Definition of ASMR#
Definition from Wikipedia:
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is also known as spontaneous sensory neural response. It is a tingling sensation that typically starts at the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and spine. It is a pleasant form of abnormal skin sensation that can be compared to auditory-tactile synesthesia and may overlap with the feeling of shivers.
I started listening to ASMR around high school, initially on Bilibili, where I had only heard videos from creators like Xuanzai and "Sister Fox." Now, after listening to so much, I rarely feel that tingling sensation anymore, which is referred to as immunity among ASMR audiences.
Classification of ASMR#
It is difficult to provide a detailed classification of ASMR, as I wouldn't dare say I've listened enough. After all, listening with headphones can be taxing on the ears. Below are some categories based on what I've heard.
Video and Audio Types#
First, there are two types: visual triggers and auditory triggers. Some ASMR can be enjoyed just by listening, while some creators add their own gestures, props, lighting, etc., which can create additional effects.
Sound Classification#
Sounds can be roughly categorized into oral sounds (kqy, guppy), ear licking, ear cleaning, tapping sounds, friction sounds, breathing, aloe vera gel or other liquids, eating sounds, and sounds from various props. Most videos will include multiple types of sounds to enhance the effect.
Audio Channels#
Mono audio means that both ears hear the same content, while stereo audio allows your left and right ears to hear different sounds simultaneously or lets one ear rest. Some microphones can create the sensation that sounds are coming from within the skull.
Microphones#
Among ordinary-shaped microphones, Røde and Zoom are the most common for me, as I don't know much about microphones, so I won't categorize ordinary-shaped microphones.
Others:
- Binaural microphones like 3Dio
- Neumann KU 100, which simulates the shape of a human head
Voiced and Unvoiced#
This includes speaking, with part being soft whispers and another part being narrative performances.
Visual Trigger Classification#
Includes gesture guidance, specific location triggers (for example, some people like noisy environments like supermarkets or classrooms), changes in lighting, use and tapping of props, and some special effect videos.
Special Classification#
Other creators produce edited highlights, collaborative videos. The difficulty in classifying ASMR likely stems from the continuous inspiration of creators, leading to an increasing variety of ASMR video and audio possibilities. I will continue to add new directions and classifications as I discover them.
Others#
Of course, none of the above includes adult content. In fact, as mentioned by Wikipedia, many creators have released videos classified as ASMRotica (ASMR erotic), which are intentionally designed to be sexually stimulating. This article will neither recommend nor evaluate this content.
Recommended ASMR Creators#
The following recommendations are in no particular order:
- Zhima 芝麻对辣 asmr
- JY’s ASMR
- coconut 椰砸
- MIAOW ASMR
- 清影助眠
- Aftynrose
Why I Listen to ASMR#
I initially listened to ASMR for that electric-like stimulation. The first time I experienced ASMR was indescribable; hearing my favorite trigger sounds would give me a tingling sensation all over my head. But now, it has become a habit. Listening to ASMR helps me relax quickly, fall asleep faster, and clear my mind of pre-sleep thoughts.
Some Tips for Listening to ASMR#
- In-ear headphones provide a better experience; I personally use AirPods Pro 2.
- Don’t listen for too long at once, or you might get ear infections.
- It’s best to set a timer to stop listening before sleep. One way to do this on an iPhone is to use the timer - enable stop playing when the timer ends. It’s best to make this a shortcut so that no matter what player you use, you can easily turn off the screen with one click after playing a video.
- Keep the volume low. If it still feels loud at the lowest volume, you can use shortcuts or adjust it to a lower volume with your Apple Watch. Prolonged high volume in in-ear headphones can damage your ears.
- Remember to clean your ears infrequently.
- Recommended players: VLC/FileBall.
Other Sounds I Like#
Specifically, sounds that help me sleep:
- Some soothing Lofi Music
- Instrumental Jazz; I recommend Benect, which can linearly or curvilinearly decrease the volume over time. This design is excellent and is a great feature for an ASMR or pre-sleep audio player.
- Handpan
Some ASMR Websites#
- YouTube, the largest free site
- Bilibili, for re-uploaded or domestic creators
- https://www.asasmr4.com/
- https://www.theasmrindex.com/zh
- Paid videos are generally on YouTube membership channels, Bilibili paid videos, Aifadian, Patreon, XXXXfans, and other paid content communities.
In Conclusion#
- There’s a lot I want to say about ASMR, but I don’t need to ramble on.
- There’s a lot of content sharing on Telegram, but I still hope that if you have the means, you support your favorite creators.
- Don’t wear headphones for too long! Pay attention to the volume!