During my remote work period, the sounds outside my apartment are far from serene—motorcycles revving, sirens blaring, horns honking. Although I appreciate the adaptability and comfort that comes with telecommuting, peace is not included in this arrangement.

That’s why I seek out an unexpected refuge for tranquility: YouTube.

In our intensely connected digital era, individuals have found numerous unconventional methods to unwind. Some find solace in singing bowl videos on TikTok, while others depend on Spotify’s ambient playlists or “deep focus” tracks. For me, YouTube has emerged as the premier spot for relaxation.

The platform is filled with channels offering white noise and soothing music, often accompanied by calming visuals—many of which are generated by AI. Whether you’re in need of background sound to concentrate or a gentle melody to fall asleep to, YouTube provides a surprisingly diverse and plentiful array.

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The variety of content is astonishing—far exceeding what any conventional white noise machine can deliver. Consider just a few examples: birds singing in the woods, ocean waves crashing upon the shore, laid-back electronic rhythms, the soft hum of futuristic spaceship engines, or even the delicate sounds of the DisneyWorld monorail moving past theme park attractions. (For some, remaining on the monorail and steering clear of the tumult of the rides is the ultimate form of relaxation.)

Many of these videos last for hours and are crafted to calm without becoming monotonous or intrusive. An added perk: even without a YouTube Premium subscription, these minimalist channels seldom feature ads.

One highlight is a video from the Cafe Relaxing Jazz Music channel called “Warm Jazz Piano Music with a Sweet Cup of Coffee.” It showcases nearly two hours of smooth jazz, paired with a cozy visual of steam rising from a coffee cup—ideal for slipping into a tranquil state.

Here are a few additional YouTube channels to check out when curating your own white noise playlist:

View Escape
This channel whisks you away on peaceful journeys to distant locales—especially imaginative ones in outer space. A favorite is “Ambient Echoes overlooking Cyberpunk City,” which offers a Blade Runner-esque atmosphere. Envision yourself in a peaceful spaceship bedroom, watching stars float by as the engine hums gently in the background.

MyTranquilitee
This beach-themed channel is perfect for sleep or ambient background sound. One remarkable video features the Mountains of Moorea in French Polynesia, showcasing crystal-clear waters and vibrant greenery. Other videos transport you to the beaches of Anguilla, Hawaii, Malibu, and beyond.

baby.murcielaga
A whimsical yet profoundly meditative channel, baby.murcielaga provides nostalgic, dreamlike videos with titles such as “Lost in 1983” and “Back to 1991.” The visuals—rain-soaked parking lots, foggy city skylines—feel eternal and haunting. One viewer remarked, “It feels like what I experienced when I wasn’t afraid of being alone, or in the dark, or in the cold, or in the open.”

Disney Parks
For Disney enthusiasts, this official channel presents more than just ride POVs and culinary tours. It includes calming offerings like the Space Mountain Soundscape and the Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana. A personal favorite is “4 Hours of Monorail Ambience,” which loops the soothing sounds of the monorail gliding through the parks—minus the throngs and turmoil. Just the iconic announcement: “Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas.”

Severance — Music To Refine To feat. ODESZA
If you find yourself entrenched in your own version of Lumon Industries, this AppleTV collaboration with ODESZA provides eight hours of music conducive to focus. The visuals showcase scenes from the show’s minimalist office environment—making coffee, crunching numbers, tidying up. The electronic soundtrack is more upbeat than the other channels, but for some, it serves as the ideal white noise for productivity. And when your workday concludes, it serves as a smooth transition into your “outie” life.

In a clamorous world, YouTube has subtly evolved into a sanctuary for the senses. Whether you’re aiming to concentrate, unwind, or simply escape, there exists a video—and a vibe—waiting for you.