Whether you're not quite ready to re-enter the dating scene, find yourself in a long-distance relationship, or want to spice up your solo sex toy sessions, getting on one of the best sexting apps could be the key to a more fulfilling physical and emotional experience.
According to a recent survey of 54,677 adults conducted by the Bedbible Research Center, 76.9% said they'd sent a sext at least once. This number started at 2.7% in 2000 and has climbed steadily over the years, highlighting the growing acceptance and normalization of sexting among adults.
Of course, the pandemic probably had something to do with this. Either way, the data doesn't lie — having intimate conversations via text message or video chat is now a part of mainstream sexual behavior.
Dating apps make it easy to find someone to converse with, but if it's something serious you're after, we'd suggest you hold off on sexting for a little while. Just looking for a fun hookup or some excitement that never makes the jump over to an IRL exchange? Ever wanted to write the words "send nudes" to a total stranger? Read on.
How to start sexting
Sexting is pretty much an art form in itself. It's not easy mastering the perfect balance between being sexually explicit and tasteful, knowing when to be playful and serious, and understanding your partner's boundaries — especially if you're new to sexting or just met your potential sexting partner online.
Sure, you could argue that there are fewer inhibitions when chatting online, texting, or leaving saucy messages for your partner to find later on, but in all honesty, dirty talk comes with a few rules.
Here's your quick-start guide to sexting safely and responsibly:
Find an app that prioritizes user privacy: Privacy is often marketed as a priority for most sexting and dating apps, but not all apps are created equal in terms of security. While some private message apps like Confide and DUST have certain features to protect user privacy, such as end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages, this doesn't mean a person can't snap a photo using the screenshot function or record a video with another device.
Don't forget to establish consent: Whether you're on a dating app, just met someone in a sex chat room, or are cruising the web for an anonymous sexting partner, there's one important rule that should never be overlooked: consent. Before you send an explicit image or message, check in with your partner (or potential sexting partner) beforehand.
Be mindful of boundaries and respect them: The internet can be a very scary place where fleeting moments of trust can ruin reputations and compromise personal (and sometimes professional) relationships. If someone asks you to keep something to yourself, do it. In that same vein, communicate your boundaries and expectations as well. And, if you're really worried, look for an app that features a screenshot protection option to prevent any potentially embarrassing or harmful images from being shared without your consent.
Think twice before including your face or other identifiable features: While it may be tempting to add a personal touch to your explicit photos or videos, it's best to keep identifiable features hidden if you're engaging in anonymous sexting or if you just met the person online. This can help protect your identity and reduce the risk of your intimate content being shared without your consent.
How to find the best sexting apps
Once you know the rules and how to play the game, it's time to step onto the field and give it your best shot. Of course, the quality of the platform you use will determine whether you'll hit a home run or strikeout.
To help you make the most of your sexting experience, we tested some of the top private chat apps. Based on our research and hands-on testing, we've narrowed our list to a few apps that prioritize privacy, safety, and user-friendliness for sexting. They're also pretty affordable, with some even offering free options.
Here are the best sexting apps for all your NSFW exchanges.
