ASMR Trends 2022

Latest trends in ASMR – and why they are popular

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There were more than 65 billion views of videos related to ASMR in 2021. So there needs to be something new for us to watch in there!

We take a look at the types and styles of ASMR videos that are currently trending and proving popular for the content creators. And what may be the reasons behind this. And give you some examples of each sort.

So:

What is trending in ASMR? What topics are proving to be popular? What videos are getting the most views? What ASMR style is gaining traction? Why are these trending?

Content of this post: (6 minute read)

• ASMR Collaborations
• ASMR Skincare
• Cranial Nerve Exam
• TSA Pat Downs
• Fast and Aggressive ASMR

1. ASMR Collaborations

Trend: ASMR Collaborations

What is it: When two or sometimes three (or more) ASMR artists get together to shoot a video. Often on topics they are all familiar with and have produced before.

Why/Our view: Competition is pretty fierce to get people to watch, like and subscribe to video content. And there are only a certain amount of ‘types’ or ‘styles’ of video that suit each individual artist. So this is a way to vary the style. A Doctor can become a patient and vice versa.

There is also a lot of pressure (from the YouTube algorithm as well as viewers) to produce a lot of content. This means having a full schedule of of videos to shoot and produce.

So by teaming up with similar artists it gives them another angle on a familiar theme. It also gives them exposure to potentially new viewers. And often they will shoot a number of videos for release across all of their channels, providing more shared audience cross promotion.

Example of ASMR Collaboration

There have been quite a few collaborations (or ‘collabs‘) recently particularly between Mad P ASMR, LunaLux ASMR, asmr august, Katherina ASMR and Kewas ASMR.

Take any two from those and they have probably got together to make an ASMR video. And occasionally three of them have worked together!

2.  ASMR Skincare

Trend: Skincare

What is it: The term skincare covers quite a broad category of activities including self care, spa days, facials, routines and beauty treatments.

Why/Our view: There has been an increase in the number of people focussing on this topic.

But also there are a lot of Chinese, Japanese and Korean treatments, and I mean a lot, that people may not have been exposed to before.

So the lure of ‘the new’ or something different to a large number of the the audience means this is gaining traction as people want to see what it is all about.

And of course Western treatments are also adapting and changing as well so there is a seemingly endless supply of new and different skincare routines that can be made in to ASMR content.

Below is a chart showing the growth over the last 5 years for the search terms ASMR Skincare.

Examples of Skincare

This is skincare favourite of ours from the ever excellent ASMR Twixs and her amazing beautician with over 45 years experience. ASMR brilliance!

3. Cranial Nerve Exam

Trend: Cranial Nerve Exam

What is it: A physical examination of the cranial nerves involving 9 tests to asses the status of any of the 12 cranial nerves.

From an ASMR point of view this is a multi faceted physical examination covering head, eyes, sound, sensation and taste. So lots of triggers.

Why/Our view: There were a number of purely unintentional ASMR medical and cranial nerve examinations which gained traction a number of years ago.

The classic example being the Dr James Kelly and Pat Lafontaine cranial exam – of ‘sandwich breath’ fame! Over 30 million views.

These were then followed by clinical demonstrations which were also unintentional ASMR. For example the clinical Warwick Medical School and latterly Dr James Gill.

So people figured that they they would follow suit and make their own version of these. A sort of fake unintentional ASMR role play. And these have proved very popular so expect to see more of them!

Example of Cranial Nerve Exam

We like this Cranial Nerve Exam from Mad P ASMR. Lots of different examinations and checks. So lots of triggers and tingles!

4. TSA Pat Downs

Trend: TSA Pat Down

What is it: Role play of TSA agents searching travellers arriving at customs.

For ASMR it offers a lot of patting, brushing, glove, hair, body, back, legs arms, hands and feet close personal attention.

Why/Our view: I think this is trending purely down to ASMR artists seeing how popular these types of videos are. And so are chasing the views.

Folks really seen to like them and even though they follow a fairly set routine they do offer a lot of scope for some really good triggers. I love the pat downs I must say!

Example of TSA Pat Down

For me LunaLux does the best pat downs. Whether she is the agent, working with her mother or being patted down. Check her out!

5. Fast & Aggressive

Trend: Fast and Aggressive (can also be fast & intense)

What is it: This is where the actions carried out are done in a really quick manner.

This can be for any theme of ASMR but pat downs, hand movements, cranial nerve exams and hair brushing are popular.

These can be really good content for those with ADHD or for those who just generally have low attention spans. I am getting into these. Give them a try!

Why/Our view: We think the reason for this trending is that ASMR artists are realising there is a market for people who prefer the quicker, sharp style of video.

Whether this is because they have ADHD or if they just, like me, have a short attention span there is definitely a gap in the market.

Also, performing the video in a quicker way brings a different dynamic to the style of video. So you get louder brushing, faster hand actions, quicker changes between each event.

Example of Fast and Aggressive ASMR

As I said I am getting into these faster and more ‘aggressive’ styles. It’s a great way to get a quick and rapid trigger and tingles!

Summary

These are the five ASMR trending topics that we have seen over the past few months.

There seems to be a mix of new styles or finding a way to present old styles in a new way. Or answering the need for people watching ASMR videos and also ASMR artists seeing what works for other people and making their own versions.

I am sure there will be something new along soon as most ASMR artists are super creative. Can’t wait to see what it is!!

What ASMR videos are you seeing trending?

These are only our observations. We are bound to have missed some trending topics.

Let us know in the comments below what you are seeing!!