This podcast episode, "Like & Describe", is a journey into the world of ASMR, a phenomenon that has grown from a trend to a content genre on YouTube. The host, MatPat, discusses the rise of ASMR, its impact on millions of viewers, and its evolution over the years. He talks to experts and ASMRtists to understand the science behind ASMR, its health benefits, and its potential to connect with other humans.
The episode also explores the personal experiences of ASMRtists and viewers, such as Emma Smith, a full-time ASMRtist who found solace in ASMR videos during a difficult time in her life. MatPat also interviews Dr. Craig Richard, a leading scientist in ASMR research, who explains the brain's reaction to ASMR and its evolutionary significance.
MatPat himself also experiments with ASMR, trying to find his own trigger for the sensation. He learns from Maria Viktorovna, a renowned ASMRtist, about the importance of intention and relaxation in creating ASMR content.
The episode concludes with MatPat reflecting on his journey into the world of ASMR and the realization that it's not just content, but a lifestyle and a commitment to personal well-being. He encourages listeners to explore ASMR for themselves and to contribute to Dr. Richard's ASMR research.
1. The podcast "Like & Describe" is hosted by MatPat and is YouTube's first official trends podcast. It explores the quietest trend on YouTube, ASMR.
2. ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response and is described as a tingling sensation that begins in the scalp and travels down the back of the neck. It is often triggered by gentle stimuli like whispers, crackling noises, and tapping.
3. ASMR content has gone from a trend to a full-on content genre. In 2022 alone, videos related to ASMR received over 90 billion views on YouTube.
4. The term ASMR was coined in 2010 by Jennifer Allen, who was participating in conversations happening in forums.
5. The first ASMR video was uploaded by a channel now known as WhisperingLife ASMR in March 2009, titled "Whisper One, Hello".
6. ASMR videos passed one billion views per month on YouTube in 2019, and two years after that, they were at over 65 billion views for the year.
7. ASMR is all about the viewer's need to connect with another human. The sounds themselves that trigger ASMR are not inherently ASMR triggering. The human element is crucial for ASMR content to work.
8. ASMR is not for everyone. Only 24% of participants felt relaxed in response to ASMR content, with 14% feeling the tingles.
9. ASMR content has helped millions of people, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Annual views of videos related to ASMR grew by over 40% between 2019 and 2020.
10. ASMR content is now within the reach of everyone for relaxation and entertainment. Many people use it without necessarily experiencing the brain tingles.
11. Maria Viktorovna, the first ASMRtist to reach one million subscribers, advises beginners to cut out the things they do not like to narrow down the things they do enjoy.
12. ASMR content is also reaching more people on YouTube than ever before thanks to YouTube Shorts, the 60-second video format that launched back in 2020.
13. Maria Viktorovna envisions ASMR being more prevalent in real life, like on airplanes where passengers have meditations or videos to watch.