Chapter 1: Exploring the World of Erotic Voice Acting: A Guide for Aspiring Artists

💡 What is “Erotic” Voice Acting and Should I Call Myself an Erotic Voice Actor?

Someone once said to me, “Oh, so like watching porn with your eyes closed?” But that doesn’t quite capture the essence. Think of erotic voice acting as a unique form of performance art. Here, the actor (that’s you!) uses their voice to convey sensual, erotic, or sexually explicit content. Yes, there’s often some moaning involved, but it’s generally not just moaning.

People who consume erotic audio are usually invested in the plot. Unlike traditional voice-over roles in commercials, games, or audiobooks, erotic voice acting focuses on intimacy, fantasy, and emotional or sexual tension. Both men and women enjoy erotic audio content, even though it’s a niche market. If you’re considering diving into this world, you can absolutely build a large following and find success. Being an erotic voice actor combines acting, storytelling, and vocal control with adult entertainment.

Unlike visual porn or camming, erotic audio invites listeners to rely on their imagination. It’s up to the voice actor to deliver the right tone and immersive sound design to create connection and arousal. This makes it incredibly intimate and often more emotionally impactful than just watching porn.

Now, you don’t need to go around telling your friends and family that you’re an “EROTIC Voice Actor.” A lot of times, when I talk about my job, I simply refer to myself as a “Voice Actress.” After all, at the core of it, that’s what you are! This way, you can avoid those awkward conversations about your work (unless, of course, you’re comfortable discussing it!).

On the business side, it’s wise to present yourself as a “Voice Actor” (minus the erotic part). Let’s be real: there’s still a stigma around sex work. We’ll dive into platform restrictions later, but when it comes to monetizing your erotic audio, you’ll want to be discreet with some payment processors and the information you share with the government (depending on where you live). So while you may be pursuing becoming an EROTIC Voice Actor, and there’s no shame in sex work, it’s easier to err on the side of caution and use “Voice Actor” as your official title.

Origins of Erotic Audio and Its Rise in Popularity

When I was younger (and this may age me), my friends and I would giggle as we dialed a 1-900 phone number on a payphone, connecting to a phone sex operator. Funny enough, those phone sex hotlines are the roots of erotic audio. Phone sex actually stretches back to the late 19th century. People paid to listen to suggestive stories via phonograph in American saloons!

Over time, phone sex made its way to the internet. Literotica was founded in 1998 and is still active! Users share both erotic text and audio content on that platform, which now boasts millions of users. Other platforms like “Sounds of Pleasure” on Tumblr and r/GoneWildAudio on Reddit also encouraged amateur erotic audio.

Around 2010, the transition to professionally produced, subscription-based platforms for erotic audio began to gain traction. These platforms primarily targeted a female audience, such as Dipsea (launched in 2018) and Quinn (launched around 2019).

Erotic audio really exploded when the world shut down in 2020 (sorry for the PTSD this may trigger). During the COVID‑19 pandemic, people sought connection, and the demand for sexy audios surged. Platforms like Frolicme and Dipsea saw huge subscriber increases!

Fast forward to today; the overall adult entertainment market is projected to grow to around $100 billion by 2029–2030. More specifically, the audiobook market is expected to reach $35 billion by 2030. While erotic audio may account for only a small part of that number, it can still have a significant impact on someone who finds success in this niche.

You don’t need to be a trained actor or adult film star to succeed. Many creators in the erotic audio niche are hobbyists, ASMRtists, writers, or actors who build their brand and persona over time to carve out their niche within this complex space.

🔥 The Core Types of Erotic Voice Content

Just like in visual porn, there are several styles and niches you can explore when creating erotic audio. Understanding these different types will help you identify your strengths, preferences, and the audience you’ll cater to.

Sensual Audio Storytelling

This style resembles an audiobook format, akin to reading an erotic short story or novel aloud. There can be voice acting, emotional beats, and seductive pacing, but the focus remains on narration. Expect a greater emphasis on romance, buildup, foreplay, and plot. Think erotic audiobooks, personal experience stories, and boyfriend/girlfriend scenarios.

This style suits someone who enjoys storytelling or has strong reading/narration skills. I’ve done a few audiobooks in my time, and while I enjoy the narrative style, I lean more towards erotic roleplay that focuses on specific fetishes.

Erotic Roleplay

In these audios, you, the actor, take on a character and speak directly to the listener as if you’re interacting with them in real time. It’s a first-person narration. This style emphasizes immersion, and creators often add sound effects to enhance the scene.

This style is great for someone who enjoys improv and getting into character. You can find plenty of scripts for erotic roleplays online if you prefer scripted content over ad-libbing.

Fetish and Kink Content

Fetish audios cater to a very niche audience. These audios focus on specific desires, kinks, or scenarios like JOI (Jerk Off Instructions), edging, orgasm denial, countdowns, degradation, praise, foot fetishes, teasing, objectification, and so much more. There are really no limitations here (except for the TOS of the platform you’re posting on). But remember, Rule 34 states that no matter how non-sexual it is, someone will STILL turn it into porn.

If you want to focus specifically on sucking on pickles and brand yourself around that, you’ll eventually find an audience that enjoys it. However, I strongly suggest choosing themes and topics you personally enjoy since you’ll be the one creating the content. No one wants to work a job they don’t like, so it’s important to pick themes you’re passionate about. And hey, if you love pickles so much that you want to turn it into your job, go for it! These steps will still help you, and you can even write off the pickles as a business expense.

Fetish content is one of the most monetizable niches in erotic audio, but it also requires you to have clear (and strict) boundaries.

This style is ideal for someone comfortable exploring niche material and custom content. This is the style I mainly focus on, and I like to dabble in various niches. Where you focus will be a personal choice and largely depend on your comfort level and vision for your brand and content.

Adult ASMR

This overlaps with the broader ASMR trend (ASMR = Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response). These are soft-spoken audios that focus on specific erotic triggers like breathy whispers, soft kissing sounds, tongue clicks, fingernail taps, or gentle moans. These audios emphasize sensory pleasures that give listeners a “tingly” feeling and are not always explicit. They’re more sexually suggestive rather than vulgar or graphic. You can blend ASMR with some of the other types mentioned above or keep it as your main focus if that’s what you prefer.

This style is perfect for someone who enjoys whispering. I sometimes dabble in ASMR triggers in my audios, but it’s never been my main focus because I’m a loud human being. There are many very successful creators in the ASMR niche!

🎧 Who Listens to Erotic Audio?

Erotic audios appeal to a wide audience looking for imaginative, immersive experiences. All genders and orientations listen to erotic audio (and create it!). It’s especially popular among people with visual impairments, neurodivergent audiences who prefer immersive audio, fans of BDSM, slow-burn romance, and emotional intimacy, and those seeking ethical, consent-based porn alternatives.

Many listeners form emotional connections with recurring characters or favorite voice actors, just like they do with actors on TV or in movies! This intimacy can be powerful and meaningful, and it’s one reason working as a voice actor can be both rewarding and, at times, delicate. (There will be a section in chapter 8 on Navigating Parasocial Relationships.)

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A warm and chatty overview of the erotic voice acting industry. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your craft, remember that this journey is all about exploring your creativity and connecting with your audience. Embrace the adventure, and who knows? You might just find your niche in this exciting world of erotic audio!

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