This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for a UK audience.
Even in a world where online dating and casual hookups have become the norm, dating can still feel exhausting: putting on the right clothes, thinking of good conversation starters, and the thought of commuting to a place to meet in person can be exhausting.
No matter how you plan to meet someone, dating always requires some kind of physical effort. The good news? Loophole: Sexting.
What is sexting?
Sexting is the technique of sending sexually explicit photos and messages via text to one or more people. Its recent popularity has led to the emergence of sexting apps and the addition of new sexting features to in-person dating apps.
What should I know about sexting?
Whether you’re just trying out sexting or you’re a seasoned pro, there are a few things to keep in mind when downloading a new dating app to use for sexting. Sure, it’s easier to feel comfortable finding a new sexting partner than it is to find a long-term romantic partner, but there are some rules to follow to ensure everyone involved feels safe. Here are the three big ones:
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Mutual Respect — Assess the situation and understand the other person. A few pre-sexting texts (or pre-sexting) is usually enough to determine if the other person is interested in cybersex with you. Take the time to understand that before you start doing anything lewd or unnecessary. That means not just starting to throw dick pics at them if they haven’t asked.
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Mutual Trust — Be respectful: Privacy is sacred. The internet has the terrible power to make fleeting moments last forever. If someone asks you to keep something a secret, comply. Sexting can be light and fun, but it also requires deep trust. If you betray that trust, you’ve ruined it for everyone.
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privacy — No app can completely protect your privacy; that’s your job. Some apps have specific features designed to protect your personal information and content, but they can’t eliminate all scenarios. For example, you don’t need to take a screenshot to capture a photo you send. They can easily take or record a photo or video of you using another phone or device. Always keep this in mind and do your best to make sure you can trust the person receiving the message before sending anything that could be compromised.
Please keep these points in mind when engaging in NSFW messaging.
Should I sext?
It’s clear that going on an actual date is the best way to get to know someone long-term, especially if you’re looking for a serious, in-person relationship. And while real-life sex is always better than sexting, sexting is an alternative that might help you in ways you never thought of.
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Convenience — Whether you plan to meet up on a date to wine and dine or just have sex, it always requires extra effort. For those with extremely busy schedules or who just can’t afford a stable, face-to-face relationship in their lives (for whatever reason), sexting can be a lifesaver. After all, being busy doesn’t mean you don’t have a sex drive. Sexting allows you to fulfill your sexual needs without compromising yourself.
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Exploring trust and intimacy — Being comfortable in close proximity with others doesn’t necessarily come naturally to everyone, but choosing to sext allows for new levels of exploration in terms of intimacy and trust. You don’t have to meet the person on the other side of the screen if you don’t want to, but being able to practice vulnerability with no strings attached can be a great lesson in being more open.
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freedom — Like most activities behind a screen, sexting allows you to let go of your inhibitions and feel comfortable exploring your sexual side. Knowing there’s a certain barrier between you and the other person might allow you to try out words and ideas that you wouldn’t explore in person.
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fun — Be honest for a second. A night of sexting is bound to be a lot more fun than constantly swiping right on dating apps and having the same conversations over and over again. Having the option to open an app on your phone and engage in a little virtual foreplay provides instant gratification and (almost) guaranteed pleasure.
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safety — Why Sexting? While not completely safe in terms of privacy, sexting offers a safety that face-to-face meetings don’t. Sexting allows you to interact with people you know or complete strangers without putting yourself in a dangerous or unwanted physical situation. Your experience should always be exactly how you want it to be. With sexting, if it’s not going the way you want it to, you can just close the app.
The benefits are clear to see, so why not give it a try?
What are the best apps for sexting?
If you’re planning on sexting, you’ll need to look for specific features in the app.
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ease of use — You don’t want to have to figure out how to attach a picture or voice note to a conversation you’re having a heated discussion with. When it comes to sexting, the more user-friendly a platform is, the better. You want it to be efficient and fast.
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Privacy Features — What happens in a sexting app doesn’t necessarily stay in the sexting app. There’s no guarantee that your conversations or selfies won’t end up in screenshots on someone’s phone. That said, certain apps have an instant auto-delete feature that deletes photos and conversations after a certain amount of time.
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safety — If you want a fun, no-strings-attached evening online, it doesn’t really matter if the person you’re talking to is verified. However, if you want to avoid chatting with catfish or bots, consider using an app that links your social media and authenticates users.
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Subscription Pricing and Free Features — How much are you willing to pay for extra features? There are a few free apps available, but if you’re looking for something a little more premium, you can pay a few pounds a month for premium features.
With these features in mind, you should be ready to choose an app and start sexting.
What are the best apps for sexting?
Sexting is essentially There are many factors to consider (like consent and privacy), we’ve picked the best sexting apps that will satisfy you – that is, apps that will get you off to a good start. We’ve tried to offer something for everyone, so check out these options and choose your favorite.
These are the best sexting apps of 2024.
