BDSM.tech the plain-English kink reference How Common Are Kinks?
The interesting finding from sex research isn't that kinks exist: it's how ordinary they are. Fantasies that researchers once labelled "unusual" turned out to be shared by most people surveyed, with dominance and submission near the top.
The most common kinks
Ranked roughly by how often they show up in surveys and searches. Tap any for the full explainer:
Dominance & Submission
Dominance and submission (D/s) is a consensual dynamic: one partner takes authority, the o…
Bondage
Bondage covers the consensual restraint of a partner with rope, cuffs, tape or similar gea…
Impact Play
Impact play means striking a partner's body for erotic sensation, using a hand, paddle, fl…
Exhibitionism
Exhibitionism is arousal from being seen, whether undressed, performing or sexual, by cons…
Humiliation
Humiliation play is a psychological kink: consensual embarrassment, teasing or degradation…
Pet Play
Pet play is a roleplay kink where one partner takes on the persona and behaviour of an ani…
Why "common" matters
Knowing a kink is widespread takes the shame out of it: which is the whole point of a plain-English reference. Browse the full kinks list, or see the difference between a kink and a fetish.
FAQ
How common are kinks?
Research suggests 40, 70% of adults report kinky or BDSM-related fantasies, and around one in three has acted on at least one, so kink is statistically normal.
What is the most common kink?
Power exchange (dominance and submission) and light bondage consistently rank among the most common, alongside voyeurism and exhibitionism.