A few years ago, I stepped away from all spiritual practices, including meditation, despite having just learned its “how-to.” This spiritual “fast” lasted 10 years. Yet, without realizing it, I continued meditating—through ASMR videos on YouTube.
For those unfamiliar, ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) is described as a tingling sensation, often starting on the scalp and moving down the neck and spine, triggered by auditory or visual stimuli. It’s a euphoric, calming experience akin to synesthesia. By 2018, over 13 million ASMR videos were available on YouTube, designed to evoke this response.
As a child, I experienced ASMR but didn’t know it had a name or that others shared it. I vividly recall feeling tingles when my sister pretended to do my makeup, or when my 8th-grade algebra teacher’s voice triggered ASMR during one-on-one lessons. Decades later, I discovered ASMR was widely recognized and even celebrated, thanks to a This American Life podcast episode. It introduced me to a community of creators making videos specifically to trigger ASMR, and I was hooked.
ASMR videos often feature triggers like whispering, tapping, or role-plays that simulate calming environments, such as salons or classrooms. Over time, these videos have become more sophisticated, resembling small films designed to help viewers relax. While the original focus was on evoking ASMR, the genre has shifted toward general relaxation. For some, including me, these videos are profoundly calming; for others (like my wife), they can be irritating.
The soothing effects of ASMR can alleviate insomnia, anxiety, and even depression. I’ve also found these videos to be a gateway into meditation, particularly for those who’ve never practiced it before. Watching ASMR kept me spiritually open during my decade-long hiatus from intentional meditation. ASMR videos cultivate present awareness—the same state of mindfulness that traditional meditation aims to achieve. By focusing deeply on a sound or voice, the mind quiets, leaving only pure awareness.
It’s remarkable to think that millions of people watching ASMR videos are unknowingly meditating. While ASMR isn’t a substitute for deeper spiritual practices, it can prepare the mind for more focused meditation later. This cultural phenomenon is planting the seeds of mindfulness in a generation that might never have explored it otherwise.
I’m planning to create my own guided relaxation ASMR videos soon. In the meantime, I encourage you to explore the genre for yourself. Here are three videos I’ve found particularly helpful in my meditation practice.