The platform of choice for many to watch satisfying videos is, of course, TikTok, where 186.8 billion viewers (and counting!) have followed the #satisfying hashtag to get their ASMR fix.
In honour of On The Tools TikTok channel hitting 1 million followers, we’ll be digging into what makes a ‘satisfying’ video, and what the tradespeople of the On The Tools community really think about the ASMR trend.
What makes a satisfying video?
While many scripted or story videos can leave you feeling comfortable enough, truly satisfying videos are usually created with the sole purpose of relaxing the viewer through certain visuals and sounds.
Many serenity-seekers watch satisfying videos with the aim of triggering an Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response or ASMR. This is a sensory phenomenon where viewers can experience a tingling sensation on the back of their neck in response to specific audio and visual stimuli. This sensation is widely reported to be accompanied by feelings of relaxation and well-being, says psychologists Emma Barrett and Nick Davis.
It is reported that the stimuli that most often trigger an ASMR or relaxing response are crisp, repetitive noises, like tapping, sawing, or hammering. So, it’s easy to see how the best ASMR or satisfying videos often originate from the construction industry.
The Trade’s take
Almost 2,000 tradespeople on Instagram and 654 tradespeople on Facebook told us what they like best about satisfying and ASMR videos.
With a clear consensus, 38.4% of everyone we asked liked the soothing sounds of ASMR videos the best, with only 17.6% of respondents preferring the looks.
So, we know the trade makes the best ASMR videos, but do they enjoy watching them?
Turns out- not really!
A whopping 59.6% of tradespeople surveyed on Instagram told us that they weren’t interested in seeking out satisfying or ASMR videos at all.
From getting to know our On The Tools community day-in, day-out, we think comedy and entertainment are more up their street!
