Different Types Of ASMR Triggers

Here we are again, talking about the magical world of ASMR. If you read my last article, you probably have some questions about it. You might be wondering how you can experience that relaxing, tingly feeling. That’s why we’re here today, talking about the most common ASMR triggers.

First, what is a trigger? We call trigger every stimulus that can (guess what?) trigger the ASMR response. Reactions to triggers vary from person to person. Theoretically, anything can be a trigger. And when I say anything, I really mean it. You may get tingles from the sound of nails on a chalkboard and there would be nothing wrong with it, besides you being the Devil itself. There are some triggers, though, that can induce ASMR to almost everyone (nails on chalkboard are not included).

So, what are the most common triggers and how do they work?

Whispering/Soft speaking

probably the most popular triggers and the easiest to make. The difference between the two is that when you whisper your vocal cords are still, with the result of a soft breathy sound. Soft speaking, instead, consists in low-volume speaking, which is a bit louder than whispering, as you can imagine. Some ASMRtists can blend these two techniques.

Tapping/Scratching

this trigger is obtained by tapping and scratching on various surfaces, such as glass, wood, plastic and many others. You can get tingles by the sound of tapping/scratching on a particular surface or by this trigger in general. Also, this can be both visual and acoustic.

Inaudible/Unintelligible

Two variations of whispering and soft speaking, made with the intention to prevent the listener from understanding what is being said by making very low sounds (inaudible) or speaking a fake language (unintelligible). In fact, some people find it easier to relax if they don’t focus on what the ASMRtist is saying. This result can be achieved by listening to a foreign language, too.

Mouth sounds/Eating

Wet mouth sounds, chewing and eating are a big trigger for some people. Other people, instead, totally hate it and find it annoying.

Brushing lens/microphone

this is a big trigger, one of the most loved by the ASMR community. It is usually made with makeup brushes (the softest ones) and it is supposed to recall the relaxing feeling you get when someone is putting makeup on you.

Hand movements

slow, delicate hand and arm movements made in front of the camera. This trigger is almost hypnotic, just as the classic swinging watch doctors use in movies to make a patient fall asleep. If you thought it was stupid or ineffective, you’ll change your mind.

The ones above are the most popular triggers, but there are many others that are not included in this list. If you want to learn more about it or you just want to find out which trigger works best for you, YouTube can help. In fact, there are many videos called trigger tests which include various triggers. These videos usually come with timestamps which can allow you to find quickly the trigger you’re looking for. Remember, timestamps are your friends.

Last but not least, it is important to say that just one trigger may work, but sometimes it’s easier to get tingles from a combination of two or more triggers. For example, whispering and brushing, or tapping and mouth sounds. It’s all about finding out what works best for you.