RankSoothing SoundNumber of YouTube Views1Thunderstorm409,000,0002Rainfall399,000,0003Fire Crackling197,000,0004Ocean Waves151,000,0005Running Stream43,000,0006Birds Singing41,000,0007Waterfall36,000,0008Chirping Crickets24,900,0009City Atmosphere18,800,00010Wind17,300,00011Cats Purring11,800,00012Rustling Leaves3,026,000
1. Thunderstorm
Generating a whopping 409 million YouTube views, thunderstorm takes the first spot for the most popular soothing sound. Thunderstorm sounds are a typical example of what is called ‘white noise’ – a mix of frequencies allowing a person to drown out any noises that might be found disturbing.
Dr Rebekah Wanic comments: “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.”
2. Rainfall
Following closely behind, with 399 million YouTube views (10 million less than thunderstorm), is rainfall. Soft rain sounds are an example of ‘green noise’ – a constant mid-level frequency creating a flat and steady sound.
“Habituation to repetitive noise can reduce arousal because the consistency doesn’t require alertness to respond to change. Rainfall and ocean waves are also very rhythmic and consistent, offering a soothing pattern that is predictable.”
3. Fire crackling
Third place goes to fire crackling sounds, which have accumulated 197 million YouTube views. While not really a white noise, fire sounds provide a similar effect with their continuity, helping people drown out any disturbing noises. Research has proven that watching a fire on a screen, accompanied by crackling fire sounds, can actually help reduce blood pressure.
“Crackling fire and rustling leaves may be less predictable but both offer repetition in sound frequency that can be comforting.”
4. Ocean waves
Ocean waves are fourth, with 151 million YouTube views. Often, ocean sounds can help a person recall pleasant memories and this in turn can bring that person calm. Due to the difference in wave sizes, the sound of ocean waves contains a mix of frequencies.
5. Running Stream
Rounding off the top five, generating 43 million YouTube views, is the sound of a running stream. Yet another water sound that’s preferred by many people when they need a sense of calm. Another form of white noise, running stream sounds can certainly be helpful when needing to drown out surrounding noises.
“Running streams and waterfalls follow the same type of pattern as rainfall and ocean waves, with regularity but enough change to be both calming and interesting.”
Dr Rebekah Wanic provides additional insight on the best times to listen to different soothing sounds:
“While each person is likely to have their own preferred sounds along with a preference for the best time and place for listening, considering the associations with these different sounds, I would suggest that morning would be ideal for things like birds singing, city noise, waterfalls or running streams as these would be activating to help get one going.
During the day, more steady sounds like ocean waves or thunderstorms might offer a more powerful and impactful noise to create calm that rises over the hustle and bustle. In the evening, crickets, crackling fire or purring cats might be more soothing because listening to them can help activate pleasant memories that are commonly associated with the connection between such sounds and winding down for the day.
For someone who uses background sounds to drown out unwanted ambient noise, white noise or its variations may be appropriate throughout the day or particularly useful when falling or trying to more effectively stay asleep. I would suggest that people experiment with different options to find their optimal solution.”
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