Have you ever watched a video that sent a chill up your spine, made your head tingle, or helped put you to sleep? If so, have you ever wondered why? What caused you to have such a visceral reaction to an image, a noise, a word, or a sound?

Well, if you are like millions of other people, it could be due to ASMR.

What is ASMR?

ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which creates a "calming, pleasurable feeling" that relaxes both the body and the mind. Or, to put it another way, ASMR creates physical and psychological effects on the body which make one "calm, peaceful, relaxed, mildly sedated... [and] create the ideal mental environment for sleep," according to NestMaven.

That said, those who have experienced ASMR describe the sensation as "reflective" and "meditative." It's a tingling sensation that is both soothing and serene.

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The stimuli that trigger an autonomous sensory median response vary from person to person; however, the best ASMR videos include clacking, mouth sounds, soft spoken words, tapping, whispering, manipulation of smooth, fluid objects (like slime and glue), and the idea that someone is touching your face or head — also known as role-playing ASMR.

What are the risks of ASMR?

For those who have never had the experience, they may wonder: can ASMR be dangerous?

Well, unless you consider sounds of rain, tapping, whispering or gentle clacking risky, there's no harm in ASMR. The purpose of ASMR videos is to relax the listener, help them fall asleep, and reduce stress.

While it may not be dangerous, are ASMR videos addicting? Since addictions are a way to self-medicate and block out uncomfortable emotions — as a result of trauma or a threatening experience — ASMR is intended to be the opposite.

Unfortunately, a lot of people may rely on these videos to unwind, quell anxiety or go to sleep. Problems can arise when people use ASMR videos to escape life, just like using substances or acting on impulsive behaviors.

If you find that your social life is dwindling, you cannot focus or become irritated without the videos, or have no control as to how many to watch, consult with a professional — these are signs of an addiction.

What are the best ASMR YouTube channels?

Now that you know all about ASMR, let's get familiar with all the ASMR channels available right at your fingertips. There's an unending supply of ASMR videos on YouTube, where some accounts and ASMR artists have over 1 million subscribers! 

Who is the most popular ASMR YouTuber? Those familiar with YouTube agree that Gibi ASMR, whose real name is Gibi Klein, puts out some of the best ASMR on the site. Popular videos of Gibi ASMR include tingles, role plays, relaxation, and even cosplay. She has 2.85 million subscribers.

While Gibi ASMR is the most popular, who is the highest paid ASMR artist? That title goes to Jane ASMR, who is from South Korea. With 10.4 million subscribers, she makes $500,000 per month for her food and eating ASMR videos. As of November 2020, she has a net worth of $25 million!

20 Best ASMR Videos

If you've never listened to ASMR before, take a look below. Then, press play, and sit back and relax for a calming experience.

1. [ASMR] Slime Triggers! from Gibi ASMR

With whispering, tapping, squishing, and pulling, this ASMR video is perfect for those who are stimulated by the visual and the auditory.

2. ASMR Mechanical Keyboard from ASMRSurge

With 25 minutes of tapping and clacking, this video is best for those who find repetitive noises relaxing.

3. Zen Garden Sleep AID from Made In France ASMR

If visual triggers are your thing, this video may be for you. No talking, just someone moving sand in a hypnotic and relaxing way.

4. 10 Hours of Tapping, Crinkle, and Trigger Sounds from Massage ASMR

If repetitive hand motions and their accompanying sounds are your thing, this video is perfect for you. And bonus: it's 10 hours long!

5. Simple Pleasures ASMR Soft Spoken Personal Attention from Gentle Whispering ASMR

Gentle Whispering ASMR combines role-playing with whispering to make an intriguing and completely hypnotic piece. Lay back and let yourself go.

6. Dark & Relaxing Tapping and Scratching on Wooden Things by Gibi ASMR

Gibi ASMR — a popular ASMR YouTuber — explores the variations of auditory stimuli by tapping and scratching on wooden boxes.

7. ASMR Soap Carving from ASMRSurge

If scratching sounds relax you, this video will be right up your alley. It's also visually appealing and full of ASMR triggers.

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8. ASMR Candy Eating & Kiss from ASMR PPOMO

For those who find eating, smacking, and chewing appealing, this video is the perfect mix of these similar (yet varied) sounds.

9. TAPS for YOUR NAPZzz ASMR from Gentle Whispering ASMR

Another tapping video, this piece is sure to soothe the most restless soul.

10. How To Make Super Crunchy Dried Floam ASMR Slime by Pelangi Warna

Unlike the first slime video in this list, this video also acts as a tutorial, so if you don't like intense music, we recommend turning the volume down.

11. 21 Words To Trigger ASMR from Gibi ASMR

The words collected (and whispered) in this ASMR video are supposed to calm the body and put you to sleep, so don't listen to this one if you're trying to stay awake.

12. Satisfying Visual Triggers With Layered Sounds from Caroline ASMR

Another multi-trigger video, this 1-plus hour ASMR video is full of visuals and layered sounds.

13. The Top 120 Biaural ASMR Triggers from Heather Feather ASMR

With 4.5 hours of footage and over 120 popular triggers, this ASMR video is ideal for the individual looking to really relax.

14. ASMR from Drawing ASMR

This video is yet another great example of auditory and visual stimuli.

RELATED: 10 Best Arts & Crafts To Do When You're Stressed Out (And Need A Break)

15. ASMR Binaural Triggers for Sleep: The Sound of Dreams from Ellie Alien ASMR

With whispered tones, scratching, and light tapping, this video is meant to ease the body and mind into a deep, restful sleep.

16. 90s Video Game Store Roleplay from ASMR Darling

For those who enjoy role-play ASMR, this flash from the past video game piece does not disappoint.

17. 40 Minutes of ASMR Drawn Explanations & Inaudible Speaking from Dr. T ASMR

Another compilation of two common triggers — drawing and whispering — this video will definitely calm you down.

18. Deep Ear Attention (Close-Up Whispers) from Gibi ASMR

While the tapping on this mics in this video may be intense for some, many others find the sounds generated super soothing.

19. Sleepy Eyelash Extensions & Lip Treatment ASMR from Latte ASMR

This video features almost an hour of soft speaking and gentle sounds, while applying false eyelashes and a lip treatment.

20. 15 Brain Melting Mouth Sound Triggers for Sleep from Batala's ASMR

Soothe your mind and body for the best of the best mouth sound triggers, great for relaxation and going to sleep.

RELATED: 3 Simple Steps To Calm Your Mind & Relax For A Good Night’s Sleep

Nicole Lane is a wife, mother, writer, and regular contributor to YourTango. She is a staunch defender of women's rights, she believes firmly in equality and parity.