Opening TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, or even Facebook, chances are you must have seen or watched many ASMR videos. In this type of video, you can hear a lot of clicks, clacks, whispers, and other sounds that make it so tantalizing to listen to.
If you're curious about ASMR's meaning, what it is, and how to make a video just like it, you're in the right place. Throughout this article, you will read about this peculiar video genre taking the world by storm.

In this article
Part 1: What Is ASMR and How Does ASMR Work?
First off, let's learn about the basics of ASMR. There's quite a significant difference between ASMR and ASMR videos, so read through. This section will discuss several important concepts, such as the meaning of ASMR, common triggers, and how it affects people who listen to these videos.
What Is ASMR?
Contrary to popular belief, ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, refers to the sensory phenomenon where a pleasant, tingling sensation rushes through the body. It is different from ASMR videos, which are content designed to trigger the said sensory response.
ASMR usually begins from the scalp, moves to the back of the neck, and then moves towards the spine. Many people describe ASMR as a deeply relaxing experience. It often induces a state of calm and, consequently, sleepiness. When experiencing ASMR, people often report:
- A pleasant "brain tingles" or "head tingles" sensation;
- A feeling of deep relaxation
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved ability to sleep.
These experiences are what make ASMR videos so popular. They are free ways to get a feeling of relaxation.

Common ASMR Triggers and Sound Effects
Now that you've established that ASMR is a response, you may want to learn what common sound effects or noises trigger it. These are the sounds that ASMR content creators often employ to evoke that relaxing and calming feeling.
- Whispering or soft-speaking. These sounds are gentle, hushed voices from the speaker talking very close to the microphone and in a very "soft" manner.
- Tapping. Tapping is another popular form of ASMR trigger. Fingernails or objects are tapped against each other.
- Scratching. Scratching against objects can also be an enjoyable experience for listeners, often with textured materials like cartons, etc.
- Brushing. Soft brushing movements across microphones or surfaces are popular ASMR triggers, like scratching.
- Crinkling. These refer to manipulating paper, plastic, or foil, such as when opening a package or crumpling paper.
- Personal attention. ASMR videos can also employ storylines or "role plays" where the ASMR content creator simulates the experience of haircuts, medical examinations, makeovers, or other relaxing activities.
- Writing sounds. These sounds are also similar to scratching or brushing. Microphones are placed very close to the pen and paper as the creator writes against them.
- Water sounds. Lastly, gentle water pouring, splashing, or dripping is also a fantastic experience for the listener.
You can explore other sounds, but these are the ones that are often used. Starting with these basic sounds can be great for doing ASMR.
Why ASMR Creates Physical and Mental Relief
Ever wonder why these odd sounds can make you feel so calm? The science behind ASMR is fascinating.
- ASMR triggers activate your brain's relaxation systems. When you hear whispers or gentle tapping, your body shifts into "rest mode." Your heart rate slows down. Tension melts away.
- These sounds mimic caring, safe interactions. Your brain responds as if receiving nurturing attention. This activates your parasympathetic nervous system - your body's natural calming mechanism.
- ASMR releases feel-good chemicals. Research shows these videos trigger endorphins, oxytocin, and serotonin - the same chemicals that create pleasure and comfort.
Not everyone feels these sensations. Studies show that about half of people respond to ASMR triggers. And those who do get the real benefits report improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and better stress management.
This explains why millions turn to ASMR videos for relief. They're free, accessible, and effective for many people seeking relaxation without medication.
Part 2: What Do You Need To Prepare for Making ASMR?
Before recording your first ASMR video, it's essential to prepare a few key things. You don't need a fancy studio or expensive setup to make good ASMR. Many popular creators started with basic tools. What matters most is the sound quality and how well you use common triggers. Here's what you'll need:

A Good Microphone
The microphone is the most essential part of your setup. Since ASMR is all about sound, your mic must pick up soft, delicate noises without distortion. Binaural microphones are ideal because they capture 3D audio from both ears, but even a basic condenser mic can still give you good quality. Ensure you're in a quiet place so the mic doesn't pick up background noise.
A Camera or Smartphone
You'll also need a camera or smartphone to record your video. While ASMR is sound-focused, the visual element still adds value. You don't need a DSLR. Your phone works fine as long as the lighting is soft and the background is clean and quiet. A steady shot also helps viewers stay focused on the experience.
Know Your Common Triggers
Understanding common ASMR triggers is just as important as the gear. Sounds like whispering, tapping, scratching, brushing, and crinkling are frequently used because they work well. Before recording, test these sounds with your microphone to see how they register. You don't have to use them all. Choose a few that feel natural to the context of your video.
A Quiet Recording Space
Recording in a quiet space is another key part of ASMR preparation. Even the best mic can't fix a noisy room. Turn off any buzzing electronics, and use soft materials like curtains or blankets to absorb echoes. You don't need complete soundproofing, but the quieter your space, the better your final video will sound.
A Video Editing Tool With Audio Enhancement
Editing makes your ASMR video smooth and enjoyable. Use tools like Wondershare Filmora to trim clips, remove noise, and enhance sound clarity. Filmora's AI audio tools help adjust levels and filter out unwanted sounds, even if your recording setup is basic.
Learn more about how you can do ASMR videos with the help of this tool in the following section.
Part 3: Step-by-Step Guide To Make an ASMR Video
Now that everything is ready, it's time to do some ASMR video editing. As you've probably understood earlier, creating ASMR content is more than just recording sounds. It should be cohesive enough to make a relaxing experience. It shouldn't just be a compilation of different sounds – it should also have something going on.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Recording Environment and Tools
First, focus on setting the right environment. Ensure you are in a quiet room free of background noise like fans, cars, or voices. Soft, warm lighting is best because it makes viewers feel cozy and safe. Avoid harsh lights or flashing effects. Pay attention to small details like your nails if you appear on camera. Well-groomed nails make tapping or scratching sounds more appealing and look better on camera.

Step 2: Creating the Trigger Sounds
When recording your triggers, keep your movements slow and steady. Gently tap, scratch, or brush objects while staying close to the microphone, but avoid sudden or sharp noises that can break the relaxing mood. Hold each sound for a few seconds longer than you think you should. Lingering helps deepen the ASMR effect. Use light pressure when tapping or scratching so the sounds stay soft and pleasant.

Pay attention to your rhythm: aim for a consistent pace without speeding up or slowing down too much. It's a good idea to practice each trigger several times before recording to find the right volume, speed, and distance from the microphone for the best sound quality.
Step 3: Editing Your ASMR Content
After recording, it's time to edit. A reliable editing tool is essential, and Filmora is one of the best options for ASMR creators. It offers powerful video and audio editing features, making it easy to polish your work even if you're starting.
Video Editing
Filmora lets you add soft effects or transitions for video editing that create a dreamy, floating feeling, helping viewers ease into a drowsy state.

You can also insert text at the intro and outro to greet your viewers or guide them to specific triggers within the video.

Filmora's AI tool, Smart Scene Cut, is invaluable. It automatically detects and extracts the highlights from your recording, saving you time during editing.

Audio Enhancement
For the audio, Filmora's AI Denoise feature helps remove background noises, ensuring that every tap, whisper, or brush sounds clean and crisp.

If your voice needs extra clarity, you can also use Filmora's AI Voice Enhancer to boost the softness and intimacy of your whispers without adding distortion.

Conclusion
Doing ASMR videos may seem simple, but requires careful preparation, recording, and editing. From choosing the right triggers and setting up a calm environment to recording gentle, steady sounds, every step matters. After recording, polishing your audio and video is essential to create a relaxing experience.
That's where Filmora comes in. With its easy-to-use video editing tools, AI-powered smart cut, audio enhancer, and noise reduction features, Filmora makes it simple to create high-quality ASMR videos, even if you're a beginner. If you want to make soothing, professional ASMR content, Filmora is the perfect tool to get started.