Audio Erotica and the Ongoing Hands-Free Online Revolution

Adults Can Say “Tell Me a Dirty Story” and Their Wish Can Come True.

As part of the advance of new ways to enjoy erotic content that allows us to keep our hands free for other things there has been a lot of work put into creating an immersive experience for our eyes through VR technology. Many of us are more audio-responsive, however, and prefer to listen to saucy stories while we work or make ourselves comfortable.

Recorded erotica has been available at least since story-based cassette tapes in the early 1990s were released, particularly by Bay Area companies. Primarily text-based sex story site Literotica began to experiment with erotic audio files at the same time and Dr. Susan Block produced audio erotica for military personnel deployed in the Persian Gulf. For the daring, there was Usenet, subreddits like r/gonewildaudio, and file-sharing software including the infamous Napster.

With the vast improvements in internet speed, ease of software use, and an ever-increasing number of platforms willing and able to produce and/or host spoken erotica, its availability has skyrocketed, as has its affordability to create and distribute. In 2019, Mashable reported on the success of then-new apps like Dipsea and Quinn. In that article, Mashable announced that “Audio erotica is having a bit of a moment.” With the growing appeal of podcasts, that moment has not ended.

Part of what spurred the growth of this female-produced and audience-heavy medium was the rise of the #MeToo movement in 2017. With much of visual pornography directed toward the male gaze, female content creators wanted something made for and by women that avoids running afoul of FOSTA-SESTA.

The anonymous London-based blogger behind the Girls on the Net site began producing what she calls on one of her bios “ethical audio porn” in 2017. In 2023, she said that this is the section of her site that is the most frequently visited. Content is crafted to please a variety of women's sexual preferences and fantasies. Femtasy's focus is also on women, promising "over 600 kinky stories, real sex sounds & sensual audios for the soul."

Speaking of anonymity, one of the appeals of audio content is that listeners can indulge without catching the attention of others. Mashable also explains that a majority of listeners in 2019 said they would rather listen to their smut than watch it because it’s less intimidating and more personal and engaging. The audio on Orgasm Sound Library is about as personal and engaging as it comes, literally. The user-submitted content consists of the sound of anonymous women’s orgasms. The Fangasm podcast avoids taking audio erotica too seriously by featuring fanfic stories starring popular fictional characters in situations fans have only fantasized about.

Adultvisor reported in late 2023 that the chance to make money from audio erotica is only growing. The article provides a wealth of information about the financial and technical business ends with recommendations and advice for those interested in creatively cashing in on the trend. Among the suggestions are subscription-based platforms including OnlyFans, JustFor.Fans, and Amazon’s Audible. Be advised that while the latter is the most visited it also has strict rules around content and covers. Wisprrr, which bills itself as “the fastest growing audio erotica marketplace,” promises that it is the place to “make quick and easy money selling your erotic stories.”

For creators who prefer to work more closely with their subscribers there is also Patreon and Ko-fi. Promo for Ko-fi claims it has zero-platform fees and that storytellers can accept donations and sell monthly memberships.

While audio erotica can’t yet be called “mainstream,” it appears with increasing frequency on mainstream platforms including Spotify with its Erotic Desires podcast, and even through infamously porn-shy Apple, which has sexy podcasts for women as well as couples looking to do a bit of “intimate exploration.” Sex toy manufacturer Lelo offers arousing stories for those who love their vibrators, while Emjoy promotes the fact its app’s content is “science-backed” and created by sex therapists and OB-GYNS.

Visitors to Everand can shop for sheet music, magazines, and an assortment of other non-sex entertainment and educational offerings in addition to its erotic audiobooks.

An article about ethically sourced erotic material with female consumers in mind would not be complete without at least a mention of Sssh, which bills itself as “feminist porn.” In addition to original movies, photo galleries, novels, stories, live streaming shows with audience participation, a virtual reality world, sex ed videos and readable articles, and the SexTalkTuesday weekly Twitter chat, award-winning founder Angie Rowntree offers an assortment of erotic radio podcasts. These feature readings of original novels and stories along with interviews with writers, actors, sex educators, and porn enthusiasts.

Finally, for those seeking the best in content or hoping to have their own content recognized for its excellence, the Audio Publishers Association (APA) has established the Audie Awards for achievement in spoken word releases. In 2023 it expanded its categories to include awards for superior erotic audiobooks. Held in March, fresh recommendations will be posted soon.