YouTube removes ASMR channels over alleged links to intimate content

YouTube has reignited controversy surrounding the popular auditory phenomenon of ASMR by removing numerous channels dedicated to the practice in late July 2026. The platform cited violations of its policies concerning sexual content as the reason for the deletions, a decision that caught many creators by surprise.

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We canceled these channels for linking to content that violates our policy on nudity and sexual content.

Numerous content creators reported losing years of work without receiving any prior warnings or notifications of infringement. Among the affected channels, according to the portal 404 Media, were ItsBunniiASMR, Slight Sounds, Nananightray, Roseasmr, Simoneasmr, and Janina Wilhelmsen. While initial notifications mentioned platform policy violations, a YouTube spokesperson clarified that the primary reason was the channels' redirection to third-party sites.

"We canceled these channels for linking to content that violates our policy on nudity and sexual content," the spokesperson stated. Creators have voiced their dismay and confusion. Slight Sounds lamented the loss of nearly a decade of work, emphasizing that ASMR content is not inherently sexual. Its_Bunnii questioned the platform's criteria, asking if videos like story readings or ASMR sessions with closed eyes could be considered sexual.

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We lost almost a decade of work.

YouTube did not specify which particular profiles violated the rule against prohibited external links. Without the possibility of appeal, the platform rejected all submitted appeals and refused to reinstate the channels. This is not the first time YouTube has taken action against ASMR channels; in August 2024, the channel of streamer Amouranth, which had 749,000 subscribers and over 76 million views, was also removed.

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Can videos like story readings or ASMR sessions with closed eyes be considered sexual content?