Guide to Starting an ASMR Channel

There is no greater decision a content creator can make than choosing their niche. A close second, should you decide to enter the ASMR world, is how to actually get started. You don't want to be a complete novice with no direction (and, let's be honest, most beginners who jump in without research can still be babies in this field), and you don't want to be too rigid in your approach to enjoy the creative process either.

ASMR channels can be wildly successful when done right. The top creators rack up millions of views while essentially whispering, tapping, and making soft sounds into expensive microphones. Sounds crazy, right? But the truth is, people love it.

If you decide to start an ASMR channel, this is what awaits you.

What does ASMR stand for?

Image credit: Pexels

Let’s start with the basic term. What is ASMR? It stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. In plain English, it's that tingling feeling that runs from your scalp down your spine when certain sounds hit your ears just right.

So, what are ASMR videos and what do they do exactly? Here is a good example: When someone whispers near you or plays with your hair have you felt weirdly relaxed? Well, that's it. This brain-tickling sensation can knock you out faster than a meditation app after a 12-hour workday.

Jennifer Allen came up with a name for this phenomenon back in 2010, wanting something that sounded legit for what people were just calling "head tingles" or "that weird good feeling." Before Allen came along, describing this sensation to others made you sound like you were losing it.

ASMR triggers vary from person to person. Some people might get tingles from:

• Whispering or soft speaking
• Tapping sounds on various surfaces
• Hair brushing or personal attention simulations
• Page turning or paper sounds
• Slow, deliberate hand movements

Despite sounding like some new-age pseudoscience, ASMR has gained legitimate research interest. Studies have shown it may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality for many people. Not too shabby for something that started as a niche internet phenomenon.

So why would someone watch a 30-minute video of a person whispering into a microphone or folding towels with excruciating precision? The answer is simple: it feels good. And if some people think it's strange, well, you can just not hang out with them.

How Does ASMR Work?

The science behind ASMR is still evolving. Researchers think that it activates the same parts of your brain associated with bonding and relaxation. All those whispers and gentle tapping sounds are triggering a neurological response that just feels really good. Plain and simple.

What's really interesting here is how ASMR works differently for everyone. A sound that sends one person into tingle heaven might do absolutely nothing for someone else. It's like how some people can't stand the sound of chewing while others specifically watch only those mukbang videos.

Most ASMR triggers fall into a few categories:

• Auditory triggers: Whispering, tapping, scratching, brushing sounds
• Visual triggers: Hand movements, personal attention, slow, deliberate actions
• Role-play scenarios: Personal attention situations like haircuts, doctor visits, etc.

The effectiveness of ASMR depends on a few factors:

• Personal sensitivity: Some people simply don't experience the sensation
• Environment: Headphones in a quiet room maximize the effect
• Emotional state: Stress can sometimes block the ASMR response
• Finding your triggers: Not all ASMR triggers work for everyone

What makes ASMR really effective is its ability to create that intimacy between creator and viewer. There's something about that close-up whisper that makes people feel like you're speaking directly to them. It's why so many ASMR artists develop cult-like followings who tune in night after night.

Why is ASMR So Popular?

Anxiety. You might have been the most chill person your entire life, but modern existence is stressful. Constantly. About at least something, if not everything. If money isn't an issue, it's all the stuff you see on the evening news. If you're healthy, your job security may be at risk. It can be all of this or just some of this. It's hardly ever none of this.

ASMR offers something that's increasingly rare: genuine relaxation without a subscription fee or any side effects. ASMR provides a sanctuary to our senses and calms us down.

A psychological study of ASMR viewers showed that 82% use ASMR to help them sleep, while another 70% use it to deal with stress. When given a choice between traditional meditation apps and ASMR videos, the tingles won out time and time again.

Why? Because it feels authentic. Even when it's clearly performed, good ASMR creates a sense of being cared for. That gentle whisper saying everything will be okay? We all need that sometimes.

Beyond relaxation, ASMR has captured another valuable commodity: attention. In an era of 15-second TikToks, ASMR videos regularly hold viewers for 30+ minutes. That's practically an eternity in internet time.

The popularity breaks down like this:

• Sleep aid: The gentle, consistent sounds help quiet racing thoughts
• Stress reduction: Triggers release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin
• Sense of connection: Creates an intimate, one-on-one experience
• Background noise: Provides pleasant sound for work or study
• Community feeling: Sharing your experience among fellow "tingle heads"

Not to mention, ASMR has benefited from perfect timing. Just as mental health awareness reached mainstream consciousness, ASMR emerged as an accessible self-care tool. No wonder it took off faster than a toddler who spotted an open candy jar.

What to Incorporate in Your ASMR Videos

Image credit: Pexels

Knowing which triggers to include can make or break your channel faster than your patience when trying to assemble IKEA furniture. Certain sounds consistently rank high on the tingle meter, while others just fall flat.

Let's take a look at some of the most effective ASMR triggers:

• Whispering: This is the OG trigger. Soft, close-to-mic whispering creates that intimate experience viewers crave. Variations include soft-spoken, mouth sounds, and breathy whispers.
• Tapping: Using your fingernails, rings, or tools to create rhythmic tapping on various surfaces. Wood, plastic, glass, and metal all produce quite a distinctly pleasing sound.
• Scratching: Similar to tapping but producing a grittier sound. Try rubbing on some cardboard, cloth, or specialty scratch pads.
• Brushing sounds: Makeup brushes on microphones, hair brushing, or brushing various textures. The gentle swooshing sound is really effective for relaxation.
• Crinkling: Packaging, paper, plastic, or anything that makes that distinctive crinkle noise. A recent study showed that ASMR enthusiasts ranked crinkling in their top five favourite triggers.
• Personal attention: Role-plays where you attend to the viewer: face measuring, haircuts, medical exams. These simulate that one-on-one care that triggers strong ASMR responses.
• Ear-to-ear techniques: Binaural microphones are used to create a 3D audio experience in which the sounds move from one ear to another. This spatial quality adds a lot of depth to your videos.
• Mouth sounds: From gentle kissing sounds to tongue clicking. Some viewers love it, while others run for the hills faster than a dad who goes out to buy a pack of cigarettes.
• Liquid sounds: Water pouring, spraying, dripping. There's something primally satisfying to these sounds that many find attractive.
• Slow, deliberate movements: Hand movements, folding objects, or laying out objects with subtle precision. It gives birth to a mental image that enhances the auditory experience.

Variety is really important here. Whether it's the whispering, the tapping, the crinkling of packaging, or all of the above, maintaining a diverse trigger portfolio will keep those viewers coming back.

Popular Types of ASMR Channels

There is no greater variety in the content creation world than what you'll find in the ASMR YouTube channel community. Should you decide to explore this rabbit hole, you’re task would be figuring out which type resonates with you most.

You don't want to copy what everyone else is doing (most new ASMR creators start by mimicking the big names), and you don't want to choose something so bizarre that it alienates potential subscribers, either.

If you decide to start an ASMR channel, here are some ideas on how to start an ASMR channel by niche:

Eating/Mukbang ASMR

This is arguably the most viewed category in the entire ASMR universe. Creators like SAS-ASMR have built empires around the simple act of eating on camera. Her channel features everything from honeycomb to full English breakfasts, all consumed with deliberate attention to the sounds produced.

What makes eating ASMR so popular? It's the combination of visually interesting foods and the primal satisfaction of hearing someone enjoy a meal. SAS-ASMR isn't exclusively focused on eating sounds, though, she incorporates whispering in some videos to create variety.

With over 9.3 million subscribers, channels like SAS-ASMR prove that people will literally watch someone eat for hours. When given the choice between traditional ASMR triggers and food sounds, many viewers choose the latter time and time again.

Sleep-Focused ASMR

You might have been the most relaxed person on Earth, but insomnia hits everyone eventually. If work stress isn't keeping you up, it's that argument you had three years ago playing on repeat in your head at 3 AM.

Enter sleep-focused ASMR creators like DennisASMR. His entire channel mission is crystal clear: "Hey there insomniac! Its DennisASMR! I am here with the goal to help you get the sleep you deserve!"

These channels typically feature:

• Longer videos: Often 30+ minutes to accompany the full falling-asleep process
• Gentle triggers: Soft-spoken words, light tapping, and non-jarring sounds
• Bedtime-appropriate content: Often organized in dedicated playlists like "ASMR for Sleep"

What makes sleep ASMR really effective is its singular focus. There's something about a creator who's dedicated their entire channel to helping you drift off that builds trust with viewers.

Roleplay ASMR

The psychological study of ASMR viewers showed that many people crave personal attention. When given basic human interaction scenarios in ASMR form, viewers reported deeper relaxation and stronger tingles.

Roleplay ASMR recreates scenarios like:

• Medical examinations: Doctor checkups, eye exams, dental visits
• Personal care: Haircuts, makeup application, spa treatments
• Customer service: Hotel check-ins, shopping assistance
• Educational settings: Teacher attention, tutoring sessions

They make you feel cared for in a safe environment. The calming attention releases those warm-up hormones like oxytocin, much the same as when you get actual personal care.

Tapping and Trigger-Focused ASMR

Other ASMR creators take it a little further to the point, utilizing only precise triggers and avoiding setups altogether. These videos consist of:

• Object tapping: Using fingernails or tools on various surfaces
• Scratching: Creating textured sounds on microphones or objects
• Mouth sounds: Clicks, kisses, and other oral triggers
• Visual triggers: Hand movements, light patterns, and slow movements

The best thing about trigger-based channels is that they are efficient. Viewers know what they're getting, and YouTubers can master specialized techniques rather than creating elaborate situations.

Experimental or Creative ASMR

Some creators built their fame on being "pleasantly unpredictable" with ASMR that doesn't always neatly go into neat categories. 

These innovators keep the ASMR community fresh by constantly introducing new triggers and concepts.

Creative ASMR might include:

• Unusual objects: Things you'd never have imagined would make nice sounds 
• Mixed media: Visual art that integrates sound triggers
• Storytelling: Narrative-driven ASMR that engages multiple senses
• Technology integration: Using new recording techniques or equipment

How to Make an ASMR Video

Creating an ASMR video might seem like a walk in the park at a glance, but it takes more than just whispering into your iPhone and calling it a day. 

The difference between a video that puts people to sleep (in a bad way) and one that sends tingles down their spine is a few things that most newbies don't even think about. 

Step 1: Plan Your Content

You thought you could wing it and see what happens? Nice try. Even the videos that seem made up on the spot have some kind of game plan behind them. Figure out which triggers you will use and what order you'll do them in.

Write down a rough outline that covers:

• Trigger sequence: Map out your sound journey
• Approximate timing: How long to linger on each delicious sound
• Props needed: Your tingles toolkit
• Key phrases: If you're brave enough to speak

The ASMR channels crushing it right now all have one thing in common: structure. Just think of it as creating a tingling rollercoaster with peaks, valleys, and that satisfying final drop.

Step 2: Set Up Your Recording Space

Image credit: Canva Free

Not only will those background noises destroy your audio, but they'll have you pulling your hair out during editing. Find the quietest corner of your place and transform it into tingles central.

The ideal ASMR recording spot needs:

• Sound dampening: Blankets, pillows, anything soft to kill that echo
• Controlled lighting: Soft, flattering, nothing harsh
• Comfortable seating: Your back will thank you later
• Organized props: Within reach but out of frame

Most successful ASMRtists have some form of dedicated recording space. Even if it's just your closet with blankets pinned to the walls, your audio quality will thank you.

Step 3: Choose Your Equipment

Now, about sensitive microphones. You will notice a depletion in the old bank account when you invest in good equipment. If not simply from buying that Blue Yeti everyone recommends, chances are good you'll want to experiment with binaural setups too, hopefully securing your channel's future.

Your ASMR arsenal should include:

• Binaural microphone: For that 3D sound that makes spines tingle
• Camera with decent low-light performance: Nobody wants grainy visuals
• Tripod or mounting system: Shaky cam is for horror movies, not ASMR
• Headphones: To catch those unwanted sounds before your viewers do

For beginners, the Blue Yeti is the gateway drug to quality ASMR. Pair it with whatever decent camera you already own, and you're in business.

Step 4: Record Your Video

The first time you hit record, you'll feel like you forgot how to be a normal human being. Your movements will seem awkward, your breathing as loud as a freight train.

When recording ASMR:

• Positioning: keep a consistent distance from your mic
• Movements: only slow and deliberate
• Breath: try to be silent and effective

The ASMRtists who seem the most natural? They're the ones who recorded the same sequence fifteen times before nailing it. Practice doesn't make perfect, but it does make watchable.

Step 5: Edit Your Video with Flixier

Everyone around you will go the distance to convince you that you need the most expensive editing software possible. Not that much, anyway. But start simple and grow. Debt reduction vs. increased earning potential. These are just some of the things new ASMRtists in their first year now focus on.

A surprising number of top ASMRtists report spending more time editing than recording. With Flixier cutting that time nearly in half, you might actually have time for a social life.

Your editing checklist:

• Remove any background noise: nobody wants to hear your neighbour's dog
• Balance those levels: the difference between a whisper and a scream
• Smooth transitions: no jarring jumps between triggers
• Add your branding: make them remember you

You thought premium editing software was the only way? You'll feel like you've been overpaying once you see what Flixier offers at just $10/month. That's less than two Starbucks coffees (tips included).

Step 6: Optimize for Upload

It may seem all the rage right now to just hit upload and hope for the best, but that's just hype. Optimization is really important here.

Before uploading your ASMR video:

• Export in 1080p or 4K
• Use MP4 format 
• Test those audio levels across different devices
• Create a worthy thumbnail

Advice on Sound and Setup

There's no getting around it: sound quality can make or break your ASMR channel. The difference between amateur hour and professional tingles often comes down to your recording environment and equipment setup.  

From 2014 to 2023, soundproofing techniques for ASMR have evolved from simple blanket hacks to dedicated recording spaces. If you want your whispers to sound professional rather than like you're recording in a bathroom, this is what you need to know:

Soundproofing Basics

Some of the best and easiest solutions are just nailing blankets to the wall with enough space that the air pockets and mass help absorb sounds from within. This low-budget approach works surprisingly well for beginners.

Your soundproofing strategy should include:

• Wall treatment: Heavy blankets, acoustic foam, or professional panels
• Floor dampening: Carpets, rugs, or foam mats under your recording area
• Door and window sealing: Weather stripping to block external noise
• Background noise elimination: Turn off fans, AC, and other humming devices

Strategic placement of everyday items can work wonders. Noise reduction vs. complete silence. These are just some of the things practical ASMRtists in their first year now focus on.

Microphone Positioning

You need to find your mic placement sweet spot. If you miss this, let's just say your viewers might not stick around for long.  

Research on ASMR audio preferences reveals that ideal spatial distance from various types of stimuli is crucial for triggering the desired response. Different triggers require different microphone approaches.

For optimal microphone positioning:

1. Distance matters: Usually 6-12 inches works best for most triggers
2. Angle appropriately: Slightly off-axis reduces breath noise
3. Test different positions: Each trigger may need unique placement
4. Use a pop filter: Essential for whispered content

Audio Settings

When your audio is too quiet or distorted, you’ll start losing views. If not simply from the frustration of constantly adjusting volume, chances are good they'll click away within seconds, hopefully not before you've had a chance to demonstrate your ASMR skills.

Play with the gain to get the best sound quality. If it's set too high it will pick up a lot of unwanted noise (unless you are intentionally doing lo-fi), setting it too low and you won't capture all of the nuanced sounds that are an important ingredient to eliciting tingles. 

Optimal audio settings include:

• Gain level: Usually lower than you might expect (25-50%)
• Sample rate: 44.1kHz or 48kHz is standard for most platforms
• Bit depth: 16-bit is sufficient for ASMR content
• Recording mode: For Blue Yeti users, stereo or cardioid modes work best

Testing Your Setup

Now, about quality control. You will have some confidence issues when you listen back to your first recordings. From the background noise you didn't notice while recording to your setup, hopefully before investing in expensive equipment.

Before committing to a full recording session:

1. Record short test clips: 30 seconds of each trigger
2. Listen with different devices: Headphones, speakers, phone
3. Check for unwanted noise: Air conditioning, computer fans, outside sounds
4. Adjust and repeat: Refine your setup based on test results

Your setup doesn't need to be perfect, but attention to the above audio fundamentals will set your channel apart from the thousands of poorly recorded whisper videos cluttering YouTube.

How to Promote Your ASMR Channel

There's no greater challenge for a new ASMR creator than getting those first few hundred subscribers. Don't forget about maintaining growth once you've established your channel. 

From 2016 to 2023, YouTube searches for ASMR grew over 200% year-over-year, according to Think with Google statistics. If you want your whispers and taps to stand out in this crowded space of over 5.2 million ASMR videos, you'll need a solid promotion strategy. 

Create Platform-Specific Content

You thought you could just upload your full ASMR videos and call it a day? The algorithm gods demand sacrifice in the form of platform-optimized content.

• YouTube Shorts: Create 60-second vertical clips of your most tingly moments. These appear in the Shorts feed and can drive traffic to your main videos.
• TikTok: Repurpose your most visually interesting triggers into 15 to 60-second clips. ASMR videos tagged on TikTok have been viewed over 370 billion times. 
• Instagram Reels: Similar to TikTok, but consider the slightly different audience demographics. Around half of ASMR viewers are between 18 and 24 years old. 

An overhauled social media presence is essential. Many successful creators recommend using multiple platforms to promote your content, with each offering awesome opportunities to showcase different aspects of your ASMR style. 

Consistency Builds Audience Trust

The ASMR landscape has become incredibly competitive with an estimated 500,000 ASMR channels on YouTube alone.

• Post on a regular schedule: Whether it's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, stick to it.
• Use a content calendar: Plan your videos and promotional posts in advance.
• Maintain visual consistency: Develop a recognizable thumbnail style and channel aesthetic.

Engage With Your Community

Less "me" time is the reality once you start growing your channel. Even if your initial audience is small and your videos are the exact opposite of viral, you need to engage actively with your followers actively. 

In 2021, there were more than 65 billion views of videos related to ASMR, so tapping into this massive audience requires your undivided attention and engagement.

• Respond to comments: Answer questions and acknowledge any feedback, even if's good or bad.
• Create community posts: Share updates, polls, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Join ASMR groups and forums: Reddit's r/ASMR, Facebook groups, and Discord servers are great places to connect.  

Collaborate With Fellow ASMRtists

Know that unique ASMR creator who specializes in unusual triggers? They might be your ticket to a wider audience. Popular ASMRtists like ASMR Darling and Gibi ASMR have seen their collaboration videos receive 50% more views than their average videos.

• Guest appearances: Appear in each other's videos or create split-screen collaborations.
• Shoutouts: Mention other creators whose work you admire.
• Collaborative projects: Join ASMR challenges or themed video series with multiple creators.

Collaborations not only increase immediate viewership but often translate to subscriber growth for both channels. 

Master YouTube SEO

The ASMR space is crowded with content. "ASMR" was the most searched term on YouTube in 2024, with 5.8 million global searches. Standing out requires strategic optimization.

• Research keywords: You can use some niche tools like TubeBuddy, VidIQ, or Google Keyword Planner to find popular ASMR-related search terms.
• Optimize titles: Include your main trigger and "ASMR" in the title.
• Write detailed descriptions: Include timestamps, trigger lists, and naturally incorporate keywords.

Track Your Analytics

Youtube algorithm changes have a real impact on viewership patterns. You need to understand these patterns if you want your channel to have a future.

• Watch time: Identify the exact triggers which keep your viewers engaged the longest.
• Traffic sources: Learn where your viewers are coming from.
• Audience demographics: Understand who's watching so you can better serve them.

If something is the same quality but is being recommended differently, that indicates an algorithm change or a major shift in viewership.  

Repurpose Content Strategically

Everyone says creating fresh content is the only way. Not necessarily. With over 11 million ASMR videos published on YouTube (and 1.3 million in a single month), standing out requires smart content management.

• Create compilations: "Best triggers of the month" or "Top 10 tingle moments" videos.
• Transform long videos into shorts: Crop and use the most engaging moments for short-form content.
• Audio-only versions: Share your content as podcasts or on audio platforms.

The Whisper That Becomes a Roar

There's no greater adventure for an ASMR creator than watching your channel grow from obscurity into something that touches lives. Although it might sound scary at first and seem like a challenge to you now, building your ASMR channel will be the most beautiful thing. 

This new road is a beautiful adventure. It comes with many challenges but also with many moments of pure and innocent joy. I guarantee that your first viral video will melt you, that the first sponsorship opportunity will delight you more than you thought.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did ASMR start?

The contemporary history of ASMR began on October 19, 2007, when a user named "okaywhatever" posted about a peculiar tingling sensation on a health forum at SteadyHealth.com. 

The actual term "Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response" wouldn't appear until 2010, when Jennifer Allen coined it to give the experience a proper name. YouTube saw its first deliberate ASMR content uploaded in 2009, setting the stage for what would become a global sensation.

Is ASMR good for you?

You thought meditation was the ultimate relaxation technique? You'll feel like you've been missing out once you experience ASMR, and not just from the tingles. Also, the science backs it up:

• Stress reduction: Studies show ASMR can significantly lower cortisol levels
• Improved sleep: Many report falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer
• Pain management: Some chronic pain sufferers use ASMR as a complementary therapy

Why does ASMR make you sleepy?

ASMR induces sleepiness through its profound relaxation effects and stress reduction properties. The experience triggers the release of oxytocin and other calming hormones that help the body transition into a rest state.

This explains why so many people watch ASMR content before bedtime. The deep relaxation resembles a meditative state, naturally leading to drowsiness as the body's fight-or-flight response powers down.

Why does ASMR make you tingle?

Those distinctive tingles that start at the scalp and cascade down the spine occur in response to specific auditory or visual triggers. While researchers haven't fully mapped the neurological mechanisms behind ASMR, evidence points to the release of dopamine and serotonin during these experiences.

Some scientists theorize connections to synesthesia or suggest the tingles represent the body's natural tension-release response. Whatever the exact cause, the sensation serves as a physical manifestation of the relaxation response.