The Internet, particularly social media, is a world of bizarre trends.
Surprisingly, many weird things that pop up from these platforms become such a huge hit that everyone seems to hop on to the bandwagon of creating their own versions of it.
YouTube, the biggest video-creating platform, is the top spot for witnessing the latest internet trends. One such is called ‘ASMR.’
Surprisingly, YouTube is a visual platform, but the ASMR trend (essentially a sound-oriented one) is the most popular here, with millions of people enjoying it and creating their own versions.
So, what does ‘ASMR’ mean on YouTube, and why is it popular?
‘ASMR’ stands for ‘Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response’ on YouTube or anywhere else. ‘ASMR’ videos produce a tingly sensation releasing hormones like endorphin, dopamine, and oxytocin that are triggered by specific sounds. At the end of the experience, one is bound to feel relaxed and calm.
Let’s explore more on ‘ASMR’ and why it is such a popular trend on YouTube.
What Is ‘ASMR’ and How Popular Is It on YouTube?
‘ASMR’ stands for ‘Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response,’ and it was coined in 2010.
It is hard to describe ‘ASMR,’ but if we try, then we can say that it is a tingly sensation, almost like a goosebump that begins from the back of the head (or probably the skull) and travels past the entire body to the limb (well, that’s how ASMR makes most of the people feel).
And all this is triggered as a stimulus to certain sounds.
Now, scientifically speaking, when these relaxing sounds are played, like someone speaking calmly or munching KFC crispy chicken, this triggers three hormones in the body of listeners — endorphin, dopamine, and oxytocin.
These hormones release a surge of pleasure and satisfaction.
That’s why you feel relaxed and go into a happy place watching someone making relaxing sounds in ASMR videos.
These sounds can be someone munching on crackers, mukbang, tapping on skincare products with long nails, flipping pages or typing, brushing their hair, chewing, humming, scratching, or talking slowly.
The idea is to generate sounds that provide a pleasant sensation, almost relaxing and soothing.
The relaxing rain or nature sounds (like fire crackling) are very popular ASMR videos on YouTube. “The Relaxed Guy” ASMR videos are the most popular on YouTube, with over 90 million views.
Now, this kind of sensation or feeling is not experienced by everyone the same way.
But, seeing the popularity of such videos on YouTube, as there are over 5.2 million ASMR videos here, we can safely say that most people feel the same way. That’s why ASMR is the biggest hands-on trend on YouTube.
Another testament to ASMR’s success is the fact that it is the most searched thing on the second biggest search engine, i.e., YouTube.
ASMR is the most popular trend on YouTube, with over 5.2 million videos. The top ASMR video gained over 16 million views alone.
Why Are ASMR Videos on YouTube So Popular?
ASMR is a popular trend for a variety of reasons.
Reason #1: Makes People Sleep Better
Yes, that’s right!
According to the Sleep Foundation, though there is no proven research on whether ASMR makes you sleep better directly, it is proven that brain tingles help many people to sleep better because of the release of the hormones (dopamine and oxytocin).
Many netizens have claimed they sleep well when watching ASMR videos before sleeping.
So, if you are an insomniac, know a good ASMR video can fix it for you!!
Reason #2: Makes You Relaxed and Stress-Free
ASMR videos are related to relaxation.
These sounds are so subtle, but their impact on your mental state is outstanding.
These calming sounds can help you unwind the day’s stress and sleep like a baby at night. If you are stressed out, know a good ASMR video can fix it.
Reason #3: Create Your Brand Experience for Consumers
ASMR videos have now become an important part of many brands’ marketing strategies, mainly food and cosmetics/skincare.
This is why you can see various popular brands like KFC creating ASMR videos with their crunchy chicken.
Consumers resonate well with the whole experience the ASMR videos create.
Some even feel satisfied, as if they have eaten the food showcased in the videos.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that human beings are always searching for ways to feel homely and at peace, and it is ridiculous that they can find it from strange sounds made from doing normal stuff in ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) videos.
No matter how simple the idea is, its impact on our brains is phenomenal.
Next time, if you cannot sleep well or are stressed out, simply go to YouTube and search for some ASMR videos (perhaps of fire crackling or thunderstorms), close your eyes, and feel it.
Your brain will do all the work, and at the end of it, you will sleep like a baby.
