ASMR
Scalp-tingling audio genre
ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response—a tingling sensation that typically begins on the scalp and moves down the spine, triggered by specific auditory or visual stimuli.
Common triggers include whispering, tapping, crinkling sounds, and gentle personal attention.
The term emerged online around 2010 to describe this phenomenon, which some find deeply relaxing.
ASMR now labels a genre of videos designed to induce this response: I watch ASMR to fall asleep.
Breathy, near-silent speech
- tappingRepeated light striking
- scratchingRaking with nails
- crinklingMaking small creased sounds
- brushingSweeping motion with bristles
typing · role-play · breathing · lip-smacking · mukbang
Momentary shiver of feeling
- goosebumpsRaised skin from cold
- shiversInvoluntary bodily trembling
- chillsShivering spells from illness
- euphoriaIntense emotional high
pleasurable · relaxing · soothing · calming · sleep-inducing · trance-like · hypnotic · dreamy
Using both ears
- stereoTwo-channel audio system
- microphoneAudio input device
- headphonesWearable speakers for ears
- soundscapeAcoustic environment's character
ambient · lo-fi · layered · spatial · ear-to-ear · panning · crisp · sensitive
Producer of online media
- microphoneAudio input device
- binauralUsing both ears
- recordingCaptured audio or video
- videoRecorded moving imagery
YouTube · livestream · Twitch · channel · subscriber · headphones · ear-to-ear · role-play
State of proximity
- whisperSpeech without full voice
- comfortEase or soothing relief
- caringShowing kind concern
- nurturingSupportive care-giving
gentle · soothing · one-on-one · soft-spoken · reassurance · pampering · trust · bedtime
whispering
Breathy, near-silent speech
- tappingRepeated light striking
- scratchingRaking with nails
- crinklingMaking small creased sounds
brushing · typing · role-play · breathing · lip-smacking · mukbang
frisson
Momentary shiver of feeling
- goosebumpsRaised skin from cold
- shiversInvoluntary bodily trembling
- chillsShivering spells from illness
euphoria · pleasurable · relaxing · soothing · calming · sleep-inducing · trance-like · hypnotic · dreamy
binaural
Using both ears
- stereoTwo-channel audio system
- microphoneAudio input device
- headphonesWearable speakers for ears
soundscape · ambient · lo-fi · layered · spatial · ear-to-ear · panning · crisp · sensitive
content-creator
Producer of online media
- microphoneAudio input device
- binauralUsing both ears
- recordingCaptured audio or video
video · YouTube · livestream · Twitch · channel · subscriber · headphones · ear-to-ear · role-play · cosplay
closeness
State of proximity
nurturing · gentle · soothing · one-on-one · soft-spoken · reassurance · pampering · trust · bedtime · relaxation
- sleep aidsmelatonin, sleeping pills, sleeping pill, sleep aid, Ambien
- audiosound, headphones, audio track, volume control, sound recording
- entertainmentmovie, movies, films, band, television
- videosvideos, clip, clips, video clip, films
- relaxationrelax, naps, break, rest, calm
- YouTubegaming channels, vlog, vlogger, YouTube, beauty gurus
ASMRmisophonia
Sound-triggered emotional disorder
nails on a chalkboard · cacophony · teeth grinding · sensory overload
ASMRjump scare
Abrupt frightening moment
startle response · fight-or-flight · stress response · adrenaline rush · panic
- ASMR artistProducer of relaxing sensory content