CHAPTER
17

Going Pro as an ASMRtist

In This Chapter

  • Setting up your own channel
  • Setting yourself apart from other ASMRtists
  • Gathering supporters and patrons
  • Having the right attitude

For some, the simple act of making ASMR videos as a hobby to help others and to gain a few friends along the way is enough of an incentive to stay active in the community. Meanwhile, others feel that ASMR is their passion in life and are ready to make it their full-time job.

We understand. When you hear about some ASMRtists gathering hundreds of thousands of subscribers, earning millions of views, and being recognized on the street, it’s hard not to get caught up in the hype of what it is like to be a recognized “YouTuber.”

If becoming an ASMR superstar is your goal, this chapter will help get you on your way. You’ll learn how to establish the platform that will take you beyond YouTube and into the stratosphere of cyberspace. It’s not an easy gig; there will be setbacks along the way. However, if this is your ASMR goal, this chapter provides all the guidance we can give to help get you there.

TheOneLilium’s Advice for Developing Your ASMR Channel

ASMRtists are both imitators and innovators. They begin by giving back their version of a favorite sound slice, whisper, show-and-tell, or role-play and before long, it becomes so much more. ASMRtists experiment with a mix of content—from the traditional to next-level ASMR experiences with production techniques that rival professional filmmakers—while looking for new opportunities to interact and support their favorite ASMRtists. In the end, many of these people create their own channels to share what they’ve made. What was a closeted hobby only a few years ago has grown into a serious career for some, and it’s anyone’s guess where it will go from here.

Are you ready to be part of it? If you are still producing ad-free content on your channel, using rudimentary equipment, and looking for your big break, we are ready to help with tips from a top ASMRtist.

Lilium, or TheOneLilium as she is known in the community, is a 20-something ASMRtist from Denmark who credits the YouTube ASMR community for saving her at a time when she was “not in a very good place” in her life and had a lot of trouble sleeping. After searching for some music or other soothing sounds, she finally turned to whisper videos, which eventually led to ASMR content. At a certain point, like others before her, she decided to make a video to say thank you to all of those who helped her. Nearly 100,000 subscribers later, she is one of the leading ASMRtists on YouTube.

In her video “How to Start Your Own ASMR Channel: 6 Easy Steps! Guidance and Advice” (youtube.com/watch?v=Dw9vbVbWVnA), TheOneLilium laid out her top tips for every new content creator who is considering their own channel (or who wants to take their channel further). We’d like to share and expand on some of the highlights from her video to help guide you on your journey to creating or developing your channel.

Get Inspired—and Get Started

Just as you looked to others for inspiration for that first video, you will want to look at other ASMR channels to determine what you want your channel to be and what you want to accomplish as an ASMRtist. For example, when TheOneLilium first started out, she was drawn to hypnosis and guided visualizations/meditations and saw that as her core niche. She therefore stresses in her video how important it is to find the place that will make you happy and allow you the chance to set yourself apart at the same time.

When you have an idea of what you would like to do as an ASMRtist, you need to create a channel name that reflects your ASMR career. While there is no right or wrong way to go about this, YouTube experts recommend using part of your name in order to make it easy for viewers to find you, and choosing a name that is distinct and does not sound like another channel.

TINGLE TIP

It is very easy for channels to get confused for one another. After all, there is ASMR Massage, amsrmassage, and ASMR Massage Psychetruth. Choosing something with ASMR in the title is fine, but it is important to distinguish yourself from other channels.

You should also take the time to make your channel a warm and inviting place for viewers to visit. Create a fun banner and choose a cool thumbnail that reflects the ASMR image you want to project to the world. Because online layouts are constantly changing (remember when Facebook pages didn’t have cover photos?), it is important to keep up with your channel, perform routine maintenance, and check in with your dashboard in order to keep everything up to date; this will add to the comfort level of viewers visiting your channel.

Keep Lists for Your Channel

Whenever you have a new idea for a video, write it down. If you keep a running list of possibilities, you will always have a segment to shoot. It’s okay if your idea seems unrealistic at the moment—write it down anyway! You never know where you will be in a few months or what you might be able to do. Challenge is good, so never be afraid to push the envelope with the content for your channel.

Another list you should make is one of equipment you may want to get in the future. As you have learned in previous chapters, it is perfectly fine to use the gear you have on hand, but there is nothing wrong with saving up for a better microphone or putting it on a birthday/holiday list. If your equipment is stopping you from moving forward as an ASMRtist, TheOneLilium says don’t let it hold you back. She’s been there, done that. “You can get a long way with a webcam and a headset microphone. You don’t need to hold yourself back because you are afraid of not providing professional looking or sounding … videos. That’s not what ASMR is about,” she said.

Get Comfortable with the Camera

If you are not sure what to do for that first video (or if you have only uploaded a few), make an introductory segment in which you introduce yourself and talk about what led you to the community. You can offer a shout-out to those who inspired your work, talk about your triggers, or discuss the kinds of videos you hope to film. Your “pilot episode” is all about getting comfortable in front of the camera and saying hello.

You do not have to appear on camera. Some of the most well-known ASMRtists did not show their face right away, and some never appear on camera at all—that’s okay. Just have fun, relax, and always be yourself. The more comfortable you are on your channel, the more confident you will be in making new videos. This confidence will also grow when you start receiving glowing comments from your fans.

Interact with Others

The ASMR community has always been, and continues to be, a very tight-knit group. Although there are undisputed superstars of the field, it’s a welcoming group of men and women who are genuinely thrilled to welcome new members.

For example, ASMRtist Olivia’s Kissper ASMR said that when she first began her ASMR channel, she was curious to see if she could give others the tingles she felt and was surprised to learn that “ASMR powers” did not apply to a few people only. She said that although she understands the nerves that come along with creating a channel, just do it, and if you ever get down on yourself about your first efforts, remember to reexamine the first videos of your favorite ASMRtists and remember that they had to start somewhere as well.

“The community is so supportive of new people! This is one of the nicest things about ASMR. We are very supportive of people who are genuinely trying to create good content and less supportive of those who try and market themselves on other people’s channels,” she said.

KEEP IN MIND

Under no circumstances should you post a link to your channel on another ASMRtist’s feed unless you are invited to do so by that individual. We understand that everyone wants their channel to be noticed and to gain new subscribers. However, it is rude to bombard someone else’s site with messages saying “Look at mine.” It’s always a better option to send a private link of your work to an ASMRtist you admire, thank her for her inspiration, and invite her to look at your work. Your fellow ASMRtist can take it from there.

When you have a channel, it is very important that you take the time to interact with and respond to your viewers. First of all, it’s a nice thing to do when they take the time to write. Second, it creates a space where you can develop a one-on-one relationship with them. Third, your subscribers really can help your ASMR career in a number of ways. When you reach out to your viewers, they can give you feedback on your content, they can suggest ideas for new material, and they can keep you going when the trolls and haters threaten to get the best of you. Always be thankful and polite to your viewers and never forget that they are the people who are keeping your channel going!

You will also want to branch out on other social media sites—such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat—and build a web page that you can update from time to time. The more opportunities you create for your fans to connect with you, the better. Take it from us, their support means everything to an ASMRtist!

To Use Ads or Not to Use Ads

The idea of making money off of ASMR content is almost a taboo subject and not something that ASMRtists like to talk about. In the early days of ASMR YouTube content, virtually no ASMRtist allowed ads on their channel. This was not something anyone voted on within the community; it was just generally accepted that ASMR was designed to help people and should not be used for personal gain.

However, as the community grew, more and more ASMRtists began monetizing their ASMR channels at the beginning of their videos as a way to supplement their incomes. Opinions varied on this practice, but it seemed harmless enough. After all, becoming a YouTube partner does not mean an ASMRtist is making money based on the number of subscribers they have or how many views their channel gets. Rather, they make money off their viewers’ interactions with the ads that appear on their videos. There are a couple of ways in which this income is generated:

  • Cost per click (CPC): When an advertiser pays money based on the viewer clicking on the actual ad
  • Cost per view (CPV): When an advertiser pays money based on the actual view—in other words, when an audience member watches the ad for at least 30 seconds or more

DEFINITION

Monetization is the way in which ASMRtists earn an income by allowing ads to appear on their channels.

Let’s go over some options you have for advertising, as well as what you can expect to make by doing this.

Advertising Options

There are several types of ads that can be allowed on your YouTube channel, including the preroll ads that can be skipped over after five seconds and the in-search ads that show up as a viewer is looking for a specific video or certain type of video. There are also ad banners that appear at the bottom of a video (and only pay out when someone clicks on them), as well as in-display ads that show up in the suggested video listings while someone is watching another video. (There are also third-party preroll ads that cannot be skipped over by the viewer, but most ASMRtists do not utilize a lot of these.)

While you are allowed to choose the ad category you allow on you channel (such as health and beauty for a hair salon role-play video), you are not allowed to choose the actual ads yourself. You can also determine if the ad is shown at the beginning, middle, or end of your video, but because ASMR is connected to rest, relaxation, and sleep, it is most conducive to beginning or ending ad placement.

What Can You Make?

We’ve all heard stories about people who are making six-figure incomes from their YouTube channels, but we feel it is only fair to explain that you have to be among the upper echelon of content creators in order for that to occur. Most people who have monetized their channels (ASMR-related and otherwise) are not making enough to retire on.

According to a 2013 article by Carla Marshall entitled, “What It Takes to Make a Living from YouTube’s Partner Earnings,” most YouTube partners make between $.30 and $2.50 per thousand clicks (also known as CPM). Because YouTube takes a 45 percent cut of the money, this means the actual content creator is making only a fraction of that number on average.

When it comes to the top 1,000 channels Marshall found that they “bring in around $23,000 per month from advertising, but then again, they also average around 900,000 monthly video views, and because they’re popular channels, they are likely commanding more generous CPM rates.” So as you can see, it can be lucrative, but it requires you to have a large, sustainable audience.

DID YOU KNOW?

Some YouTubers are able to secure sponsorship and merchandising deals when they have large, relevant, and engaged audiences. These contracts are settled outside of YouTube and vary widely.

Getting a Paycheck from PayPal

While approximately 90 percent of ASMRtists have monetized their channels by allowing ads to appear, some have gone a step further and opened PayPal accounts (paypal.com) for those viewers who wish to make a financial contribution to their work. A PayPal account is an electronic merchant account that enables you to send and receive money while protecting the donor’s privacy.

While it is free to set up a PayPal account, there is a 2.9 percent fee for each transaction plus 30¢ (in U.S. currency) for the amount received. There is no charge to transfer money into your personal account; however, if you prefer to receive a traditional check, there is a $1.50 fee.

The decision to solicit private donations is not without its controversy within the ASMR community. Some feel that ASMR content should be provided as a means to help people relax without any expectation of a reward; however, the option to benefit financially through private donations and paid subscriptions is something that many ASMRtists have taken advantage of. In many cases, the money earned from PayPal is used to supplement income or to upgrade equipment. If you decide to go this route, ASMR etiquette dictates that you place the links to any and all fundraising options discreetly in the description box underneath your videos and not overemphasize its presence.

Profiting from Patreon

The latest trend in which ASMRtists are generating income is through the crowdfunding site of Patreon (patreon.com). Although it is similar to Kickstarter and GoFundMe, Patreon is based on the patronage model of creating a long-term relationship between an artist and his supporters. Audience members pledge to support the content creator on a monthly basis and earn rewards based on their level of generosity.

TINGLE TIP

There is also an option on Patreon for supporters to contribute to their favorite artist based on the work they produce—in other words, to pay per video (usually $1). This is a great opportunity to make money on your work, but if you suddenly quit your day job and go full time, you’ll want to alert your patrons that there may be a sudden uptick in production and give them the chance to change their level of support.

For example, a $1-per-month donation to an ASMRtist may give audience members special access to a supporter-only stream in which an artist may share some behind-the-scenes extras, interact with his supporters, or offer exclusive content. The next level (about $5) may offer supporters something a little more personalized, such as their name being incorporated into an ASMR video or mentioned at the end of a video. (They are also eligible for the lower reward levels as well.) ASMRtists are even creating private MP3 downloads, personalized greetings, and Google hangouts where supporters can spend time with their favorite channel host as gifts for viewers.

Patreon has not only allowed top ASMRtists to offer a unique service to their supporters, subscribers, and fans, but it has also enabled some to go full time, upgrade their equipment, and improve the art form. Naturally it is an exciting opportunity, and when you see some of the income ASMRtists are making, it’s tempting to join their ranks. However, it is important to know when to make this move. Here are a few things you should consider before using Patreon:

  • Patreon is an option for those who are ready to make a long-term commitment to their supporters and have the audience to back it up. Be honest with yourself about the level of support you already have. Is there room to grow where you are before moving on to something new?
  • There is a huge difference between the top ASMR earners and the “average” Patreon ASMR incomes. Because many ASMRtists are using Patreon to campaign for donations, you could potentially get lost in the crowd, unlike the already well-established ASMRtists with larger audiences.
  • Patreon is not to be used for equipment upgrades or one-time purchases. It’s designed to be a subscription service, which means you have to be able to provide your supporters with the content you promise in return for their monthly contribution. If all you’re looking for is a one-time monetary end goal, you can use Kickstarter, GoFundMe, or other sources more geared toward that.
  • Do not sign up for Patreon because you think you have to. Some ASMRtists make a tidy income simply from their YouTube channel.
  • Are you disciplined enough to juggle all of your ASMR responsibilities? Your main focus should be giving your time and attention to content creation, so think about whether joining Patreon will make things too hectic.
  • Are you a brand-new ASMRtist? Creating a Patreon site right away may be misconstrued as being in it for the money.
  • Will you be able to upload free YouTube content in addition to providing for your patrons? Never lose sight of what ASMR is supposed to be about: helping others.

DID YOU KNOW?

Some ASMRtists are using their Patreon sites to help eliminate ads from their YouTube channels. By making enough money from the individual subscribers, they can remove the ads from YouTube, which means that YouTube doesn’t get a significant cut of the money. This allows ASMRtists to have more control over their income while giving their viewers commercial-free programming.

In the end, Patreon is a low-key option for ASMRtists to offer something “extra” to their fans; it is more of a destination site as opposed to a marketing tool. Plus, because it is relatively new, you may find yourself having to explain it to your audience. Keep in mind that ultimately, there is plenty of free ASMR content on YouTube, so if you hope to have your audience pay for something special, you’ll want to ensure you are giving them the biggest bang for their buck.

Keeping Up With the Joneses

Because the ASMR community has garnered a lot of media attention lately and its YouTube content has been earning subscribers hand over fist, the time has been right for ASMRtists to take advantage of the opportunity that has been presented. Some have taken their work beyond YouTube and have worked hard to build platforms that reach audience members on a variety of social media sites.

That does not mean you have to do it as well. Just as you do not need anyone’s permission to start your channel and create a segment, you do not have to “keep up with the Joneses” by monetizing your videos, starting a PayPal account, or launching a Patreon campaign.

The top 10 ASMRtists have built their professional platforms in very different ways. How much they earn from those platforms is a personal matter we will not speculate on; however, if you would like to get a sense of the network they maintain, the following is a breakdown of their activity and a link to their main YouTube page so you can see what they are up to. (Note: The top 10 varies depending on the number of subscriptions to the site, so we are basing it on the last published list, which can be found in Appendix E.)

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Ultimately, the decision to become a professional ASMRtist is yours and yours alone. It will take a lot of time and energy, and success will not come overnight. But if you feel it is your vocation, you should do it; just be prepared to deal with both the highs and the lows of such a venture.

Amal Dabit, or amalzd as she is known in the ASMR community, said that having the right attitude is what keeps an ASMRtist going even if the going gets rough. For example, she finds it discouraging when content creators complain about the number of subscribers and viewers they don’t have instead of being grateful for the audience they do have. “Even if you have 100 subscribers … who cares? Don’t compare yourself to someone else because you will never be happy and you will never feel good. Wanting to succeed and wanting more viewers is good, but there are ways of going about it and, above all, being happy for people when they do well,” she said in one of her videos.

So while it is normal for you to want more and it is good to always keep reaching, make sure you are thankful for what you already have as well. After all, you can’t expect everything to fall into place all at once; slow and steady wins the race.

If you are ready to trigger some tingles and think you have what it takes to break into the top ASMRtists from around the world, what are you waiting for? We can’t wait to meet you!

The Least You Need to Know

  • Create the ASMR channel that is right for you. You want a channel that will make you happy and allow you the chance to set yourself apart at the same time.
  • Monetizing by using ads on YouTube allows you to earn extra money in a way that’s not dependent on your number of subscribers or how many views your channel gets.
  • Play the Patreon card carefully. It is really a long-term option for the most established ASMRtists.
  • Being successful as an ASMRtist requires having the right attitude. While you can continually strive for more, appreciate what you have rather than complaining about what you don’t have.
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