ASMR content has been available for many years. Most of it is hosted on YouTube. ASMR stands for autonomous sensory merididian response. Content in this category usually features ASMRtists (creators) speaking softly or making different sounds into microphones. They pretend to “apply makeup to viewers” and direct their attention to them. Signature ASMR videos emphasize soothing visuals and soft sounds or sound effects (think: gentle crackling, fizzing or scraping). They are loved by ASMR aficionados for their physical and mental sensations.

These videos can be hours long on YouTube. However, TikTok has a smaller version of the trend that is more digestible.

What exactly is ASMR?

Luna Bloom, 26, is a creator and ASMRtist. She has 1 million followers on TikTok, and 283,000 YouTube subscribers. It is described as a tingling sensation on the back of your head or down your spine and/or a trance-like feeling that helps with anxiety, insomnia, and other similar conditions.

Bloom said she had experienced these feelings throughout her life but hadn’t been able to name them. “In 2013, me, along with many others, discovered that someone had given a name and, even better, that people were creating videos with the sole purpose of inducing”.

What are ASMR videos on TikTok most often featuring?

Bloom’s Instagram account has clips of her calmly directing people to look at different objects and miming their makeup. The #ASMR tag on the app has 171.2 billion hits. The ASMRtists who generate those views eat on-camera, others speak to their audience in a quiet manner, while others organize their workspaces and mimic stressors by gesturing towards their camera. There are many content types, so it’s easy to find the niche you want.

Style and length are the main differences between ASMR content on TikTok or YouTube. The app increased the video’s time limit by giving creators three minutes instead of the previous one. However, this is still a small amount compared to YouTube’s time allotments. So instead of long-winded reenactments, TikTok ASMRtists might only be miming and giving you a quick trim. These videos were also created for mobile-first consumption. They will almost always be vertically oriented, and most likely have been shot on a smartphone.

TikTok ASMR has a dedicated audience. Bloom said that she’s seen some app users find their way to her YouTube. However, they are still separate audiences. TikTok gives ASMRtists the chance to explore and grow while also giving established YouTube creators the opportunity to expand.

Bloom states that the benefits are “amazing.” “It’s increased my audience, it’s helped me be more creative, and it’s allowed to make shorter videos when I have an idea.”

Bloom claims that her YouTube audience is more familiar with ASMR and it’s exciting to discover new users on TikTok who are learning about the content.

Nicole Villaneuva is a 28-year old makeup artist. She loves “ASMR Anything” and was thrilled to discover short versions when she joined TikTok.

Villaneuva states that the video is shorter and plays in a loop, as opposed to YouTube videos which can last up to an hour. The sounds give me goosebumps and tingles. It is a very calming feeling that helps me sleep.

What can you expect to see on the app?

Bloom states, “I would love to see more people discover their love of ASMR and I think this platform is a great space for that.” Bloom points out ASMR content’s “ability to give people a mental break while scrolling, but it doesn’t feel as if you’ve stopped for a good time.”

TikTok is for people who want to relax and be distracted for a while. ASMR content can sometimes feel abrupt if it follows a series funny clips. Bloom stated that her goal when creating content for the app’s short-form format was to “reach people where they are at and still allow them the benefit of that feeling of calm.”

It is important to feel calm when viewing certain videos. If you don’t like the mukbang (a video that shows someone eating a lot of food and making chewing and smacking sounds), then try personal attention ASMR content. Or look for creators who create texture-based sounds by striking objects or scratching them. You should look for ASMR content that creates a brain-tingling sensation. You won’t be disappointed: The app has so many options that you are sure to find the right trigger.

Villaneuva claims she is most interested in compilation videos that include a variety triggers such as tapping, scratching, and typing. She suggests that you start with @serenity11117asmr or @sassyselenaa if you want to get some recommendations.

Bloom states that ASMR can also be experienced without ASMR content. It could be in real life or in a video that is not intended to induce ASMR. It’s cool to have that happen, and I encourage you to embrace it. It might also teach you some things that can calm your mind.

She recommends that newcomers to this content search for their interests and add “ASMR” at the end. There are many options, from “gardening ASMR to “video games ASMR,” to name a few.

What can you do to maximize your ASMR experience

Bloom suggests that you keep your mind open to get the most from the ASMR content you find. You and your triggers will be different so you don’t get the same results as your sibling or best friend. It’s OK to spend some time looking for the perfect content.

She warns that even though it has become more popular, it can still be a niche and new subject, which can lead to a lot of backlash. If you feel embarrassed or a bit hesitant while exploring, you can lean into that feeling and realize that it makes sense when you try something new. It’s okay.