or hand movements.
ASMR videos and live feeds can be found on TikTok, Youtube, Instagram, and Twitter.
Have questions? Just ask! The ASMR community is very open and welcoming.
ASMR can help with sleep disorders, anxiety, and it can aid in concentration and focus.
ASMR is on the rise with the biggest fan platform being TikTok.
While the concept of ASMR has been around for over a decade, it wasn’t until recently that scientists started researching it. The biggest topic of discussion in the ASMR research field is why exactly ASMR triggers cause tingles, and why it effects some people but not others.
The founder of ASMRUniversity.com, Dr. Craig Richard, hypothesizes that ASMR triggers could be directly related to the brain chemical oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. It induces a feeling of relaxation and comfort in a non-sexual manner.
ASMR is best experienced through headphones or earbuds, especially since most ASMRtists will create their audio in stereo – giving you a 4D experience of sounds around you as they move around the microphone.
Ready to try ASMR for youself? Grab your favorite pair of headphones and explore the spotlighted channels below. Being as TikTok is currently the #1 social media platform for ASMR, all of the links below will take you to TikTok. Although many ASMRtists also have accounts on other platforms as well, so be sure to explore!
Quiet speaking, nail tapping, gluesticks, energy plucking, affirmations and more
Soft speaking, personal attention, water globes, plucking, light triggers and more
Below are frequently asked questions about ASMR and the online community.
ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, and is a tingling sensation that usually begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine.
Other than just pure enjoyment, ASMR can be used to help with sleep, anxiety, and concentration and focus.
Surprisingly no - some people do not get the "brain tingles" that ASMR can produce. However, this shouldn't stop you from exploring ASMR further as there are countless of different "triggers" and you may end up finding one that you enjoy even without the tingles.
While some scientists suggest ASMR can produce the brain chemical oxytocin (the love hormone), this is non-sexual in nature and simply provides one with a calm and comforting feeling.
When visiting a live feed of an ASMRtist, is it known etiquette to always be polite, respectful, and open minded. If you wish to request a specific "trigger", please refrain from doing so until the current trigger being performed is nearing the end, or if the ASMRtist has specifically asked. And of course - be kind to one another 🙂
While you can find ASMRtists and channels on a number of social media platforms such as Youtube, Instagram, and Twitter - TikTok is currently the #1 platform for the ASMR community.