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ASMR, Extra

How ASMR Became a Sensation

First seen in a YouTube video from user “okaywhatever” in 2007, ASMR videos have become a particularly common niche many creators take part in today. The tingling sensation ASMR videos bring is not something everyone is able to experience, but for those who do, it can be addicting. The ASMR experience is relaxing and even sensual for some, brought on by a variety of stimuli including whispering, typing, tapping and much more.

Those who are able to experience ASMR typically describe the feeling they get from these various stimuli as “brain tingles”; a tingling sensation that travels from the back of the head down the spine. The overall feeling is often related to a “natural high”, where those who get the tingling feeling akin it to a certain euphoria one may experience during sex or with certain drugs.

Beyond simple feelings derived from ASMR, those who experience the tingling sensation are affected biologically as well. Brain imaging studies done on those that experience ASMR are seen to have increased brain activity in areas related to feeling emotion and empathy. From these observations, it can be seen that those who experience ASMR are often more empathetic and emotional overall.

Currently, many entertainers on Youtube and other platforms engage in ASMR videos, acting out different scenes and scenarios while incorporating popular stimulating sounds. But how do people make ASMR videos?

Most ASMR artists invest in quality materials, including good recording gear and a decent place to record their videos. For best results, those who record ASMR entertainment ensure they have a quiet, preferably sound-proof area to record to avoid sound interference in these intimate videos. To maintain the integrity of their sounds, ASMR artists also invest in good recording materials to ensure all these various sounds are as crisp as possible.

ASMR videos are nothing without a great microphone, though: a high-quality microphone is necessary to pick up the various stimuli, including whispers, taps, and other sounds. What’s even more critical about these microphones and recordings, though, is to avoid irritating the listener. Some sounds, such as hard “S” sounds that become sharp, or letters that may cause a bubble-like sounds like “P”, “T”, or “B” can be disturbing to listeners and take them out of the ASMR trance.

To choose the best microphone, ASMR artists must consider what is compatible for their computer and recording systems, as well as their budget. The Yeti microphone, or a Zoom H4N, are highly rated microphones that don’t cost too much to purchase.

Today, there are thousands of “ASMR-tists” on Youtube and other platforms that have made careers out of ASMR videos. Some of the most popular creators include Latte ASMR, Gentle Whispering ASMR, and Gibi ASMR. These creators are known for their consistently unique scenes in their videos where they incorporate a range of ASMR sounds, ranging from those centered around personal touch such as hair brushing or back rubbing, to verbal affirmations and whispering, and much more.