Best Sexting Apps in 2024 (UK)

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for UK audiences.

In a world where online dating and casual hookups have become the norm, dating can still be exhausting. Sometimes, just the thought of dressing up, coming up with witty conversation topics, and getting to the meeting place can be exhausting.

No matter what type of encounter you’re planning, when it comes to dating, there’s always going to be some physical effort involved. The good news? There’s a escape route: sexting.

What is sexting?

Sexting is the art of sending sexually explicit photos or messages to one or more people via text message. Due to its growing popularity, there are now sexting apps and new sexting features within apps that are otherwise intended for in-person meetings.

What do you need to know about sexting?

Whether you’re new to sexting or a seasoned pro, there are a few things to keep in mind when downloading and using a new sexting dating app. Sure, there are fewer inhibitions when looking for a new sexting partner than there are when looking for a long-term lover, but there are some rules to follow to make sure all parties feel comfortable. Here are three main ones:

• Mutual respect — Assess the situation and know your audience. It usually only takes a few texts (or pre-sexts) to determine whether or not someone is interested in cybersexting with you. Take the time to do your research before you start with something raunchy and inappropriate. In other words, don’t start throwing dick pics at people if they haven’t asked you to.

• Mutual trust — Be respectful: Privacy is sacred. The internet has a frightening ability to make fleeting moments permanent. If someone asks you to keep something to yourself, do so. While sexting can be lighthearted and fun, it also requires a serious level of trust. If you break that trust, you ruin it for everyone.

• Confidentiality — No app can fully protect your privacy for you. That’s your job. While there are apps that have certain features designed to protect your identity/content, they don’t rule out every scenario. For example, someone doesn’t need to take a screenshot to capture a photo you send. They could easily use another phone or device to take or save your photos and/or videos. You should always keep this in mind before sending anything that could be compromised, and do your best to ensure that you trust the person receiving your messages.

Keep these points in mind when posting NSFW messages.

Should You Sext?

Real-life dating is obviously the best way to get to know someone in the long term, especially if you’re looking for a serious, in-person relationship. And real-life sex is always going to be better than sexting. However, sexting is an alternative that can help you in ways you didn’t even think about.

• Convenience — Whether you plan on having dinner and drinks on your date or just meeting up for a casual hookup, it always takes some extra effort. For those with busy schedules or those who simply don’t have room in their lives (for whatever reason) for a steady in-person relationship, sexting is practically a saving grace. After all, your libido doesn’t disappear just because you’re busy. Sexting allows you to satisfy your sexual needs without putting yourself out there.

• Exploring Trust and Intimacy — It doesn’t always come naturally to everyone to feel comfortable with another person in a small space, but opting for sexting opens up a new level of exploration in terms of intimacy and trust. You don’t have to meet the person behind the screen if you don’t want to, but being able to practice being vulnerable with no strings attached can be a great lesson in becoming more open.

• Freedom — As with most behind-the-scenes activities, sexting allows you to let go of your inhibitions and explore your sexual side with confidence. Knowing that there is some barrier between you and the other person can allow you to experiment with language and ideas that you might not otherwise explore in person.

• Amusing — A little honesty, please. A night of sexting will always be a lot more fun than endlessly swiping right on a dating app and starting the same conversation over and over again. Having the ability to open an app on your phone and engage in a little virtual foreplay offers instant gratification and (almost) guaranteed pleasure.

• Security — We’ve discussed why sexting might Sexting isn’t completely safe in terms of privacy, but it does offer an element of security that in-person meetings don’t. Sexting allows you to interact with both people you know and complete strangers without putting yourself in dangerous or unwanted physical situations. Your experience should always be the one you want, and with sexting, if it doesn’t go the way you want it to, just close an app.

The benefits are obvious to all, so why not try it?

What makes an app good for sexting?

If you’re considering sexting, there are certain features you’ll want to look for in an app:

• Ease of use — You don’t want to end up in a steamy conversation trying to figure out how to attach a picture or voice note. When it comes to sexting, the more user-friendly the platform, the better. You’ll want a solution that’s efficient and fast.

• Privacy Features — What happens in a sexting app doesn’t always stay in a sexting app; there’s no guarantee that your conversations or selfies won’t end up in a screenshot on someone’s phone. That said, some apps include instant self-destruct features that delete photos and conversations after a certain amount of time.

• Security — If you’re looking for a no-strings-attached fun night online, it doesn’t matter whether the person on the other end of your conversation has been verified or not, but if you want to make sure you’re not being catfished or chatting with a bot, consider using an app that connects social networks or verifies users.

• Subscription Pricing vs. Free Features — How much are you willing to pay for extra features? There are several free apps, but if you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, you can pay a few pounds a month for premium features.

With these features in mind, you should be ready to select an app and start sexting. You can do it.

What is the best app for sexting?

Since sexting, by its nature, is accompanied many factors to consider (consent and privacy, for example), we’ve rounded up the best sexting apps to help you get started on the right foot. We’ve tried to offer something for everyone, so check out these options and pick your favorite.

Here are the best sexting apps in 2024.