ASMR Sounds

Q: What is ASMR and do I experience it?

ASMR is a tingling sensation some people feel in response to specific sounds. If you've never experienced pleasant tingles from gentle sounds, ASMR audio may not work for you.

Gentle sensory audio for those who experience ASMR. Only effective if you naturally experience pleasant tingles from certain sounds.

Choose Your Sound

Select from our curated collection of research-backed audio

Experimental

Kiketi ASMR

Gentle tapping ASMR from Kiketi village ambience

Experimental

Plastic Tapping ASMR

Tapping on plastic containers to relax the mind

Experimental

Crumpling Paper ASMR

Textured ASMR for sensory immersion

Experimental

Page Flipping

Subtle flipping sounds for reading ambiance

Safety & Usage Guidelines

• Start with low volume (20-30%) and adjust gradually. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can damage hearing.

• Take breaks every 45-60 minutes. Stop if you experience discomfort or headaches.

What is ASMR?

ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) is a tingling sensation that some people experience in response to specific audio or visual triggers.

You Might Experience ASMR If:

• You've felt pleasant tingles from gentle sounds
• Whispering or soft voices make you feel calm
• Tapping, scratching, or crinkling sounds are soothing
• You find certain repetitive sounds relaxing
• Hair brushing or personal attention videos feel calming

ASMR May Not Work If:

• Whispering or soft sounds seem annoying
• You've never experienced pleasant tingles from sounds
• Repetitive tapping feels irritating rather than soothing
• You prefer clear, loud audio over gentle sounds
• You find ASMR videos boring or ineffective

The Limited Research

What We Know

ASMR appears to have measurable physiological effects in people who experience it, including reduced heart rate, increased skin conductance, and feelings of relaxation. However, it only works for people who are naturally sensitive to these specific triggers.

Source: Poerio et al., "More than a feeling: Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is characterized by reliable changes in affect and physiology" PLOS ONE (2018)

Key Research Findings

Physiological changes: Measurable decreases in heart rate during ASMR experiences
Individual differences: Only about 20-30% of people appear to experience ASMR
Relaxation response: Increased feelings of calm and well-being in responders
Trigger specificity: Different people respond to different sound types

The Bottom Line

ASMR is a real phenomenon with measurable effects, but it only works if you're naturally sensitive to it. There's no way to "learn" to experience ASMR if you don't naturally respond to these triggers. The research is still limited, but what exists supports the subjective experiences that many people report.

Available ASMR Sounds

Kiketi Gentle Tapping

Soft, rhythmic tapping sounds from village ambience

Try 5min

Trigger type: Gentle tapping, ambient village sounds

Plastic Container Tapping

Rhythmic tapping on plastic surfaces with varied tones

Try 5min

Trigger type: Tapping sounds, texture variations

How to Test If ASMR Works for You

Put on headphones or earbuds for the best experience
Start with a 3-5 minute session at low volume (15-20%)
Focus on the sounds and notice if you feel any tingling or relaxation
If you feel annoyed or bored rather than relaxed, ASMR may not work for you
If you feel calm or experience pleasant sensations, try longer sessions

Research

Key studies we rely on

Concise, evidence-based references.

More than a feeling: Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is characterized by reliable changes in affect and physiology

Poerio et al., 2018 · PLOS ONE · RCT (n=1000+)

Large-scale study found ASMR triggers reliable decreases in heart rate and increased feelings of relaxation, but only in people who naturally experience ASMR.

Examining the experience of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR)

Barratt & Davis, 2015 · PeerJ · Survey Study (n=475)

Survey of ASMR experiencers found consistent patterns of triggers and sensations, establishing ASMR as a distinct phenomenon affecting approximately 20% of people.

The relationship between misophonia, ASMR and sound sensitivity

Kumar et al., 2019 · Cortex · Neuroimaging Study

Brain imaging revealed that ASMR responders have different neural responses to sounds compared to non-responders, suggesting biological basis for individual differences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ASMR and do I experience it?

ASMR is a tingling sensation that some people feel in response to specific sounds like whispering, tapping, or gentle scratching. If you've never experienced pleasant tingles from gentle sounds, ASMR audio may not work for you.

How long should I try ASMR sounds?

Start with 3-5 minute sessions. If you don't feel relaxed or experience pleasant sensations within this time, ASMR sounds are probably not effective for you. Don't force it - ASMR is either natural or it isn't.

Are ASMR sounds scientifically proven?

Limited research shows ASMR can reduce heart rate and increase relaxation in people who experience it. However, studies are small and it only works for people who are naturally sensitive to these specific triggers.

Can I learn to experience ASMR?

There's no evidence that you can learn to experience ASMR if you don't naturally respond to it. ASMR sensitivity appears to be an individual trait that some people have and others don't.

What if ASMR sounds annoy me?

That's completely normal! Many people find ASMR sounds irritating or boring rather than relaxing. If that's your response, these sounds simply aren't for you. Try nature sounds or other relaxation audio instead.

Discover If ASMR Works for You

Try a short session to see if you experience the relaxing sensations that some people get from ASMR audio.

Gentle Tapping - 5min Plastic Tapping - 3min