The exploration of soothing sounds reveals thunderstorm as the most popular choice globally, leading with remarkable YouTube viewership.
- Accruing 409 million views, thunderstorm sounds exemplify ‘white noise’, known for its calming effect by masking other distracting noises.
- Rainfall, with 399 million views, is close behind, characterised by ‘green noise’, providing rhythmic and soothing auditory experiences.
- Fire crackling sounds have garnered 197 million views, serving as an audio-visual buffer against stress through continuous, comforting noise patterns.
- Ocean waves and running streams follow, highlighting the preference for natural water sounds that evoke tranquility and pleasant memories.
The investigation into widely preferred soothing sounds places thunderstorm at the pinnacle, with an impressive 409 million YouTube views. Such sounds are quintessentially considered as ‘white noise’, a mixture of frequencies that effectively mask unwelcome disturbances. Dr Rebekah Wanic observes, “The booming sounds that punctuate the rainfall in thunderstorms are often somewhat predictable in recorded versions and may provide a sense of comfort in that hearing them from a safe place can help you feel protected and secure.”
Closely trailing is rainfall, attracting 399 million YouTube views. These soft rain sounds are an illustration of ‘green noise’—a steady mid-level frequency that offers a stable auditory experience. The regularity of these sounds leads to reduced arousal as they do not demand alertness due to their consistency. Rainfall, like ocean waves, provides a rhythmic and reliable cadenced pattern that induces calmness.
In third position is the crackling of a fire with 197 million YouTube views. Although not classified as white noise, these sounds present similar effects by maintaining continuity, assisting individuals in drowning out disruptive noises. Evidently, watching fire accompanied by its crackling sound on a screen has been shown to help diminish blood pressure. “Crackling fire and rustling leaves may be less predictable but both offer repetition in sound frequency that can be comforting,” adds Dr Wanic.
Ocean waves rank fourth, boasting 151 million views. These sounds often usher in a sense of serenity, as they can recall resonant pleasant memories. The varied frequency within ocean waves comes from differing wave sizes, contributing to their soothing appeal.
Completing the top five are the sounds of a running stream with 43 million views. This is another form of white noise frequently chosen for its ability to create calm by obscuring surrounding sounds. Its steady pattern, similar to rainfall and ocean waves, offers both consistency and enough alternation to remain soothing and engaging. Dr Wanic further elucidates that times of the day can influence the choice of soothing sounds. Morning might favour energising sounds such as birds singing or running streams, while afternoons could benefit from calming sounds such as ocean waves or thunderstorms. Evening relaxation might be enhanced by soothing sounds like chirping crickets or purring cats.
The diverse array of top soothing sounds highlights the universal inclination towards natural auditory stimuli for relaxation.
