Researchers from Durham University have identified a specific vocal frequency that women find most appealing. According to the study published in Royal Society Open Science, a pitch of 95Hz strikes the ideal balance between masculinity and approachability.
The 95Hz sweet spot outperforms Vin Diesel’s rumble
The 95Hz frequency represents a middle ground that avoids the extremes of vocal pitch. while many men attempt to lower their voices to sound more authoritative, the Durham University study suggests that a pitch around 95Hz—similar to the speaking tones of Barack Obama, Gerard Butler, or Jason Momoa—is actually the most universaly appealing. As the report notes, voices that drop too low, such as the 75Hz frequency associated with Vin Diesel, actually see a decline in attractiveness. This suggests that the "deeper is better" mantra may be a misconception.
1,466 US participants tested digital voice alterations
The study's methodology involved a large-scale evaluation of 1,466 participants from the United States.. These volunteers watched video clips of 17 different men whose voices had been digitally manipulated to test various frequencies. The range spanned from a deep 75Hz to a much higher 135Hz , a pitch comparable to comedian Kevin Hart. By testing these specific increments, researchers were able to map exactly where attractiveness peaks and where it begins to falter, noting that higher-pitched voices were rated lower in both attractiveness and dominance by both men and women.
Aversion to high pitches drives the preference for masculinity
Perceived masculinity is often linked to vocal depth, but the research suggests this relationship is not linear. Participants consistently associated deeper voices with higher levels of strength, fighting ability, and influence. However, the researchers said the preference for a moderate pitch was largely driven by an aversion to voices that sounded "feminine" rather than a pursuit of the most masculine sound possible. This explains why a "sweet spot" exists; women appeared to favor a tone that sounded masculine without tipping into an ultra-deep , rumbling register.
The health risks of TikTok's 'voicemaxxing' trend
The rise of "voicemaxxing" on platforms like TikTok has introduced physical risks to those attempting to alter their natural tone. Users such as @nickfraserr and @kiernansheridan have promoted techniques like "neck crunches" and breathing exercises to achieve a deeper sound. However, scientists Samuel Cornell, Krista Fisher, and Rob Brooks warned in The Conversation that these practices can lead to muscle tension dysphonia . This condition, caused by squeezing the muscles around the voice box, can result in a voice that sounds rough, tight, or even cuts out mid-sentence.
Uncertainty surrounding the efficacy of 'neck crunches'
While the biological preference for 95Hz is clear, the actual effectiveness of "voicemaxxing" remains unverified. It is currently unknown whether the breathing and neck exercises promoted by TikTok influencers produce any permanent change in vocal frequency or if they merely induce temporary muscle strain. Additionally, the study does not address whether these vocal preferences remain consistent across different cultures or if they are a specific byproduct of Western social standards.
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