What are you hearing: Yanny or Laurel?

China 24

Published May 16, 2018 at 5:24 PM
Updated May 16, 2018 at 6:51 PM

It’s the audio clip that’s become a viral sensation.

The sound clip is making people hear two very different words: Yanny and Laurel. It’s dividing people across the Internet, and even the staff of CGTN America here in Washington, D.C.

CGTN’s Audrey Siek and Jim Spellman went around the newsroom to get to the bottom of the sound, and figure out just which word was right: Yanny or Laurel?

So just what is the right answer? Technically, it’s “Laurel”.

The story began as a simple question posed by a pair of high school friends over Instagram. Now, millions are still trying to understand the science behind the sound, and figure out why exactly they hear what they do.

Some have said the speakers used have something to do with what an individual hears. But others have said it’s just a simple case of bass versus treble. If you happen to pick up bass tones more, you hear “Laurel”. If not, you’re left with “Yanny”.

So now that you know what our team in Washington heard, CGTN America wants to know: what do you hear? Take our online poll and let us know: Yanny or Laurel?