From tapping to whispering, hair brushing, and even eating, ASMR — which stands for autonomous sensory meridian response — is a tingling sensation that happens when you hear certain sounds. 

ASMR is all over the internet. And what does the internet do best? Offer a place for people to express their sexualities.

Not everyone gets ASMR or uses it in a sexual way. What gives you full-body goosebumps might do nothing for your best friend or partner, and that's normal — different strokes (or sounds) for different folks. 

Even if you're not familiar with ASMR, these sounds and sensations can spice up your sex life. Whether you love the sound of someone moaning or just playing with your hair, sexual ASMR might be right up your alley. 

What is ASMR, exactly? 

ASMR describes the physical sensation some people experience in response to audio stimuli. While the feeling can vary, it's typically tingling that extends from the top of your head to your limbs. It often feels relaxing, and for some people, it flows through the genitals and feels arousing. 

Is ASMR sexual?

ASMR isn’t inherently sexual. Some people just like the sounds of whispering and tapping. But like light touching and dirty talk, ASMR can turn people on. In fact, a 2018 study linked ASMR to decreased heart rate and increased skin conductance levels — also called a “head orgasm.” 

The ASMR/sex connection is multifaceted, but it likely has something to do with how blissed out ASMR can make you feel. Here are five ways ASMR is sexual for women, men, and nonbinary people alike:

1. Sensory stimulation: Sensory triggers like whispering, tapping, or soft sounds create a heightened sensory experience that's erotically stimulating for some people. 

2. Psychological connection: Trust and safety are central to both ASMR experiences and sex. Gentle voices, predictable movements, and soft touches can all help foster that deeper psychological connection and sexual arousal. 

3. Relaxation and vulnerability: ASMR has a calming effect — even slowing down some people's heart rates. This relaxed state can make someone feel more open and vulnerable, which is an ideal mindset for sexual exploration and communication.

4. Neurological responses: The body's neurological response to ASMR triggers sexual feelings in some people.

5. Enhanced imagination: Engaging with ASMR, erotica, and other sexy stimuli like erotic meditation can give creativity a boost, allowing people to be more mentally and emotionally present during sex. 

How to explore ASMR sex: 6 ways

Exploring ASMR in a sexual context can add excitement and sensuality to the bedroom. Here's how to dive in, whether you're flying solo or with a partner: 

1. Share ASMR sessions 

Like watching porn together, enjoying ASMR with a partner — whether they’re someone new or you want to spice up your relationship — can be an excellent bonding experience. Research audio tracks featuring calming or erotic ASMR sounds, like gentle whispers or soft rustling, and listen to them in a quiet moment or before sex. Triggers vary between people, so discuss what you like and dislike with your partner. 

2. Incorporate ASMR triggers 

Identify what ASMR triggers work for you and use them during sex. This could be anything from the sound of tapping to the rhythm of deep breathing to the gentle scratching of fabric — anything that makes you or your partner feel warm and tingly. 

3. Whisper 

Whispering isn't just for secrets. It's a guaranteed way to sound sexier. Use a soft, seductive voice to whisper fantasies and desires to your partner or yourself during sex for that tingly ASMR response. To start, try narrating your actions, desires, or feelings. If ASMR isn’t usually your thing, this is a great way to integrate it more naturally.

4. Try tactile ASMR 

ASMR is all about audio, but you can get a similar effect from touch. Experiment with the power of touch during solo or partnered sex, using gentle strokes, soft brushes against the skin, or even stroking the hair. These tactile sensations can (and probably will) send shivers down your spine, boosting sexual arousal and creating a more dynamic experience. 

5. Incorporate role-play scenarios

Get creative by incorporating your ASMR triggers into role-play scenarios. Imagine scenarios that naturally involve ASMR elements, like a librarian whispering the rules, a receptionist typing at their desk, or a caregiver gently taking care of you, and give them a sexy spin. It’s a more playful way to bring ASMR between the sheets.

6. Explore it individually 

If you usually have sex with a partner, take some time to explore erotic ASMR on your own. This lets you discover which sounds and sensations you find arousing in a distraction-free environment. And once you know precisely what gets you going, enjoying ASMR sex with someone else is even more satisfying.  

The Quinn platform is an excellent way to dive deeper into sexual ASMR. This audio erotica app offers a broad range of erotic sounds and stories, catering to a wide range of preferences — whether you’re into loud sex or soft, loving whispers. 

6 tips for enhancing ASMR sex

ASMR enthusiasts say they experience euphoria, and that's because the brain and body release serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine during ASMR stimulation. These feel-good neurochemicals are the same ones your body releases during sexual arousal and orgasm — so it makes sense ASMR can be sexy. 

Whether you're experimenting alone or with a partner, here’s how to enhance your ASMR experience and make it as enjoyable as possible:  

1. Create a relaxing atmosphere: Set up a comfortable and calming space. Use candles or dimmed lamps to create a warm atmosphere, and add extra items like pillows and big, fluffy blankets. Getting as cozy as possible can increase your openness to erotic sensory experiences.

2. Use props for tactile stimulation: Try props like soft feathers for light touching, silk fabrics for gentle stroking, or household objects to create soothing sounds. These items can help you and your partner explore different textures and sounds, adding a layer of tactile stimulation that's relaxing and arousing.

3. Experiment with different triggers: If you still need to learn what your ASMR triggers are, experiment to find out. Play around with different noises and touches to figure out what works, and pay attention to how these sounds and sensations make you feel. You might even realize that you like different sounds in and out of the bedroom.

4. Use headphones for immersive audio: Use headphones during ASMR foreplay and sex to really get into the zone. Listening this way helps block out external noises and focus your attention on the sounds. 

5. Focus on natural sounds: Pay attention to the natural sounds you make during masturbation or you and your partner make during sex. The rhythm of breathing or the subtle sounds of movement can become ASMR triggers in and of themselves, and what better way is there to do your research?

6. Incorporate ASMR videos or audio erotica: Explore platforms like Quinn to find erotic ASMR content or audio porn from an ASMRtist (ASMR artist) that resonates with you. 

Explore ASMR sex with Quinn 

The Quinn platform is a safe and inclusive space to explore ASMR sex. Created by women for everyone, Quinn's audio erotica can help you discover what you like — and find more of it. The extensive ethical sexual content encompasses a diverse range of categories, from kink and fetish to LGBTQ+, and there really is something for everyone. 

To enjoy thousands of narrated sex stories, playlists, and guided masturbation sessions from skilled creators, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android today.