With monthly searches exceeding 3.1 million, rain unanimously tops the list as the most popular sound on the internet. Crickets ranked as the second most popular sound, with just over 622,000 monthly searches.
Just like its rejuvenating effect in nature, the rhythmic sound of rain also seems to provide a sense of refreshment for the mind.
Our brains are drawn to patterns and routines, says Judy Ho, Ph.D., a California-based neuropsychologist and a member of the Forbes Health Advisory Board. Brains are constantly on the lookout for threats, but rhythmic patterns such as a steady, light rain signal relaxation. These signals send a message to the brain that it’s safe to turn off the high alert mode, she explains.
Rain is a type of pink noise, a sound that contains all the frequencies people can hear but with a more powerful focus on the lower frequencies and reduced loudness in the higher octaves. (By way of comparison, white noise provides all the frequencies humans can hear at equal intensity.) Research suggests that pink noise can help people sleep, although clinical evidence is limited. Relaxation benefits aside, such rhythmic sounds can also benefit people with tinnitus by masking any ringing or other noises in their ears.
The most popular man-made sounds
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Sound seekers also seem to love a good round of clapping, as clapping tops the list of sounds made by the most popular people. And while the jury may disagree on the effectiveness of clap therapy, at least one study suggests that clapping could be an effective tool for brain stimulation.
Laughter takes second place, which researchers attribute as an easy way to lift the mood and reduce the production of stress hormones. The crunching of leaves, the ticking of clocks, church bells and airplanes taking off are also proving to be quite popular.
Demand for man-made sounds drops significantly after these findings, with steam train whistles and Ferrari engines garnering far less interest.
The most popular nature sounds
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The sounds of nature seem to have a deep and primal hold on the human psyche. A 2022 study found that participants who listened to birdsong experienced significant relief from feelings of mental stress and fatigue. Meanwhile, another study in Ecopsychology suggests that the sounds of nature can help improve a listener’s overall mood.
Sought after by 71% of respondents, nature sounds are easily the most popular type of sound that people tend to search for online, and with good reason.
Research shows that being in nature reduces stress chemicals like cortisol, decreases anxiety and improves a sense of peace, says Deborah Courtney, Ph.D., a New York-based psychotherapist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member .
Science also supports the idea that the sounds of nature can affect a person’s inner state in powerful ways, adds Dr. Courtney. For example, a 2017 study in Scientific Reports notes that sounds of nature tend to be associated with a decrease in the body’s sympathetic nervous system response (fight, flight, or freeze) and an increase in the parasympathetic nervous system response (rest and digestion).
Nature is a path to spirituality and meaning, adds Dr. Ho. It also has a welcoming lilt and sparks positive memories and feelings.
Besides rain, thunder and wind are the most popular nature sounds on the internet, according to data from Forbes Health.
The most popular animal sounds
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Crickets, known for their distinctive chirps, dominate as the most popular animal sound searched on the internet. Listeners also often look for cat purring sounds.
Science seems to back up the benefits of listening to animal sounds. A 2018 study in the Psychonomic Bulletin and Review found that participants who listened to sounds of nature, such as crickets chirping, experienced significant improvements in cognitive performance compared to participants who listened to urban sounds such as traffic noise.
Most popular food and drink sounds
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Perhaps the most controversial part of the list, a number of food and drink sounds attract thousands of sound seekers every month. Popping popcorn receives nearly 4,200 monthly searches, followed by apple crunch with 2,270 monthly searches and sizzling bacon with 2,060 monthly searches. Pouring the Wine collects only 820 searches.
Research into the phenomenon known as Autonomic Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) shows that some people experience a tingling sensation in the back of the neck and visceral relaxation when listening to certain types of noise. In some cases, the sound of popcorn popping can elicit a similar reaction in some listeners.
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