By Emma McGowan

The porn landscape isn't everybody's cup of tea. Maybe you've tried watching it and didn't like it. Maybe you're too anxious to try typing anything into that search bar. Maybe you've never even considered watching it! Regardless, if the literally millions of clips on the well-known “tube” sites aren’t doing it for you, it could just be that video erotica isn’t for you. 

And there’s nothing wrong with that! A lot of people can’t get past the performative nature and stilted acting of “traditional” (aka video) porn. Some people don’t like how rough much of it is or how often certain themes pop up. Some people feel plain icky watching it or feel morally opposed. 

Luckily, there’s a whole other world out there of steamy content just waiting for you to discover it. Which is great! Smut can give you a lot of insights into what you're into to (and what you're not-so-into). And this can only help you improve your bedroom encounters ;)

Here are some recommendations to help get you going.

Erotic literature: Steam up your reading list

Many people prefer reading to video porn, largely because you get to project your own imagination into the scenario. (In other words: It’s fully customizable.) Here are a couple of options to get started

Web stories

We’re starting with Literotica because it’s an OG classic on the internet. And, let’s be real, their site design reflects that fact! While it can be cumbersome to navigate, the site has thousands and thousands of erotic stories submitted by users. All of the stories are sorted by category and ranked using a star system, so you know what’s worth your me-time.

Another great option is Fanfiction.net, which focuses on (you guessed it!) fan-created stories that take some of your favorite characters and put them in the types of sexy situations their creators never dreamed of. (Archive of Our Own is another, newer site with a similar vibe.) And if you’re into longer romance themes, Smashwords is always an excellent choice!

Romance novels

They’re not called bodice-rippers for nothing! Romance novels have been titillating readers for generations with narrative-based erotica that’s specifically written for people with vaginas. Whether you’re into redheaded Scotsmen or fantasy faeries, there’s likely something out there for you. Check out Booktok for awesome recommendations. (We love @chelseareads as a great jumping off point.)

And, as a bonus, these days you can find a huge number of romance genre books on e-readers like Kindle, so you don’t have to worry about people judging your book (and you!) by that steamy cover.

Erotic comics

Can’t get into purely textual smut? Erotic webcomics and graphic novels combine visuals with vivid storytelling. Some popular series include “Oh Joy Sex Toy” which reviews sex toys in comic form, and “Chester 5000 XYV” about a robot who discovers sexuality in Victorian times. Check out Filthy Figments and Slipshine for more indie erotic comics.

Audio erotica: Let your ears do the work

Audio erotica, also known as audio porn or erotic audiobooks, are steamy stories narrated by sultry voices. You’ve got options like short stories, serialized stories, and even full-length novels to tickle your…ear buds. Some are kink-specific, with genres like BDSM, roleplay or sci-fi/fantasy. Many are free, but some do charge a small fee.

• Dipsea offers a curated collection of short stories in a variety of spicy genres, with a free 7-day trial. Their stories feature high production quality and a diverse range of fantasies.
• Quinn is another popular option, especially if you’re into romantic erotica. They release new stories every week, all with happy endings.

Some tips for listening:

• Use headphones for privacy and to enhance the binaural audio experience.
• Start with a short story to see if it revs your engine before diving into a longer tale.
• There’s a story for every taste, so sample around until you find a voice or genre that really turns you on.
• Let the story carry you away! Close your eyes, relax, and let the sexy sounds stimulate your senses.

Getting creative with self-made content

Bored of all of the above already? Why not get creative and make your own custom content? Here are a few ways to craft an experience that’s uniquely you.

Audio adventures

Put that sexy voice of yours to good use! Record yourself reading an erotic story or describing a fantasy scenario. Start with a basic script, then improvise and get dramatic with different voices or sound effects. Edit it all together for a full sensory experience you can enjoy again and again. Pro tip: add some ambient music for extra immersion.

Choose your own adventure

Missing those nostalgic gamebooks from the 80s and 90s? Craft your own sexy twist! Write a series of scenarios with choices that ultimately lead to different climaxes. Start with a setting or roleplay premise, then branch out from there with options like “If you want to flirt with the pirate captain, turn to page 12. If you venture into the mysterious cave, turn to page 24.” Let your imagination go wild!

Pro tip: AI has made stuff like this easier than ever before. Check out ChatGPT, where you can put in whatever scenario you want and it will write the story for you.

DIY digital art

Unleash your inner artist! Use photo editing software to create custom visuals, like pinup-style portraits of yourself or your fantasy boo. Or get more abstract by layering evocative imagery, textures, and text. If you’re less digitally inclined, you can always sketch, collage, or paint the old-fashioned way. The results may end up too risqué to share publicly, but you’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece to inspire solo sessions.

Ethical porn: What it is and where to find it

Maybe the issue isn’t the genre of video porn but rather the specifics of what’s available on most mainstream sites. Luckily, those sites—while the most well-known and most accessible—aren’t the only options out there.

For example, you can support indie adult performers through pay-what-you-want platforms like OnlyFans. Performers set their own prices and get to keep a percentage of sales. Most offer clips and custom content catering to a variety of interests.

You can also specifically seek out feminist and woman-led porn. Two great places to start are with Erika Lust, who’s been a producer and director of ethical porn for years, and Allie Oops, a performer and, more recently, producer of queer porn.

Whether it’s diving into a saucy novel, tuning into an titillating podcast, or crafting your own custom erotica, options abound for those seeking to stimulate senses beyond just the visual. Now go forth, get your freak on however you see fit, and remember: your imagination is the only limit.