Think of all the sensual stimuli that make your knees go weak. 

Breathing in the delicate dance of sandalwood and sweat. Sending your eyes on a sensuous journey through the peaks and valleys of a set of washboard abs. Feeling a hand land on the small of your back with just enough pressure to send shivers down your spine.

Did reading that paragraph make you tingle a little? That’s the power of erotic language.

Erotica’s female following is largely thanks to women’s tendency to incorporate imagination into their masturbation routines. But audio erotica goes a step further, using erotic stories and sounds to appeal to your sense of hearing. 

Although sound may not seem like the sexiest stimulus, you’d be surprised by the level of heat and intimacy it can add to a solo or partnered session. Give audio erotica a shot and discover why hearing is one of the most powerful sexual senses of all.  

What’s audio erotica?

Audio erotica is easier to understand when you know what erotica is. 

Any art form designed to stimulate sexual arousal or desire falls under the erotica umbrella, whether it’s literature, photography, film, painting, or even performance art like music and dance. Unlike traditional porn, which focuses mainly on the physical aspects of sexual activity, erotica typically centers on the expression of desire and passion. It explores the emotional or relational aspects of sex and provides more context or story around the encounter. 

Audio erotica — also known as erotic audio or audio porn — isn’t just for women. Adults of every gender and sexuality who enjoy auralism (sound-based arousal) can find pleasure in listening to porn. Audio erotica comes in many forms, including dirty talk, ASMR, guided masturbation sessions, and sound-based porn with storylines to keep you engaged and aroused.

The benefits of audio erotica for women

While women don’t make up the entire audio erotica audience, this type of porn can be particularly beneficial to them. Here’s why:

It’s tailored to women’s preferences

A lot of adult content is geared toward men, but audio erotica is often created with the female gaze (or ear) in mind. In fact, many creators are women, which tends to result in narratives and performances that feel more real and relevant to other women. It’s as “real” as traditional porn — but it caters to the half of the population whose needs are overlooked by “conventional” content.

It’s less intimidating than traditional porn

For some people, visual porn seems overwhelming or intimidating due to its explicit nature. Audio erotica provides an alternative that can feel softer, more approachable, and easier to digest for those new to adult content.

It values safety and ethics

Audio erotica tends to place a greater emphasis on mutual consent, communication, and respect within sexual relationships than traditional porn. Because creators use their voices to narrate or perform scenes, many are using their acting chops rather than performing real acts, Plus, audio erotica voice actors can easily remain completely anonymous. And since creators have total control over their content, there’s no pressure to conform to problematic mainstream norms.

It boosts the imagination

If you’ve avoided audiobooks because you think reading is better for your brain than listening, studies suggest that fear may be unfounded. Just like reading an erotica paperback, listening to audio erotica triggers your imagination, inspiring you to create characters and entire worlds in your mind as the story unfolds. And since the content isn’t predetermined like it is in visual porn, you can control every aspect of the imagined sexual encounter, empowering you to explore your boundaries, desires, and fantasies in a way that feels comfortable and safe.

It supports mental and physical wellness

Masturbation has the potential to provide a ton of science-backed benefits, like hormonal health support, relief from stress and physical pain, self-empowerment, and a stronger immune system. But as many as 25% of women have never given solo masturbation a go — and in many cases, it’s because they simply don’t know how to pleasure themselves.

A number of audio erotica subgenres can help women who struggle to masturbate. But there’s one category in particular that’s designed to guide listeners through the act in a gentle, supportive, unintimidating way: guided masturbation. While spicy sex stories add some excitement to your self-love routine, guided sessions are like a wellness coach, helping you practice mindfulness and reap the benefits of arousal and orgasm with a safe but stimulating soundtrack.

It promotes sexual health and wellness

By providing a safe and comfortable platform for exploring fantasies and understanding desire, audio erotica contributes to better sexual health and wellness. It can be a tool for learning about your preferences and boundaries, and you can even use it to enhance experiences with a partner (or partners).

It can help you sleep

Some people find listening to audio erotica relaxing, and it can even help them drift off at night. Much like white noise or sleep podcasts, the sound of a soothing, sensual story may help quiet your mind, lulling you into a restful state and improving the quality of your sleep. And if you finish, orgasming releases endorphins and encourages you to relax, allowing you to drift off to sleep more easily and enjoy a restful night.

How to get started with Quinn

We made Quinn, the audio erotica app created by women for the world, to help audio porn fans access a healthier sex life, a community of like-minded listeners, and a library packed full of sexy, ethical entertainment. Our Audios are more than just sex sounds — they’re filled with fun drama and interesting plots. And our Voices (the people behind Audios) range from talented listeners like you to sexy celebs, including former “Grey’s Anatomy” star Jesse Williams.

Ready to get started? Don’t fret — it’s even faster than foreplay.

1. Download the Quinn app for iOS or Android, or visit our website at TryQuinn.com. 

2. Follow our quick and easy sign-up steps to begin your free trial.

Screenshot of the Quinn sign-up page.

3. Start your audio erotica journey with our Newbie Playlist, a collection of softer, gentler Audios to help you get your feet wet with Quinn.

4. When you’re ready, explore our user-created and Quinn-curated Playlists.

Screenshot of Quinn’s Playlists page.

5. Browse Categories for every imaginable kink and listening style, from romance and butt stuff to the all-important aftercare.

Screenshot of Quinn’s Categories page.

6. Favorite the Audios, Voices, Playlists, and Categories you love so you can come back to them later.

7. Check your Discover page to see what’s new and trending.

Screenshot of the Quinn Discover page

8. Once you have a feel for the app, start curating your own playlists so you can share the love.

Screenshot of Quinn’s Your Playlists page.

Embrace your sexuality

One of our favorite things about audio erotica is that it’s not a hobby you have to hide. Sex and masturbation are a normal, healthy part of life. And when the adult entertainment you consume is inclusive, body-positive, and ethically created, that’s a cause for celebration — not shame.