Many people initially discover their ability to have ASMR through real world experiences.

These experiences may include having their hair being played with by a friend, hearing someone whisper, being examined by a clinician, listening to someone nearby turn the pages of a magazine, or watching someone perform a dedicated task like painting or origami.

Surprisingly, it has turned out that just hearing and/or watching these experiences in a recorded format can also stimulate ASMR.

In 2009, several individuals on the internet began intentionally simulating some of these popular ASMR triggers in videos – giving rise to intentional ASMR videos and ASMR video channels.

But these were not the first videos that people were watching to purposely trigger their deep relaxation and tingles.

Prior to 2009, many videos which stimulated an ASMR-type sensation were mostly discovered by accident.

In this podcast episode, I will highlight some of these early ASMR-type videos which would serve as the inspiration for many ASMR artists and their videos in the future.

I will also be reading quotes from individuals who stumbled across these strangely soothing videos prior to 2009 and were amazed at how the videos were so relaxing and helpful to falling asleep.

In particular you will hear about videos of Bob Ross, Tony Hart, Nisiyouri, Acharya Shree Yogeesh, unboxings, makeup tutorials, massage instructionals with Lita, and individuals whispering.

Subscribe to the ASMR University Podcast to hear all of the past and future episodes or listen to this one episode right here:

Links mentioned in this topic:

• The ASMR Vessel Directory (blog post)


• Acharya Shree Yogeesh (video channel)


• Massageclips with Lita (video channel)


• Whispering through the library (video)


• I should be writing my paper (video)


• Amber and Jameka whispering (video)

Links related to this topic:

• The Extreme History of ASMR (podcast)


• Birth of the ASMR community (podcast)

Links to ASMR University resources:

• ASMR University app (App Store)


• ASMR University podcast (iTunes)


• ASMR University blog and resource center (WordPress)

Share your thoughts, feedback, and/or questions via:  asmruniversity@gmail.com