Interview: Getting Organized: Experiences with ASMR

 

Getting Organized:

Experiences with ASMR

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This post (not part of my essay series) takes the form of a casual interview with a friend. The interview was conducted via email on April 25th, 2025. Here, one entanglement is explored: this individual (given the false initial “D”) and the media they are contaminated by (in this case, ASMR videos). Answers have been edited lightly for grammar, spelling, etc.

M: How long have you been watching ASMR videos? When/where did you first encounter them?

D: I stumbled upon the videos a couple of years ago on YouTube and I got into watching them. Then I got bored and only started rewatching them again this past year because TikTok pulled me back in.

M: Where do you typically watch ASMR videos? How often do you watch them? What's your preferred platform?

D: I only watch them now on TikTok when they come up on my For You page. I don't watch them often just because I'm picky about the ones to watch, but also, for example, if I were to watch an eating one, I'd get hungry. [If I watch an organization video,] I would want to buy the things to do [what the creator does in their video]. I prefer [watching them] on TikTok because the super long videos I lose interest in. 

M: Do you have any preferred content creators? What makes a "good" ASMR creator? Do you prefer male or female creators? 

D: I don't have a preference and frankly, I don't know what makes a good creator. Small things can really [bother] me in the videos versus compared to other things, so, especially on TikTok, I can just skip [the video] if I'm not interested.

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Search results for "organization asmr" on Instagram. Search made on April 24th, 2025. 

Instagram user @colleen.makeup posts a stop-cut makeup drawer organization video on February 10th, 2025.

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M: Do you like ASMR skits (ex. POV roleplays) or do you prefer ASMR videos that don't have people in them (ex. soap-cutting videos)?

D: I prefer shorter, no skit videos. Ones [where the creators] just [get] to the point.

M: How much does the actual ASMR set-up matter to you (ex., the color of the soap that is cut)? What about the camera quality, background music, mic quality, aesthetic of the creator? 

D: I think mic quality and aesthetic of the creator is important for me. I don't love any background music because it can be not as [satisfying] as without.

 

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Instagram user @_catben_ posts a fridge restock/organizational ASMR video on March 12th, 2025.

Instagram user @sagenferns posts an ASMR Amazon restock video. The caption, condensed in this screenshot taken from an April 17th, 2025 video, mentions an Amazon storefront (a link where creators receive a cut of any purchases made).

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M: Do your friends watch ASMR videos? Do you talk about it with other people, or is it more of a private thing? 

D: More of a private thing. I don't really discuss but that's because I don't watch too often and it just doesn't come up in conversation with [my] friends. 

M: How do you feel when you watch ASMR videos? I know some people watch them before bed to relax. 

D: I find it relaxing. Especially the organizing ASMR videos. It's just fun to watch.

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Thanks to my friend for being willing to discuss their experiences/interactions with ASMR videos!