Let’s face it—everyone’s curious about kinks.

Whether you're deep-diving through Reddit threads or quietly Googling in incognito mode, you're not alone. Our search histories are full of curiosities we don't always speak out loud. And guess what? That curiosity is healthy.

So, what are people really looking up when it comes to kinks? From silky ropes to playful power dynamics, this guide breaks down the most Googled kinks—and how you can explore them safely and consensually tonight (if you and your partner are game!).

What Are Kinks, Really?

Before we get into the juicy stuff, let’s clear one thing up: having a kink doesn’t make you “weird.”

Kinks are simply sexual interests, behaviors, or preferences that fall outside the standard “vanilla” definition of sex. Think of them as the spicy seasoning that adds flavor to intimacy—they’re unique, personal, and totally valid when explored with care.

Some people like a little roughness. Others enjoy the thrill of pretending to be someone else. Some just love the way a compliment whispered in the right tone can spark something electric. All of this falls under the kink umbrella.

What’s most important? Consent, communication, and comfort. Kinks should never feel forced, unsafe, or shameful. Instead, they’re meant to be explored in ways that bring people closer—emotionally, physically, and sometimes playfully.

The Most Googled Kinks (and How to Explore Them)

So… what’s everyone secretly searching? Based on national data from April 2020 to April 2021, here are the top 20 kinks that piqued people’s curiosity—with a few spicy ideas on how to explore them safely and consensually.

Let’s dive in.

1. Masochism

Masochism refers to the enjoyment of receiving pain, humiliation, or discomfort in a consensual context—often as a way to heighten pleasure, release control, or achieve emotional catharsis. It doesn’t necessarily mean someone wants to be hurt—it’s about sensation, power dynamics, or mental stimulation.

How It’s Explored:

• Mild masochism might involve things like spanking, scratching, or light bondage.
• Some enjoy roleplay scenarios that involve elements of dominance and submission.
• Others might be into more intense forms, like wax play, flogging, or impact play—but this requires skill, aftercare, and a lot of trust.

Safety Tips: Always establish a safe word, use aftercare (like cuddling or verbal reassurance), and communicate boundaries beforehand.

2. Voyeurism

Voyeurism is the arousal that comes from watching others engage in sexual activity or undressing—again, with everyone’s consent involved. It’s the thrill of being an observer, sometimes paired with the excitement of secrecy or fantasy.

How It’s Explored:

• Watching consensual adult content together.
• Roleplay where one partner pretends to be “watching” without being noticed.
• Going to a play party or sex-positive event where voyeurism is allowed and ethical.
• Some couples enjoy recording themselves (safely, privately) to watch later.

Safety Tips: Always respect privacy laws, never record or watch someone without consent, and if in a public setting (like a kink event), understand and follow all rules.

3. Corsetry

Corsetry kink revolves around the sensual or aesthetic appeal of tight-lacing corsets—often linked with body shaping, restriction play, fashion, or erotic power dynamics. For many, it’s not just about appearance, but the physical sensation of being restricted.

How It’s Explored:

• Wearing corsets as part of lingerie or roleplay scenarios.
• Tight-lacing to enjoy the feeling of constriction or control (with limits and guidance!).
• Incorporating corsetry into power exchange dynamics (e.g., a Dominant lacing up their submissive).
• Corsets can be part of femme/femme, butch/femme, or Dom/sub expressions—there’s a wide variety of ways people experience this kink.

Safety Tips: Avoid over-tightening, take breaks, and use high-quality, breathable materials.

4. Sadism

Sadism is the consensual enjoyment of giving pain, discomfort, or humiliation to a partner—essentially the flip side of masochism. It’s often linked to power dynamics and the psychological thrill of control or domination.

How It’s Explored:

• Common activities include spanking, bondage, flogging, wax play, or verbal domination.
• Many sadists enjoy the emotional reaction or power exchange involved—not just the act of inflicting pain.
• Often paired with a masochistic partner, creating a consensual, trust-based dynamic.

Safety Tips: Establish clear limits, use a safe word, and never go beyond what your partner has consented to. Aftercare (emotional and physical) is crucial.

5. Face Sitting

Face sitting involves one partner sitting on or over the other’s face, usually for oral sex or domination. It’s a mix of erotic pleasure, power play, and sometimes a touch of exhibitionism or breath control kink (when done with extreme caution).

How It’s Explored:

• Commonly part of oral sex in a dominant/submissive context—either as an act of dominance or worship.
• Can be playful, sensual, or part of femdom/maledom dynamics.
• Positioning and communication are key—comfort and breathing room matter!

Safety Tips: Establish non-verbal cues (like tapping out), and ensure your partner can breathe freely at all times. Never fully restrict airflow unless explicitly negotiated and understood.

6. Sounding

Sounding involves inserting specially designed rods (called sounds) into the urethra for sexual stimulation. It’s a very niche kink that combines sensation play, taboo, and sometimes medical fetishism.

How It’s Explored:

• Uses smooth, sterilized metal or silicone rods made specifically for sounding—never improvised items.
• It can heighten sexual sensitivity and produce intense orgasms for some people (mostly penis-owners).
• For advanced users, some incorporate electrostimulation or temperature play, but beginners should start slow.

Safety Tips: Hygiene is critical. Use sterile equipment, lots of lubrication, and go slow. There’s a risk of infection or injury if done carelessly—so research, communicate, and don’t rush.

7. Bondage

Bondage is the consensual act of restraining a partner’s movement using tools like ropes, handcuffs, tape, or scarves. It’s all about trust, vulnerability, and power exchange.

How It’s Explored:

• Light bondage: Tying hands or using silk scarves during foreplay.
• Advanced bondage: Rope art (shibari), full-body restraints, or spreader bars.
• Can be sensual, psychological, or intensely erotic, depending on intent.

Safety Tips: Always have safety scissors nearby. Avoid tying too tightly or around joints/neck. Check circulation, and never leave a restrained partner unattended.

8. Cunnilingus

Cunnilingus refers to oral sex performed on a vulva. While not a “kink” in the traditional sense, its presence on kink lists suggests a craving for oral-focused pleasure and worship.

How It’s Explored:

• Can be soft and sensual or intense and dominant.
• Sometimes tied into worship kinks, with focus on fully pleasing the receiver.
• May be incorporated into power play (e.g., making a partner beg for it or give instructions).

Tips for Exploration: Take your time, communicate about preferences, and don’t forget clitoral stimulation. Enthusiasm goes a long way!

9. Degradation

Degradation play involves consensual humiliation, where one partner is demeaned with name-calling, insults, or submissive roles. It’s about psychological intensity, not actual disrespect.

How It’s Explored:

• Common examples: being called names (e.g., "slut," "worthless"), spitting, or made to perform embarrassing acts.
• It can be incredibly arousing for those who eroticize shame or submission.
• Often paired with dominance/submission dynamics.

Safety Tips: Pre-negotiation is key. Always know what’s off-limits. Aftercare is essential—check in emotionally to ensure both partners feel safe and respected.

10. JOI (Jerk Off Instruction)

JOI stands for Jerk Off Instruction, a kink where one partner (or performer) verbally guides the other through the act of masturbation—often with teasing, countdowns, or control.

How It’s Explored:

• Popular in online and cam spaces, JOI can also be part of partnered play.
• Often includes elements of tease and denial, dominance, or verbal seduction.
• Can be soft and nurturing ("Good boy/girl, just like that") or commanding and strict.

Tips for Exploration: If you’re the giver, be clear and confident. If you’re the receiver, communicate how you like to be guided. It’s all about tone, pacing, and control.

11. Foot Fetish

‍A foot fetish is a sexual interest in feet—whether it’s the shape, touch, smell, or the adornments (think heels, stockings, or nail polish). It’s one of the most common and least taboo kinks.

How It’s Explored:

• Giving or receiving foot massages, kisses, or playful licks.
• Admiring shoes or being aroused by the act of putting them on/taking them off.
• Foot worship during foreplay or as part of a domination scene.

Try This Tonight: Start with a sensual foot massage using oils or lotion. If both of you feel playful, explore kissing, sucking, or incorporating feet into your regular routine. Consent + communication = 🔥.

12. Edging

‍Edging is the art of almost reaching orgasm—then stopping or slowing down to prolong the pleasure. It’s the ultimate tease and intensifier.

How It’s Explored:

• Solo: Stop just before climax, pause, and repeat.
• Partnered: One person controls the pleasure and decides when (or if) the other gets to finish.
• Often used in dominant/submissive dynamics or just as a fun way to spice things up.

Try This Tonight: Set a timer and tease each other for a few minutes at a time, stopping before climax. Build up the tension and see how powerful the finale can be!

13. Chastity

‍Chastity play involves denial of sexual release, often with the use of a physical device (like a chastity cage). It taps into control, delayed gratification, and the mental side of kink.

How It’s Explored:

• Wearing a lockable device to prevent masturbation or penetration.
• One partner becomes the “keyholder” and decides when release is allowed.
• Can be worn for hours, days, or even longer (always consensually!).

Try This Tonight: Not ready for a device? Try verbal chastity: agree that one partner won’t orgasm until given permission. It’s about mental control, not hardware (yet!).

14. Cupping

‍Originally a therapeutic practice, cupping has made its way into kink for those who enjoy suction, marks, and temperature play. Think of it as a mix of sensation and visual kink.

How It’s Explored:

• Using heated glass or silicone cups to create suction on the skin.
• Leaves circular marks (like hickeys) that some find erotic.
• Often part of a massage or sensory play scene.

Try This Tonight: Use silicone suction cups (they’re beginner-friendly) on the thighs, back, or butt. Test sensation together and combine it with massage or aftercare for added intimacy.

15. Exhibitionism

‍Exhibitionism is the thrill of being seen—whether undressing, sending spicy photos, or getting it on somewhere you might get caught (safely and legally, of course!).

How It’s Explored:

• Sending nudes or sexy videos to your partner.
• Semi-public play (like being naked near a window or under a blanket in a parked car).
• Roleplay where one partner “catches” the other in a naughty act.

Try This Tonight: Film a sensual striptease or wear something risqué under your clothes while out. Or just flirtatiously leave the blinds partially open. Safe, sexy, and super charged.

16. Strap-On

‍A strap-on is a dildo or toy worn with a harness—often used for pegging (when someone with a vulva penetrates their partner’s anus), but also for all kinds of penetrative play.

How It’s Explored:

• Pegging (especially popular among heterosexual couples exploring role reversal).
• Double penetration or mutual strap-on play.
• Gender play or power dynamics in queer and straight dynamics.

Try This Tonight: Start with open convo: “Wanna try something fun where I take the lead?” Pick a beginner-friendly strap-on with a smaller dildo and lots of lube. Communication and prep are key!

17. Omorashi

Omorashi is a kink involving the urge to pee, wetting oneself, or watching someone else do it. It’s a sensation-based and sometimes humiliation-related kink.

How It’s Explored:

• One partner holding their bladder until they can't anymore.
• Wetting oneself or a partner intentionally, often clothed.
• Incorporating into submissive/dominant dynamics or as a standalone fetish.

Try This Tonight (if you're curious): Make sure it’s consensual and done in a controlled space (like a shower or waterproof area). Talk boundaries, cleanup plan, and aftercare in advance.

18. Dirty Talking

Dirty talk is all about turning up the heat using words—sexy, bold, loving, or even commanding. It plays on arousal through the ears and imagination.

How It’s Explored:

• Whispering fantasies during foreplay or sex.
• Giving commands (“Tell me what you want”) or affirmations (“You feel so good”).
• Sexting, voice notes, or roleplay.

Try This Tonight: Start slow—compliment your partner’s body or say how good they feel. Gradually escalate with phrases that feel natural to you. If you blush or laugh, that’s part of the fun!

19. Fisting

Fisting involves inserting a full hand into the vagina or anus. It’s an advanced kink that requires massive trust, communication, and lots of prep.

How It’s Explored:

• Vaginal or anal play (often more emotional and intense than “rough”).
• Slow, gentle progress with tons of lube and warm-up.
• Often a symbol of deep trust and surrender in BDSM dynamics.

Try This (Eventually!): Not a beginner move—start with fingers, work your way up over time, and never rush. Use a ton of water-based lube and always watch for signs of discomfort.

20. Yoni Egg

Yoni eggs are smooth, egg-shaped stones inserted into the vagina, believed to help with pelvic floor strength, mindfulness, and sexual energy.

How It’s Explored:

• Worn during meditation or light movement to increase awareness and control.
• Used for sensual play or tantra-inspired rituals.
• Can be part of a solo practice or couples’ spiritual intimacy.

Try This Tonight: If you're interested in the wellness side of kink, research body-safe options (avoid porous stones). Use during self-care time or include in a slow, intentional partner session.

How to Talk About Trying New Kinks

(Without It Getting Awkward or Shut Down)

Talking about kinks doesn’t have to feel like defusing a bomb. With the right tone, timing, and language, it can be a playful, intimate conversation that brings you closer. Here’s how to keep it open, respectful, and curiosity-driven:

💬 Use Soft, Curious Language

Instead of asking, “Can we do this?” which can feel like pressure, try: “Would you ever be curious about…?”
It opens the door without shoving anyone through it. It’s not a demand—it’s an invitation. You’re co-exploring, not assigning homework.

Examples:

• “Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to try...?”
• “I read about this thing called ___, and it sounded kind of hot. Ever heard of it?”
• “Totally random question—what’s the most unexpected thing that’s turned you on?”

😳 Ditch the Shame, Embrace the Curiosity

Start with the shared truth: it’s normal to be curious. Normalize that trying something doesn’t mean you’re broken, bored, or dissatisfied—it just means you trust your partner enough to explore.

Say things like:

• “This doesn’t mean I need it all the time—just that I feel safe enough with you to be honest about what turns me on.”
• “I know this might sound a little out there, but I’m just excited to explore together.”

🛠 Use Tools to Take the Pressure Off

Sometimes, saying it out loud feels intimidating. That’s where tools come in!

• Download the Couply App to talk about anything about your relationship such as sex an kinks.
• Quizzes like the Yes/No/Maybe List or The Ultimate Kink Test
• Fantasy card decks for couples
• Shared journals or apps where you can anonymously drop fantasies and respond later
• Erotic stories or movies as conversation starters: “This scene was kinda hot. Thoughts?”

Remember: The goal isn’t to act on every fantasy—it’s to create a space where your partner feels seen, safe, and sexually understood. And that? Is its own kind of sexy. 💥

Safety First: Consent, Comfort, Communication

So you’re ready to dip your toes—or dive headfirst—into kink. Amazing. But before you whip out the handcuffs or try something you saw in that video, let’s get one thing straight: safety isn’t optional—it’s sexy.

🔑 Use Safe Words (or Signals)

Whether you’re new or seasoned, safe words are a must. They’re like your relationship seatbelt.
Classic examples?

• “Red” = Full stop.
• “Yellow” = Slow down or check in.
• “Green” = Keep going, all good!

For nonverbal moments (like if someone’s gagged), hand signals, holding an object they can drop, or tapping three times can work too.

💬 Check In Before, During, and After

Kink isn’t just about the act—it’s about the experience. Talk beforehand about:

• What you’re curious about
• What’s off-limits
• What “yes” and “no” feel like for each of you

During? Pause for little check-ins:

• “Still good?”
• “Want to keep going?”
• “Need a break?”

Afterwards, debrief! Snuggle. Laugh. Talk about what you loved—or didn’t. That aftercare can be just as intimate as the play itself.

🚫 Always Respect a “No” or Hesitation

Consent is revocable. If someone changes their mind mid-way, the game ends—no guilt, no shame, no pressure.
Remember: A fun kink experience is built on mutual trust, not obligation.

Kinks aren’t just about spice—they’re about connection. When done with care and curiosity, they can bring you closer, deepen intimacy, and yes, lead to fireworks in bed. 💥

The best part? You don’t need to try everything. Just explore what feels fun, respectful, and exciting for you and your partner.

Be curious. Be safe. Be honest.‍

And above all, enjoy the journey of discovering what turns you both on. 😉