With the upcoming stress of final exams, students need a way to wind down when studying gets overwhelming. Here are ten different types of ASMR you can check out to help destress from school.
1. WAX ASMR
One of the more recent forms of ASMR has been the use of wax. It’s one of the most popular forms of ASMR, gaining a surprising amount of followers online. Whether that be wax sealing, cracking or scraping, the sounds are sure to be satisfying to your ears. Many creators experiment with different colors, shapes and textures of wax in order to create relaxing videos. Some videos focus on slow, controlled scraping, while others lean towards the quick, crisp cracks that come from cooled down wax. It’s a versatile option for anyone looking to unwind.
2. FIDGET BOARD ASMR
Many influencers online have taken on creating their own fidget boards. To make a fidget board, creators assemble a variety of sensory regulating elements in one place. Then, they post videos going through the board piece by piece. To include the audience, they may ask for viewers’ opinions on which part of the board is most satisfying. This type of ASMR gives audiences the opportunity to experience a mix of different textures and sounds, from clicking switches to spinning gears, to whatever the creator feels the need to include. Because each board is unique, viewers often find themselves exploring different combinations until they discover which one relaxes them the most.
3. TAPPING ASMR
When most people think of ASMR, our minds go straight to tapping sounds — and for good reason. This trigger has been a staple since ASMR first gained popularity. These taps, whether soft or energetic, can trigger the brain to release a pleasant tingling sensation that many find deeply calming. On YouTube, there are hundreds of tapping videos where creators experiment with various objects such as glass, wood, acrylic nails and even hardcover books to find the most pleasant sounds. This variety makes it easy for viewers to search until they find the exact type of tapping that soothes them.
4. WHISPERING ASMR
While not everyone enjoys this type of ASMR, many find whispering incredibly comfortable and intimate, almost like a friend or family member speaking softly to you. Typically, the creator will sit close to a microphone and whisper gently, creating a sense of closeness and calm to the viewer. The content itself varies widely, as most ASMR does. It could be storytelling, study tips, affirmations, personal attention roleplays or even humorous, imaginative scenarios. Whispering videos are especially popular for helping people fall asleep or stay focused during stressful times, like when studying.
5. KEYBOARD ASMR
Much like tapping, keyboard noises have become a popular ASMR category, especially with the rise of custom mechanical keyboards. Creators will often showcase aesthetic keyboards including colorful keycaps, themed designs and LED lights. They test the sound out with each key, letting the viewer listen to the raw audio of the keyboard. Some keyboards have soft, cushion-like clicks, while others produce sharp, clean clicks that fans of precise audio enjoy. The combination of visual appeal and rhythmic tapping sounds helps many viewers relax or study.
6. SOAP ASMR
Soap ASMR has been a popular form of relaxation for people who appreciate both satisfying sounds and visually pleasing content. Soap cutting, in particular, has become a major trend, with many videos reaching millions of views. Creators often carve soaps into textured patterns and then slice them to create soft, crackly sounds and a colorful pile of soap pieces. Many individuals enjoy watching for the aesthetic themes, which include pastel colors, geometric shapes or rainbow blocks. It makes the experience feel almost therapeutic. The combination of gentle sounds and pleasing visuals makes the viewers come back for more.
7. SLIME ASMR
For a while now, slime has been a big hit in the ASMR world, especially among Generation Z. Creators experiment with different textures, adding beads, foam, glitter or makeup to make each slime unique and satisfying to the eyes. The squishing, stretching and popping noises offer a sensory experience that many find relaxing or fun to watch. Slime ASMR has even inspired viewers to make their own slime at home, turning it into a popular hobby that brings stress relief to daily life.
8. FOOD ASMR
There are two different routes you could take with food ASMR, and both have dedicated communities. Some people enjoy watching others eat, finding the chewing, crunching and sipping sounds oddly satisfying. Others prefer kitchen-based ASMR, where creators focus on cooking or baking, letting the sounds of chopping, sizzling, stirring and mixing play softly in the background. Whether it’s the rhythmic preparation or the eating itself, food ASMR can be a calming experience for a stressful week.
9. drawing asmr
Many creators film themselves drawing on iPads or tablets, and the gentle tapping and gliding of the stylus can keep viewers entranced, watching for hours. These videos often combine soft sound effects with calming visuals like sketching, shading or coloring. Some artists even incorporate real-time art creation, letting the viewer experience the slow build of the picture while enjoying soothing pen-to-screen sounds. It’s a peaceful option for anyone who enjoys low-energy, aesthetic content.
10. no commentary aSMR
Sometimes people just need silence — well, almost silence. No commentary ASMR videos provide that simple, quiet environment by removing talking altogether. Even without speech, these videos still offer a range of triggers such as tapping, unwrapping, clicking or object handling. One of the most popular forms is unboxing videos where creators open packages of makeup, collectibles or household items while focusing on the natural sounds of the process. This style is perfect for viewers who want something relaxing without the overstimulation of conversation.