9 Sweet & Smutty Alternatives to Porn (If It's Just Not Your Thing)

Let's be honest: when you and your partner are *in the mood* and want to add some spice to sexy time, porn can be a hot way to light up your senses. But not everyone is into the same type of porn or run-of-the-mill graphic videos. Enter alternatives to porn that'll really get you going.

If what typically comes to mind in regards to porn is a turn-off, or you're looking for something that feels more romantic or niche, we've got you covered. Here are nine sexy, smutty, sweet and sensual porn alternatives for you and your partner, below.

1. Explore Smut

Need alternatives to watching porn? Check out (in our opinion) the next best thing: reading erotica together. Anyone on the BookTok side of TikTok might already be familiar with the sensual lit genre of smut. From Fifty Shades of Grey to A Court of Thorns and Roses, erotic stories have come a long way, and can certainly serve as an alternative to porn.

The great thing about sexy story time is that you can both find a piece of hot and steamy literature and share them with one another. Listening to each other read what turns you on will surely get you ready for action. Who doesn't love a good read and romp?

2. Sensual massage

This one might seem obvious, but it's a tale as old as time: Ask your partner if they want a sensual massage, and then light your favorite candle and play some romantic music. Be sure to take your time, making them feel loved and cared for.

3. Erotic storyscaping

Next up, we have erotic storyscaping. This is different than reading sexy stories to one another, as this activity will have you creating an erotic story together as you riff off one another. Story is a powerful way to light the fire and feel sensual, so begin with a sentence or two and see where it takes you. Maybe something like: "He told her he wanted to kiss her lips…" Then, your partner can respond with the next line. Soon enough, you'll reach the climax of the story (in more ways than one).

4. Waking each other up intentionally

If you're looking for an alternative to porn, you might not consider this one, but trust—you'd be amiss to discount this personal fave: waking each other up intentionally. Whether your partner is taking a mid-day nap or you're just waking up in the morning from a good night's sleep, waking each other up intentionally is a great way to rev up foreplay. It's not waking each other up for sex, but rather waking each other up with love and care (and maybe even breakfast in bed or a coffee in hand, just the way they like it). These small, intentional interactions can be incredibly helpful in getting both of you in a loving mood, which can often lead to a sexy mood later on.

5. Share your fantasies

Perhaps one of the oldest, best alternatives to porn is sharing your fantasies with your lover. The best part of this is that it doesn't mean you have to act them out. Simply sharing them can get your brain in play mode and into a sexy space together. Plus, you don't even have to say them out loud. You can also tell your spouse or lover over a text message, too. Whatever feels most comfortable to you will do. Happy fantasy sharing.

6. ASMR (but make it hot)

Are you a fan of ASMR? What about sexy ASMR? If you're unfamiliar, ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response—sounds that cause a tingly response in your body. Folks on TikTok and YouTube make compilations of these sounds, which can help you relax or fall asleep, but also get you in a sexy space, too. Try listening to some sexy additions on your next rotation with your partner as an alternative to watching porn.

7. Hot bath together

The next time you're looking to spice up your sex life, try taking a hot bath together. Just think: relaxing and getting steamy, soapy and all cuddled up. Who wouldn't love that?

8. Audio Erotica

Another auditory porn alternative, audio erotica consists of spicy stories and dialogue read by talented actors who aim to stimulate with sound. Episodes can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or longer, and the narratives are detailed and captivating. They're a great way to explore fantasies, so don't be shy—cue up a story together! Audio erotica platforms like Dipsea and the subreddit r/gonewildaudio are great places to start.

9. Cuddle

We've saved the best for last: While it may not seem like your typical porn alternative, cuddling is a great way to bring the two of your closer in all senses of the word. Studies have shown that cuddling can actually bond you with your partner and release all the feel-good hormones, which makes for a lovely and slow burn toward intimacy.