“I LIKE TO PROVIDE A SAFE, COMFORTABLE PLACE”

Emma makes ASMR videos under the name Whispers Red

Do you remember the first time you experienced ASMR?

The ASMR sensation has always been part of my normal sensory experience and I don’t remember a ‘first time’. If you are ASMR-sensitive then you have it right from early childhood. The main experiences I remember as a child were eye tests, haircuts, having my back drawn on and listening to the teacher read a story in school.

How did you get started making videos?

I first discovered that ASMR videos existed on YouTube after a car accident and subsequent PTSD. I was struggling to sleep and looked on YouTube for relaxation videos. My life changed so much once I realised there was a name for the feeling I had experienced my whole life! Finding out that others experienced it and there was a whole community of people online talking about it and inducing it in each other was an enlightening time for me.

First, I started an ASMR Facebook group so that I could chat with people in the UK about it, perhaps start meetups. Then there was a

meetup happening in London, just for ASMR content creators. I started a YouTube ASMR channel so I could go along. I didn’t expect to be any good at making ASMR videos, it was just to connect with the community at first.

What’s your process for creating a new video?

Usually I have an idea while doing something else. They often come when I am doing housework or out walking the dogs. I imagine everything from the triggers to the background and lighting. Then I get to writing it down, buying props and setting up the video in my studio. Setting up, writing the video, and then filming takes on average a couple of days. Then begins the editing work, which can take longer.

What do you hope that people get out of your videos?

Love, kindness, comfort and acceptance that they are beautiful just the way they are. The ASMR sensation is such a lovely, relaxing feeling and I like to give as much as I can to go along with that. I like to provide a safe, comfortable place for whoever needs it.