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There’s an undeniable allure to watching how the shadow perfectly lines up with the pavement. Or how the tiles align in shockingly neat repetitive patterns. Or how the trees and leaves present themselves in ideal forms and harmony. It’s hard to explain why these everyday oddities look so dreamy, but tapping into these moments of magic seems to scratch an itch we didn't even know we had.

The increasingly chaotic everyday life has us striving toward order, beauty, and perfection. So if you crave some more of seemingly mundane things that trigger pleasant sensations, the 'Oddly Satisfying' subreddit is the place to be. With nearly 8 million members, the online community has set out to collect "those little things that are inexplicably satisfying", hypnotizing the internet one picture at a time.

Below, we wrapped up the newest batch of some of the most brain-tingling photos to give you a sense of instant satisfaction. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to see some of the most visually pleasing things imaginable. Keep reading to also find our interview about this internet phenomenon with Deborah S. Bowen, Ph.D. Be sure to upvote your favorite pics, and then let us know what you think about them in the comments!

Psst! If you're looking to continue your brain massage, more of the same goodness can be found in Bored Panda's earlier pieces here: Part 1 and Part 2.

#1

The Lighting Under This Bridge That Makes It Look Like A Crescent-Moon In The Water

The Lighting Under This Bridge That Makes It Look Like A Crescent-Moon In The Water

micheas08 Report

#2

Japanese Rice Field Art

Japanese Rice Field Art

therra123 Report

Oddly satisfying is an attempt to describe an inexplicably pleasing quality that watching an otherwise mundane object triggers in its viewer. The term refers to images of videos encompassing everything from dominoes falling in perfect lines to smooth cake icing to the wonderful symmetry in nature.

The concept itself gained quite a cult following online mainly due to the subreddit in question. The group was created back in 2013 and has now become one of Reddit’s largest communities, ranking 29th on the list.

If you’ve ever browsed your social media feeds and suddenly stumbled upon videos of physical objects being manipulated in highly specific ways — melted, smoothed, poured, carved, sliced, mixed, dissolved — you know the feeling. It may have to do with symmetry, patterns, and repetition. Or it may be related to soothing imagery and sounds that allow you to absorb the experience, which our brain seems to find innately enjoyable. It still holds a sense of mystery, and that’s all part of the beauty.

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#3

This Seamless Circle Of Cats

This Seamless Circle Of Cats

tobago_88 Report

#4

Lithops Are South African Plants That Have Evolved To Look Like Stones

Lithops Are South African Plants That Have Evolved To Look Like Stones

StcStasi Report

According to an American insurance company Lemonade Inc., at least one video with an #OddlySatisfying hashtag is posted on Instagram every minute on average, and there’s been a dramatic spike in Google searches for these soothing examples over the last few years. So why did this trend suddenly become so popular? How did it take the internet by storm?

Explaining why we like anything can be complicated, but among the many examples floating online, there seem to be some clues. So to learn more about this phenomenon, we reached out to Deborah S. Bowen, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor of PR Instruction at the University of South Florida. "It’s been proven that satisfying videos release combinations of 'feel-good' hormones, like dopamine and serotonin," she explained that part of the appeal of these visuals is that they bring out happiness and positivity.

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"We know that a chemical element is associated with these wonderful little videos (and part of the trick is that these videos should be short!), but we also respond to them on an unconscious — if not visceral! — level," Bowen told Bored Panda.

#5

Washed And Dried Sheep

Washed And Dried Sheep

sailorjupiter28titan Report

#6

Stealing The Moon

Stealing The Moon

UncleSquach Report

#7

The Way This Fox Is Curled Up Into A Perfect Circle

The Way This Fox Is Curled Up Into A Perfect Circle

sirblocksnall Report

"Part of the 'satisfaction' comes from the visual, which is usually the obvious and cathartic resolution or completion of a task. The explanation here is obvious: there is a deep sense of satisfaction when a job is completed," the professor said, adding that oddly satisfying clips usually have a sensual element to them: "Extracting a blackhead, for example, or the little 'clicks' we often hear in restocking videos (a favorite of mine!)"

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Another explanation, according to Bowen, might be that these images embody things "as they should be". "We are witnessing order being imposed on chaos," she explained. "Even those oh-so-dreamy symmetrical swirls of icing on a cake — this, too, is forming a version of a reality that we can control."

#8

This Nice Leaf Art (By @lito_leafart)

This Nice Leaf Art (By @lito_leafart)

asilvertintedrose Report

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#9

These Two Zebras Lining Up Randomly, And Perfectly

These Two Zebras Lining Up Randomly, And Perfectly

scot816 Report

#10

This Non-Edited Photo Of Salt Mountains In Iran Still Look Beautiful

This Non-Edited Photo Of Salt Mountains In Iran Still Look Beautiful

asilvertintedrose Report

But as the professor pointed out, we humans are visual species and have always found aesthetically pleasing images to bring a calming or soothing effect. So, by itself, the concept of oddly satisfying has existed for a long time, we just didn’t have the language to express it.

"Embracing the term 'oddly satisfying' is a strong public relations move for creators who generate this kind of content. A searchable term also facilitates locating this sort of video when someone is actively searching for it. Providing context for this kind of content allows for any number of new creators and viewers to become aware of this growing genre," Bowen added.

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Still, the word "oddly" gives her pause. "The universality of these videos must mean that there is spiritus mundi at work here. Perhaps we as an audience don’t want to admit that we derive so much physical and psychological pleasure from these, so we cast them as 'must look at' content, like the proverbial trainwreck."

#11

It Looks Like A Leafy Spoonful Of Cottage Cheese

It Looks Like A Leafy Spoonful Of Cottage Cheese

Jessieface13 Report

#12

An Entire Alphabet Is Carved Into A Pencil

An Entire Alphabet Is Carved Into A Pencil

jocoiscool Report

#13

The Deformities In This Carrot Make It Look Like It's Walking

The Deformities In This Carrot Make It Look Like It's Walking

asilvertintedrose Report

So, in essence, the vast majority of the population gets pleasure from oddly satisfying things that transmit a sense of relaxation and calm. In fact, young and digitally equipped people even report watching these videos before they go to bed to get a better night’s sleep. "The chemical release we experience is likely part of the equation, but I think there is a strong draw to see neutral or non-topical videos that have some kind of 'ahhhhh' catharsis at the end," Bowen said.

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She believes everything lies in this little release of tension when the job is complete, when symmetry has been put in place, and when order has been imposed on chaos. "[It] feels like the moment when suddenly the tension in your body loosens, or you realize you’ve been holding your breath and you let it out."

#14

Lime Cross-Section

Lime Cross-Section

iboughtarock Report

#15

This Wall Art I Saw On A Library

This Wall Art I Saw On A Library

tim_drozd Report

#16

This Beetle's Shell Is So Reflective Its Like A Mirror

This Beetle's Shell Is So Reflective Its Like A Mirror

asilvertintedrose Report

But when we succumb to the mindless scroll through the oddly satisfying universe, do we really forget about our daily troubles? Well, Bowen believes we do. "In 2022, the third year of a pandemic, with political divisiveness and culture wars brewing in the real world and across social platforms, it is easy to understand why these videos are so popular. They are escapism in a very true form of the word: they allow us to feel, even for the briefest second, that there is some piece of this world that is controllable."

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#17

Fall Trees With The Beautiful Colors

Fall Trees With The Beautiful Colors

nikan69 Report

#18

The Calm Before The Storm

The Calm Before The Storm

Palifaith Report

#19

A Chinese Artist Creates Stunning 500m Ladder In The Sky With Fireworks In Tribute To His Grandmother

A Chinese Artist Creates Stunning 500m Ladder In The Sky With Fireworks In Tribute To His Grandmother

Future_Line_4253 Report

Oddly satisfying imagery seems to serve as a form of self-care, and it offers a fresh breath of air with its soothing and slow-paced nature. So, naturally, it can be easy to fall down the rabbit hole and watch these images and videos as a kind of microtherapy for hours on end.

When this is the case, strive to be a more conscious media consumer: "Beyond the general warnings about overconsumption of media in general, I would suggest limiting consumption only so that desensitization does not happen," Bowen advised. "As with anything we put in our bodies or do to our bodies, we develop a tolerance. Monitoring the amount of all video content we consume is a crucial part of making sure we have a well-balanced information diet."

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#20

This Cat & Dog Look Exactly Alike

This Cat & Dog Look Exactly Alike

asilvertintedrose Report

#21

This Plant Growing Up A Palm Tree

This Plant Growing Up A Palm Tree

Lost_Elephant Report

#22

Tulip Fields Just Outside North-Holland, Netherlands

Tulip Fields Just Outside North-Holland, Netherlands

therra123 Report

For example, understanding the value of breaks from social media is vital. Professor Bowen said she has heard these referred to as "blackouts," "cleanses," and "timeouts." These beneficial intervals can be long or short, multi-platform, or an entire shutdown of social media.

#23

Amazing Hairstyle

Amazing Hairstyle

j3ffr33d0m Report

#24

The "Blue Dragon River" In Algarve, Portugal

The "Blue Dragon River" In Algarve, Portugal

faretu Report

#25

Adding The Backstitches To My Cross-Stitch Embroidery

Adding The Backstitches To My Cross-Stitch Embroidery

lavenderfart Report

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"In today’s world of constant, generally stressful information, it is crucial to set aside time during the day to turn off your devices and be present in the world. This might mean having a 'no phones' meal with friends or taking a quiet walk or running errands / performing tasks that you enjoy (you’ll feel productive!) without checking the phone."

"Short breaks can lead to longer breaks until you might very well take a hiatus from social media. But do make time during your day to turn off the information flow and take care of your mental well-being," Bowen concluded.

#26

Ten Carved Crayons

Ten Carved Crayons

dittidot Report

#27

The Sunset Lighting Makes It Look Like Firebreath

The Sunset Lighting Makes It Look Like Firebreath

asilvertintedrose Report

#28

After Ordering Some Shrimp, Customer Returned The Plate Like This

After Ordering Some Shrimp, Customer Returned The Plate Like This

toriaces Report

#29

This Bicolor Tree

This Bicolor Tree

j3ffr33d0m Report

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#30

French Pastry Perfection

French Pastry Perfection

-GuyDudeman- Report

#31

Drew A Pattern On My Hand

Drew A Pattern On My Hand

FloatingRage Report

#32

The Underside Of A Lily Pad

The Underside Of A Lily Pad

Swerwin Report

#33

Heart-Shaped Tomato

Heart-Shaped Tomato

micheas08 Report

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POST
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

After all, they used to call tomatoes “love apples”. Now we know why.

Mary Hiers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Back in the early days of blogging, I had a personal blog on which I posted a photo of a heart-shaped potato I found. Naturally, the first comment was some wag saying that it looked like testicles.

Callin all cars
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, actually, the real shape of a human heart is... Jk. I'm not gonna be that guy.

Rebekah Christensen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

did u know hat if you put an apple in a box and wait 3 trillion years it'll go through like a million phases of energy and eventually rot backwards and become the same apple again, so u could come back in 3 trillion years and your apple, will still be an apple

Lindy Mac
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is so beautiful and perfect ... it's a shame to eat it but then.... it's a shame to waste it too.

Noosh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet the second after they took that they ate it and forgot about it 😔

Sans Serif
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who adores tomatoes, I'm not sure I could put a knife to it!

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#34

These Onigiri (Rice Balls) Perfectly Shaped Like Cats

These Onigiri (Rice Balls) Perfectly Shaped Like Cats

asilvertintedrose Report

#35

Broom Setup In Our Local Garden Store

Broom Setup In Our Local Garden Store

Jeerus Report

#36

Bad vs. Good Cable Management In A Server Room

Bad vs. Good Cable Management In A Server Room

AutomaticAd5811 Report

#37

This Shadow Creating A Perfect Gradient

This Shadow Creating A Perfect Gradient

demitrybelmont Report

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#38

This Flawless Flan

This Flawless Flan

Foxerbit Report

#39

This View From The Sleeper-McCann House In Beuport

This View From The Sleeper-McCann House In Beuport

Swerwin Report

#40

Blending With The Surroundings

Blending With The Surroundings

ThndrBoltBuddhA Report

#41

Seedless Watermelon That Is Very Seedless

Seedless Watermelon That Is Very Seedless

TuxedoFloorca Report

#42

It's Hard To Believe The Dizzying Patterns Covering This Abandoned Salt Mine Are Completely Natural

It's Hard To Believe The Dizzying Patterns Covering This Abandoned Salt Mine Are Completely Natural

nikan69 Report

#43

This Rectangular Iceberg

This Rectangular Iceberg

HarjiFangki Report

#44

The Head Of A White Sturgeon When Viewed From Above Is Somewhat Beguiling As It Appears To Be The Head Of A Giraffe Or Mythical Dragon. This Species Of Sturgeon Is North America's Largest Freshwater Fish

The Head Of A White Sturgeon When Viewed From Above Is Somewhat Beguiling As It Appears To Be The Head Of A Giraffe Or Mythical Dragon. This Species Of Sturgeon Is North America's Largest Freshwater Fish

Sayara2022 Report

#45

This Rock I Found Today

This Rock I Found Today

Palana Report

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#46

The Foehn Effect Covering Just One Side Of This Mountain

The Foehn Effect Covering Just One Side Of This Mountain

asilvertintedrose Report

#47

Hinding In The Trenches

Hinding In The Trenches

Dvorozhetskii Report

#48

This Bread, With Legs

This Bread, With Legs

asilvertintedrose Report

#49

The Way This Horse’s Fur Flattens When I Pet Her

The Way This Horse’s Fur Flattens When I Pet Her

bruxbuddies Report

#50

Optical Illusion By These Clothes Make Them Look Pixelated In 2D

Optical Illusion By These Clothes Make Them Look Pixelated In 2D

asilvertintedrose Report

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#51

This Nice Wooden Wolf Sculpture Made Of Shapes

This Nice Wooden Wolf Sculpture Made Of Shapes

asilvertintedrose Report

#52

This Hedgehog Having A Bath

This Hedgehog Having A Bath

its_muh_username Report

#53

Fall Got In The Way Of Our New Parking Lanes

Fall Got In The Way Of Our New Parking Lanes

thedawntreader85 Report

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#54

This Cutting Board I Made For A Friend's Housewarming Gift

This Cutting Board I Made For A Friend's Housewarming Gift

Guitrum Report

#55

These Braids I Just Did

These Braids I Just Did

And_I_Said_Biiiiitch Report

#56

This Pruning Practice Is Called 'Pleaching'

This Pruning Practice Is Called 'Pleaching'

Eloquentdyslexic Report

#57

My Friend’s Sleeping Cat

My Friend’s Sleeping Cat

gayqwertykeyboard Report

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#58

The Architecture Of Copenhagen, Denmark

The Architecture Of Copenhagen, Denmark

SinjiOnO Report

#59

The Way These Hex Ice Cubes Sit Neatly In This Cup

The Way These Hex Ice Cubes Sit Neatly In This Cup

DVS_Nature Report

#60

My Avocado Today Was 11/10

My Avocado Today Was 11/10

180secondideas Report

#61

This Pattern Made By The Snow On A Parking Lot

This Pattern Made By The Snow On A Parking Lot

iGotFlowersInMyHead Report

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#62

Bored Man Walks In Circles On The Snow

Bored Man Walks In Circles On The Snow

UnreadyIce Report

#63

Pig With Two Faces And One Of Them Is Yoda

Pig With Two Faces And One Of Them Is Yoda

HRHChonkyChonkerson Report

#64

Oh Dear Lord Yes The Hex Connection Detailing

Oh Dear Lord Yes The Hex Connection Detailing

YoYoMoMa Report

#65

Whoever Trimmed This Tree, Thank You

Whoever Trimmed This Tree, Thank You

notpynchon Report

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#66

The Reflection Of Buildings On The Water Paddled

The Reflection Of Buildings On The Water Paddled

SAM041287 Report

#67

The Interior Of This Mini Watermelon

The Interior Of This Mini Watermelon

JAlbert653 Report

#68

Sawdust That Piled Up Under My Workbench

Sawdust That Piled Up Under My Workbench

HosWoodWorks Report

#69

The Way This Cheese Lines Up Perfectly With The Bread

The Way This Cheese Lines Up Perfectly With The Bread

sirblocksnall Report

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#70

The Pattern I Made In This Cheese While Grating It

The Pattern I Made In This Cheese While Grating It

DonSmo Report

#71

Before/After Of A Property I Cleaned Up

Before/After Of A Property I Cleaned Up

rpgmgta Report

#72

This Cluster Of Cherry Tomatoes In My Garden

This Cluster Of Cherry Tomatoes In My Garden

kensar Report

#73

Parked My Car Perfectly In The Morning So That It Would Still Be 100% In The Shade By The Afternoon. This Is Peak Arizona Parking

Parked My Car Perfectly In The Morning So That It Would Still Be 100% In The Shade By The Afternoon. This Is Peak Arizona Parking

Theycallmemrmoose Report

#74

Saw A Post About Floor Heating On Here, This Is My Freehanded Version

Saw A Post About Floor Heating On Here, This Is My Freehanded Version

Uber_Owl Report

#75

The Way She Lines Up With The Horizon

The Way She Lines Up With The Horizon

UtopianKalasag Report

#76

Found This In R/Blursedimages, I Found It Very Satisfying To Look At. It Looks S Q U E E S H Y

Found This In R/Blursedimages, I Found It Very Satisfying To Look At. It Looks S Q U E E S H Y

Disney_Plus_Axolotls Report

#77

Art Sculpture By South Korean Artist Jae-Hyo Lee Made From Discarded Tree Trunks And Branches

Art Sculpture By South Korean Artist Jae-Hyo Lee Made From Discarded Tree Trunks And Branches

Ok_Chocolate_3480 Report

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#78

The Difference Of The Weather From One Side Of The Tunnel To The Other, Makes It Look Like A Portal To Another Place!

The Difference Of The Weather From One Side Of The Tunnel To The Other, Makes It Look Like A Portal To Another Place!

Acrobatic-Bid-1691 Report

#79

Brazil's World Cup's Jersey's Collar Makes A Brazil Flag When Unbuttoned

Brazil's World Cup's Jersey's Collar Makes A Brazil Flag When Unbuttoned

ajaysassoc Report

#80

My Paper Towel Storage Spot

My Paper Towel Storage Spot

Villanta81 Report

#81

Hand Editing People Out Of Photos

Hand Editing People Out Of Photos

Boojibs Report

#82

This Page Of People I Saw At The Local Market

This Page Of People I Saw At The Local Market

the_sneaky_artist Report

#83

I Decided To Get Fancy While Vacuuming Today

I Decided To Get Fancy While Vacuuming Today

Zippyflaa Report

#84

How My Boy Makes His Paw-Pillows In A Straight Line

How My Boy Makes His Paw-Pillows In A Straight Line

Jaych1990 Report

#85

Drops Of Water On My Tablet

Drops Of Water On My Tablet

dittidot Report

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#86

Organized My Buddy's Backroom

Organized My Buddy's Backroom

okiedokie666 Report

#87

Tot Placement In Tray

Tot Placement In Tray

system_deform Report

#88

A Planthopper Nymph That Looks And Acts Like Popcorn

A Planthopper Nymph That Looks And Acts Like Popcorn

SingaporeCrabby Report

#89

Cold - Neutral - Hot

Cold - Neutral - Hot

Frago242 Report

#90

The Freshly Stocked Drinks Aisle

The Freshly Stocked Drinks Aisle

iMini Report

#91

Eating This Part Of The Ice Cream Cone

Eating This Part Of The Ice Cream Cone

uhkhu Report

#92

Just Finished Cleaning This Backyard Up

Just Finished Cleaning This Backyard Up

rpgmgta Report

#93

Clear Plastic Electronics

Clear Plastic Electronics

lemoninjazz Report

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#94

I Got The Perfect Tip To Make 69.69, 18% Tip

I Got The Perfect Tip To Make 69.69, 18% Tip

philsubby Report

#95

The Compressed Leather Layers Inside A Whip

The Compressed Leather Layers Inside A Whip

thevalahian Report

#96

The Before And After Pictures Of The Side Of My House

The Before And After Pictures Of The Side Of My House

Cmdrseahawks Report