Calm App
Developing evidence-based content to impact millions with the world’s first mental health unicorn
The Challenge
Calm, the world’s leading sleep and meditation app, wanted to enhance its wellness offerings in its content platform. With over 100 million downloads and a $2 billion valuation, Calm aimed to meet the growing demand for non-pharmacological solutions to stress and sleep issues. The challenge was to create functional, evidence-based sound design that not only helped users unwind but also reduced anxiety and promoted deep, restorative sleep.
The Challenge
Calm, the world’s leading sleep and meditation app, wanted to enhance its wellness offerings in its content platform. With over 100 million downloads and a $2 billion valuation, Calm aimed to meet the growing demand for non-pharmacological solutions to stress and sleep issues. The challenge was to create functional, evidence-based sound design that not only helped users unwind but also reduced anxiety and promoted deep, restorative sleep.
The Solution
Working closely with music psychologists, we developed a series of soundscapes for Calm based on several research-backed auditory techniques, namely rhythmic entrainment and audio-sensory distraction. Rhythmic entrainment synchronizes brain waves with specific tempos and frequencies, slowing heart rate, breathing, and brain activity to induce a restful state. Audio sensory distraction focuses users’ attention on calming sounds, reducing stress and anxiety.
The Solution
Working closely with music psychologists, we developed a series of soundscapes for Calm based on several research-backed auditory techniques, namely rhythmic entrainment and audio-sensory distraction. Rhythmic entrainment synchronizes brain waves with specific tempos and frequencies, slowing heart rate, breathing, and brain activity to induce a restful state. Audio sensory distraction focuses users’ attention on calming sounds, reducing stress and anxiety.
The Outcome
Three years in, our content has garnered millions of daily listeners, with some of the highest engagement metrics and exceptional user feedback. This success is a testament to the power of functional sound—where research and artistry converge to create meaningful, transformative experiences that resonate deeply with users. This collaboration not only enhanced the therapeutic offerings of Calm but also reinforced its position as a leader in the mental wellness space.
