Today we’re casting the spotlight on a genre of content that performs particularly well on social media: oddly satisfying videos.
The Oddly Satisfying YouTube channel—which has over 2.9 million subscribers on YouTube, as well as 3 million followers on TikTok—describes these videos as ‘portraying scenes, actions or processes that manifest qualities such as: order, harmony, symmetry, smoothness, beauty & perfection’.
These videos have taken off over the last few years and are popular on social media sites like Instagram as a ‘scroll break‘.
Why do people like oddly satisfying videos?
There are many theories as to why we find these videos so…well, satisfying. Some psychologists have suggested that watching everything work perfectly activates a “Goldilocks feeling“—a sense of pleasure derived from everything being ‘just right’.
“When we scroll on social media, what we are actually doing is auctioning off our attention”, says social media expert Hannah Copeland.
“It’s often the satisfying, visually appealing, and fulfilling pieces of content that make the highest bids, and translate to those ‘scroll-stopping’ moments.
“There has been an increase in user appetite for video content that scratches that itch, particularly given how congested and chaotic social feeds currently are. It’s a welcomed scroll break where there is no call to action, except to sit back and enjoy.”
Viewers love to be captivated with visuals deemed ‘oddly satisfying’, or given a sensory experience with a combination of mesmerising graphics and ASMR-like sounds.
Hannah Copeland Social Media Expert
Some of Team Envato’s favorite satisfying videos
We asked members of Team Envato to pick some of their favorite satisfying videos on Envato. There were too many to choose from, so this list is just a small sample of the amazing content from Envato Authors.
Congratulations to all the Authors whose work was featured on this list: Rajibcou, troyanpx, FlashMovie, MegiasD, and Oksana_Kumer!
Abstract Retro Seamless Loop by Oksana_Kumer
We loved the Barbie vibes of the pink shapes in this video from Oksana_Kumer, as well as the mesmerizing ‘bounces’ of the geometric shapes.
“Geometric shapes have a unique ability to draw the eye inwards”, says Envato’s Social Media Manager Bethany Gerrie. “When I’m looking for ‘scroll stopping’ assets to use in social video, this is the level of quality and impact I’m after.”
When I’m looking for ‘scroll stopping’ assets to use in social video, this is the level of quality and impact I’m after.
Bethany Gerrie Social Media Manager, Envato
Production Line by MegiasD
The production line on this video by MegiasD contains many of the hallmarks of a satisfying video: endless motion, fun textures and bright colors.
As well as this, the whimsical subject matter of a ‘drop’ of watermelon-like liquid popping up into a balloon delights the viewer in an unexpected way.
The colors and textures in this video work seamlessly together to create such a satisfying end product!
Joanna Birleson Senior Marketing Manager, Envato
3D Copper Sphere by FlashMovie
Envato Author FlashMovie has demonstrated one of the most common features of satisfying videos in this clip: anticipation. While watching this way that this copper circle moves along its path, the viewer anticipates the way it will move, capturing their attention.
“I find it helps to reference these kind of clips when I’m working on my own motion graphics projects,” says Tuts+ video creator Tom Graham.
“It helps to remind me that good rhythm and timing will make your motion stand out.”
I love these kinds of oddly satisfying animations … they scratch some kind of itch buried deep in my brain.
Tom Graham Senior Video Creator, Envato Tuts+
Satisfying Video of Colourful Easter Eggs by troyanpx
Oddly satisfying content has great cut-through on social media, and this one by Author troyanpx is a great example of this. It also has an easy seasonal tie in with Easter.
“This asset is ticking a lot of boxes”, says Envato’s social media manager Bethany Gerrie. “Firstly, it can be re-framed into a 9:16 format, it’s nice and colorful (so it will stand out on the feed) and is absolutely mesmerizing!”
This asset is ticking a lot of boxes, because it’s colorful (so it will stand out on the feed) and is absolutely mesmerizing!
Bethany Gerrie Social Media Manager, Envato
Satisfying Video by Rajibcou
This video from Envato Author Rajibcou is simple but effective. The bright blue catches the eye of the audience, and then the video holds onto that attention by employing satisfyingly seamless loops of animation.
This gentle see-saw from Rajibcou is like a dance of balance and harmony… meditative and nostalgic (reminds me of a childhood playground) at the same time!
Joanna Birleson Senior Marketing Manager, Envato
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