Arthur Andrade on Starting an ASMR LeetCode Channel on YouTube

Arthur Andrade has been a Senior Fullstack Engineer at X-Team for almost four years. He recently told our community that he had started an ASMR YouTube channel called ASMR Dev. In this interview, we discuss what the channel is about, what his goals for it are, and how he combines it with his job as a Fullstack Engineer.

What inspired you to start the ASMR Dev YouTube channel?

Recently, I've really gotten into custom keyboards. Because I wanted to learn more about keyboard switches and keycaps, I watched some ASMR content about it. That gave me the idea that it would be really cool to have similar content but for software development.

When I'm working, I find it relaxing to have some kind of programming video on my second monitor. The keyboard sounds allow me to focus and get in the zone. But those videos don't show the keyboard, and I thought it'd be pretty sweet to also see the keyboard. That's what sparked my little project. I did a test-run with my Discord community and everybody loved the idea.

What was it like creating that first video?

The first video was a really long process, because I had to do everything for the first time. There was a lot of tinkering before I got the result I wanted. I initially tried recording with my main mic, but that has a filter to get background noise out of the recording, so that didn't work.

I had to experiment with other mics and ended up with a Lavalier microphone that was good enough for the first video. But I recently switched to a dedicated dynamic mic that was for sale on AliExpress.

The camera setup also needed a lot of tinkering. I wanted an overhead shot of the keyboard so people could enjoy my keyboard build. That shot wasn't easy to create. I eventually managed to do it with a secondary arm that put my DLSR camera over my monitor and on top of my keyboard. Then it was a matter of cropping and adjusting on OBS to get the right ratio.

Can you walk us through your process for creating an ASMR Dev video from start to finish?

First, I get the lighting right. Then I close all my doors and windows. When it's really quiet, I turn on the keyboard mic and check if it's in frame for the overhead recording. I adjust the audio level and turn on instant feedback on my headset, so I can hear the keyboard sounds and check if any other sound is captured.

I open my VM for the recording and choose a nice keyboard/mouse combo. Usually whatever I'm using that week. After that, I press record and start going through the LeetCode problems. I don't prepare the problems in advance because I want them to be a refresher for myself. So if I make a mistake, it's all on the video.

While programming, I try to type slowly so there's a more pleasant sound signature. It also allows the keyboard switches to really shine.

Do you have a go-to keyboard for your ASMR videos?

I started the ASMR Dev channel because I wanted to test and show my keyboard builds to the world. I wouldn't say I have a go-to keyboard. But my current main keyboard is an aluminum K2 keychron with a lot of mods, creamy yellow switches, and blackout keycaps.

Why did you decide to focus on solving LeetCode problems?

I'd already been wanting to do a full walkthrough of the LeetCode problems on camera, but thought it would be boring to just have me explaining the problems. Combined with the ASMR, it felt fresh. They're videos that even people who don't care about LeetCode problems can watch.

I chose LeetCode specifically because it's the most used platform for coding challenges. I'm pretty familiar with it.

Do you have a favorite LeetCode challenge that you enjoy solving?

I don't. I just like to help people. But I enjoy solving walking window challenges. I often visualize the window in my head while solving it.

What are your goals for the ASMR Dev channel in the coming months?

My goal is to have as many LeetCode challenges covered. I'd like people to use the channel for their studies and to nail their next software developer interview. I'm also trying to do the challenges in order, which mixes up the level of difficulty and the data structure that's used.

How do you balance your time between your work as a software engineer and creating content for your YouTube channel?

I'm pretty laid-back with the new channel. It's a fun project. I don't wanna spoil it with a strict schedule. It's a hobby and that's how I'll treat it. I also just changed X-Team clients, so the following months I'll get immersed in a big new project. Content creation will be on the sidelines for a while.

Because I'm more relaxed about the channel, it's a lot more interesting and comfortable. Eventually, there will be plenty of videos on the channel, but I don't want to rush it.

That's a healthy approach. Finally, do you have any advice for new or aspiring content creators?

Done is better than perfect. Just get your videos out there; don't agonize over making them perfect. This being said, it's advice that I haven't quite mastered myself.

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