8 brilliant ASMR channels to help you relax

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ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response, and it refers to the tingling sensations certain people feel when they hear specific sounds, or 'triggers', like gentle tapping on an object, the tearing of paper or whispering. There's an infinite number of triggers and seemingly an infinite number of YouTube channels dedicated to the craft, which is meant to relax its listeners and help them sleep. Here, we've rounded up eight of our favourite channels, including top dogs in the industry and a few lesser-known names.

GentleWhispering ASMR

Run by Maria Viktorovna from Russia, GentleWhispering ASMR is oft considered one of the OGs of the community. Maria's channel has been around for nearly a decade and has over 1.2 million subscribers. With so many years of accumulated experience, her videos feature practically every ASMR trigger imaginable – brushing, tapping, mic massaging and, of course, gentle whispering. This channel is the perfect choice for newcomers to ASMR and veteran enthusiasts alike.

ASMR Darling

Similar to GentleWhispering, ASMR Darling – created by Taylor Darling from the US – has been around for quite some time. Her channel has over 2.45 million subscribers, and her most-watched video has over 34 million views. Her triggers include tapping and scratching sounds, brushing, whispering and much more. This is another channel that's great for ASMR beginners.

ASMR Zeitgeist

Created by Munich native Michael Richter and boasting nearly 1.5 million subscribers, ASMR Zeitgeist is for the 'sweet insomniacs, tingle lovers and everybody else'. Michael's channel features standard triggers like ear massaging and mic brushing, but also includes many more unique triggers like containers full of Orbeez, all done with the help of sidekicks like his microphone Frank (pictured on the left) and other various microphones. His whispered German accent is quite soothing, and he even has some content exclusively in German. Wunderbar...

Nite Shift ASMR

Though not a top contender in terms of subscribers, US-born ASMRist Anthony has made a name for himself with his signature glowing contacts and eerie on-camera persona. His videos are somehow both relaxing and slightly unsettling, with his piercing stare and triggers like tapping on knives and glass or using layered vocal effects. It's creepy, quality content for his devoted fans, whom he calls the Nite Crew.

FredsVoice ASMR

Yes, the dashing Englishman could practically be a stunt double for Chris Hemsworth, and he knows it – he's got several Thor-themed ASMR role-play videos to show he's in on the joke. Superheroes aside, FredsVoice's videos consist of triggers like barbershop sounds, tuning forks and a long list of character role-plays from flight attendant to the aforementioned god of thunder. He's rather entertaining, and while ASMR usually focuses on audio, the man certainly ain't half bad to look at, either.

Goodnight Moon

In terms of sheer creativity and entertainment value, this channel takes the cake. The channel's creator, Erin Timony from California, delivers a top-notch ASMR experience with her videos, particularly her fantasy world series Babblebrook. The series features nearly a dozen different characters, each with distinct hair and makeup, clothing, personality, set design and backstory – all played by Erin herself. This channel takes ASMR to new heights, so if you're looking for something magical, give Babblebrook a visit.

ASMRTheChew

This channel is an acquired taste, pun intended. Miss Spirit Payton from the US records her videos using a sound that many people usually find off-putting: chewing. Her most popular video by far was released in 2017, wherein she munches on a dill pickle for nearly ten minutes – to date, the video has over 32 million views. Other videos feature her munching on pop rocks, lollipops, crisps... anything, really. This channel's not for everybody, but if mouth sounds are your thing, you're definitely in for a treat.

Ephemeral Rift ASMR

American ASMRist Paul's channel is a mix of Goodnight Moon in terms of creativity and Nite Shift ASMR in terms of creep factor. His channel has hundreds of videos, and features a wide number of characters, many of whom play a role at the Arkham Sanitarium for Mental Rehabilitation (see what he did there?). Be buried alive by the eccentric Nurse Margaret, have a chat with a half-man, half-rhino... there's any number of odd scenarios to choose from, each with their own unique triggers.